APA Dictionary of Psychology

any part of a plant, from flowers to roots, that is used medicinally to manage illness or symptoms such as arthritis, migraines, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, chronic fatigue, and insomnia. Herbal remedies are often used by traditional healers and, in the United States, are generally considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine; they are also considered to be dietary supplements, so they are not tested for safety the way prescription drugs are. A number of herbal remedies have, however, been studied: In some cases, no effect beyond placebo was found; in others, an effect was found but the active ingredient was not identified; in still others, both an effect and an active ingredient or ingredients were found. Some herbs (e.g., kava) have been found to have positive effects but also problematic side effects and toxic drug interactions with other agents. Additionally, some prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as digoxin and aspirin, are based on ingredients that were originally herbal remedies (foxglove and willow, respectively). Also called botanical medicine; herbal medicine.