Why is the FDA infringing on our rights to use herbal remedies?

Question

http://www.newstarget.com/021789.html

Why aren't they this adamant about "medical" drugs that side effects include stroke, heart attack etc?

Similar question:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AlzBQF5qSH2Xo5Xn0X4jPkvsy6IX?qid=20070419143730AABOMx7

Answer 1

I'm with you, sister! They need to butt out. Seriously. I think the FDA is just upset that many people are turning to alternative medicine and they aren't getting a cut of it.
I learned about the connection between the drug manufacturers, doctors, lobbyists and the law makers. They are all bedfellows and are all looking to get paid - usually at OUR expense.
For those posters who argued that they are looking out for us, the FDA's track record is quite soiled. How many times in the past few years have they pulled meds -perscriptions - b/c they were not thoroughly tested and ended up killing people? I've never heard of any alternative meds doing that. Whenever something is "approved" by the FDA, I second guess it - always.

Answer 2

Because until they are regulated, there's absolutely no protection for the customer.

The supplements can make claims that are unsubstantiated. they don't have to certify the quantity of any of the ingredients.

And most importantly, some herbal supplements can interact VERY badly with prescription drugs. Without these controls, there's no requirement to print dangerous interactions on the bottle.

It's not a bad thing. If anything it's the start of making herbal remedies mainstream. It means that science is catching up. They actually are beginning respect the benefits of herbal stuff.

Answer 3

Your assumption that they are infringing on your rights is not valid.
They are trying to protect you from snake oil vendors.
Some of the herbal remedies are valid; others are just a hoax

Do you want hoaxters to steal your money and give you something of NO VALUE?

That happens regularly with some of the fake diet supplements and herbal remedies.

So, before you accuse the FDA, go to their site and read what they say. This website you posted DOES have a link back to the FDA it appears.

Answer 4

Some herbal remedies can be lethal for some people who are taking certain medications, who have certain illnesses, etc. It will protect the public more than self-regulation will.

It also will prevent the whole "snake oil vendor" thing, although i don't think this is very common any more.