Natural products are a category of Complementary and Alternative Medicine that includes medicinal plants, vitamins, and dietary supplements. These products are often utilized by patients with allergies in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, their conventional medical therapies. Despite the wide use of these modalities, many clinicians often have limited knowledge and training in their use. It is important for health care providers to know the safety and risks of these products that their patients may use. This Clinical Commentary reviews the side effects and adverse reactions of several natural products commonly used by patients with allergies and gives an overview of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements for manufacturing, advertising and distribution.

天然产品是一种补充和替代药物，包括药用植物、维生素和膳食补充剂。这些产品经常被过敏患者与他们的传统医学疗法结合使用，或作为其替代疗法。尽管这些方式被广泛使用，但许多临床医生在使用方面的知识和培训往往有限。医疗保健提供者了解患者可能使用的这些产品的安全性和风险非常重要。本临床评论回顾了过敏患者常用的几种天然产品的副作用和不良反应，并概述了美国食品和药物管理局对制造、广告和分销的要求。