Many people assume that because an herbal remedy is considered "natural" it is safe, but that is not always true. Herbal products may have their place in health care, but they also can have dangerous side effects and can cause drug-to-drug interactions that can prove deadly.

Nancy Lee, a pharmacist at Rite Aid in Los Gatos, is alarmed at the increased level of herbal drug use, especially among seniors.

"Senior citizens can be on one to five medications at a time, and there can be serious interactions if they are taking herbal supplements in addition to their prescription drugs—especially if they are taking heart drugs and antidepressants," Lee says.

Lee explains that herbal drugs are authorized as food supplements, not as drugs, so they are not subjected to the rigorous testing that prescription drugs undergo. "People sometimes think that they are natural so they are safe, but they are dangerous. They are simply diluted drugs," says Lee.

A combination of prescription and herbal drugs can be lethal if the wrong mixture is used. "Herbal drugs can interfere with blood clotting time and also blood thinning—it's dangerous," says Lee. "The amount of herbal drugs being used is alarming."

Lee stresses the need for senior citizens to be in constant communication with their physicians if they are taking herbal drugs. "Their doctors need to know that they are taking them in order to treat their patients safely," says Lee.

One of the reasons that herbal drug use has increased is the high cost of prescription drugs.

"Sometimes senior citizens are looking for medication that may help them but doesn't cost them $100. Herbal drugs are just not potent enough to replace prescription medicine," cautions Lee. "We understand how difficult the cost of prescriptions is for seniors and we really feel for them."

Betty Wooliscroft, a retired resident of Los Gatos, understands this particularly well. "All I can say is, we put a lot of money out," says Wooliscroft, who is diabetic and uses a pacemaker. Her family's monthly prescription costs are also driven up by the fact that her husband, William Wooliscroft, has cancer.

"We are fortunate because we have insurance, but I don't know how others do it," says Wooliscroft, who still spends hundreds of dollars a month in prescription costs despite the fact that they are insured.

Wooliscroft is surprised by the number of people that "take handfuls of herbal drugs" but can understand their need to feel better. "When you get older, you feel like you will do anything to feel better. Herbal drugs must be a doctor's nightmare when it comes to older patients," says Wooliscroft.

"I am very concerned that children and elderly people are not getting what they need and also that they are not getting what their doctors are prescribing for them. Something needs to be done," says Wooliscroft.

According to Lee, turning to herbal products is not always the best option.

One thing is certain: Herbal products can alter the way drugs act in the body and can cause unexpected side effects. Use caution, and always talk to your physician before deciding to use herbal products.