The authors, consisting of medical doctors, pharmacists, and public health practitioners, present the results of a study on the knowledge and use of herbs among Hispanics and their experiences of discussing this use with their physicians. Conclusions are based on the analysis of survey results collected from 620 patients and in general found that 80% of patients were currently taking or had used herbal remedies and only 15% said they notified their doctor of the herbs they use and 75% stated their physician did not ask them about their use of herbs. Authors admit that the setting of the survey, in the waiting room of clinics, might have affected their results particularly those questions referring to comfort of discussing herbs with their physician. The authors present their findings as incentive for more open communication about herb use between patients and physicians and further education on drug herb interaction within the medical and pharmacy fields.

Prepared by Erin Smith