1. Member States, together with WHO, should define criteria and standards for herbal medicines, health or functional foods, and dietary supplements. WHO should continue to develop guidelines on the assessment of safety, efficacy and quality control of herbal medicinal products and herbal combinations.

2. The safe use of herbal medicines is a major concern for governments and consumers. WHO should provide guidance to countries wishing to establish safety monitoring systems or to expand existing systems to monitor and report adverse reactions to herbal medicines. Member States should strengthen their postmarketing surveillance systems for herbal medicines. Such systems should involve health care providers, consumers and manufacturers.

3. WHO should support countries in developing sources of information on herbal medicines while facilitating informationsharing among countries. WHO should provide guidance to governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) on how to develop information and educational programmes on the proper use of herbal medicines for the public.

4. WHO should provide guidance for governments and NGOs on training of traditional medicine providers, and promote communication with other health workers.

5. Member States should seek funds to support research on herbal medicines.

6. Progress should be reported back to the ICDRA.