Herbal medicines may be used as self-medication for many conditions. However, in most cases, the use of herbal medicines needs to be guided by qualified practitioners.

The type of regulatory framework deemed appropriate for herbal medicine will thus depend on the nature of the problems identified as arising from its practice.

Regulation of practitioners who provide service to others, particularly practitioners whose practice brings economic benefit, should ensure quality of herbal medicine services and thus protect the public. The regulation of herbal medicine practitioners may also protect the qualified practitioners.