Governments should actively promote the rational use of herbal medicines that have been scientifically validated. To do so, they need a national policy for approving those that are safe and effective for specified clinical indications. The adoption of such policy will help to overcome some of the legal barriers against the use of herbal medicines which in some countries may still be inadequately standardized.

Legislation concerning procedures for the registration of herbal medicine can play a very important role in ensuring that medicinal plant preparations are of acceptable quality, safety and efficacy. Research on herbal medicines, which is necessary to ensure their improved utilization by the public, would benefit from strong governmental endorsement.