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Roger Byard of the University of Adelaide suggests too many users around the world mistakenly believe all herbal medicines are safe.

"These substances may cause serious illnesses, exacerbate pre-existing health problems or result in death, particularly if taken in excess or injected rather than ingested", Byard says in a statement

His paper, published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences, points out some herbal medicines may contain toxins. He says an analysis of 251 Asian herbal products found in U.S, stores identified arsenic in 36 of the products, mercury in 35 and lead in 24.

He cites a documented case of a 5-year-old boy ingesting 63 grams of "Tibetan herbal vitamins" over a period of four years who was diagnosed with lead poisoning. Another case involved a young boy with cancer of the retina taking a traditional Indian remedy that caused arsenic poisoning.

Byard also warns herbal medicines can affect standard prescription drugs. For example, Cushing syndrome -- a hormonal disorder -- has been linked to mixing steroids and herbal cures.

St. John's Wort can cause intermenstrual bleeding in women taking oral contraceptive pills and like gingko and garlic can affect how anti-coagulants work, while borage oil and evening primrose oil lower the seizure threshold in epileptics, Byard says.

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