for Veterans and the Public

• The federal government does not require that herbal remedies and dietary supplements be tested in the same way that standard medicines are tested before they are sold. Many of the treatments out there have not been studied as much as the hepatitis C drugs you are taking. It is always a risk to take something or try something that hasn't been fully studied or researched.
• Remember that just because something is "natural" doesn't mean that it is safe to take. Sometimes herbal products can hurt your liver instead of help it, and they can interact with the hepatitis C drugs you may be taking.
• Finally, remember that herbal medicines come with their own set of side effects, so be sure you know what to expect.

To learn more about herbs, see the links in Resources.