Herbs May Be Natural but Not Necessarily Safe

This letter is concerning Marcida Dodson’s article “Coming Into Their Own” (Dec. 22), which discusses the mainstreaming of herbal products. Ms. Dodson failed to stress that “natural” doesn’t translate into safe (nowhere does she mention the FDA’s adverse reports from using Ma Huang).

Before purchasing and using herbal preparations, consumers should gather reliable references and authors should seek reliable informants.

KATHERINE JOHANSEN, OC / LA area coordinator, National Council Against Health Fraud,

https://www.ncahf.org