DO not be deceived by labels of traditional medicine with words like "natural", "herbal" and "derived from plants".

Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations president Datuk N. Marimuthu says even if the medicines are said to be natural, that did not mean they are safe for consumption.

"Any medicine, herbal or otherwise, has the potential of adverse effects.

"That is why people need to be extra careful before consuming them."

Commenting on the current trend of parents giving traditional supplements to their children, Marimuthu says they need to be wary of products which claim that they are 100 per cent safe, can increase the intelligence level of a child or are able to cure terminal illnesses.

"Your health is your most important asset, and there is no short cut or miracle cures."

Consumers Association of Penang president S.M. Mohamed Idris concurs with Marimuthu.

"Consumers should be alert and cautious when buying or using herbal medicines.

"Any claims that a product is safe should be backed by credible evidence," he says.

Idris also says people were attracted to herbal and traditional medicine as an alternative to mainstream medicine because of the rising cost of healthcare.

"The cost of over-the-counter herbal treatment is a fraction of the costs of generic drugs.

"It also comes with promises of healing in a short period of time."

Idris says more people are seeking natural product remedies as they are concerned about the side effects of synthetic drugs.

"Many fail to realise that many plants can be poisonous to human and have bad effects."