The proper use of herbal preparations should pose no health dangers to you. There are herbs that are toxic and should not be used by the public. Most toxic herbs are not available in your typical health food store, drugstore, or supermarket supplement section. If you are unfamiliar with an herb or a combination of herbs and cannot find any valid literature, then simply do not use it. Please pay particular attention to how you should calculate a specific dosage for your child, which is discussed later in this section. This is important, to help you achieve a therapeutic effect with the herbs.

When purchasing quality herbal products:

• Make sure the label provides easy directions and recommended dosages.

• The label should list all ingredients in order of potency.

• Look to see if the specific parts of the plants used are identified. For example, some herbs work better when their leaves are used; other herbs house their medicinal ingredients in the roots, not the leaves.

• Purchase products that are wrapped in safety seals to prevent tampering and preserve freshness.

• Make sure the label lists an expiration date and a lot number.

• Buy products that are certified to be organic. This ensures that no pesticides or herbicides were used in harvesting and preparing.

• Cautions should be listed on the container.

• The company should be known for high standards in quality control