Licensed herbal remedies carry indications for use authorised by the MHRA, so pharmacy staff can confidently recommend these products when appropriate. As with any medicine €“ herbal or conventional €“ this doesn't mean that they are a guaranteed cure for a particular ailment or will be effective for every person who takes them. Nor does it guarantee that they are safe for every customer to take.

Several herbal medicines take time to work (sometimes up to four to eight weeks), so advise customers to continue with the treatment as instructed on the packaging. Other herbal remedies (e.g. for constipation or indigestion) tend to start working more quickly.