More information needs to be added to the peelable labels of herbal remedies if consumers are to take them safely, it has been warned.

Despite new European Union regulations being brought in earlier in 2011, a survey carried out by the University of Leeds found that out of a selection of herbal products purchased from various stores, 93 per cent were unlicensed and only three had an acceptable amount of safety information.

Although many people believe such remedies to be safer than other drugs, many can be dangerous if not taken properly, or can interfere with existing medication.

For example, St John's Wort reduces the efficacy of the contraceptive pill and garlic can thin the blood.

Professor Theo Raynor commented: "Consumers need reliable and comprehensive information when buying herbal remedies - information which tells them whether the remedy is suitable for them."

This comes after the printed labels of teabags were criticised by scientists from Rockefeller University in New York, who found that many products contail rogue ingredients such as grass that are not listed on the packaging.

Denny Bros Ltd, 11 Aug 2011