A simplified list of authorised Traditional Herbal Remedies - not intended to treat or diagnose. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before using any medicine. See our site disclaimer for further details.
This page contains embedded links to information in the public domain published by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) - the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) committee responsible for compiling and assessing scientific data on herbal substances.
The contents of these webpages are © EMA [1995-2022] and subject to their legal notice.
What is the Remedy Checker?
The Remedy Checker is a web/mobile app which allows the user to find out information about plants licensed as Traditional Herbal Remedies (THRs).
How should I use the Remedy Checker?
The Remedy Checker allows the user to investigate the properties of plants where this information is publically available. Remedies are broadly categorised into 13 basic therapy areas and where European Medicines Agency (EMA) monographs are available hyperlinks are provided. Some of the information provided within the EMA website is aimed at the general public, some is intended for medical professionals.
What else do I need to know about the Remedy Checker?
Not every plant listed is intended as a remedy for the category it is listed in. This is because it may appear in a formulation for a different condition. Formulations are multi herb concoctions and are indicated by a bullet point within the drop down sections. Some plants and herbs appear multiple times and may link to different monographs according to the plant part(s) used or their presence in more than one THR.
Seeking Advice/Reporting Side Effects
It is important to seek advice from a qualified professional if you are considering taking a Traditional Herbal Remedy (THR). Even though the scheme ensures that licensed THRs are subject to rigorous quality and safety checks, this does not mean that they are suitable for an individual. THRs must also provide a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) and (in the UK) adverse effects may be reported to the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.