1. Which of the following statements best describes the role

of herbal medicines in healthcare?

a) Herbal medicines are an alternative to conventional

medicines and can replace them in most cases.

b) Herbal medicines are complementary to conventional

medicines and can enhance their effects or reduce their side

effects.

c) Herbal medicines are a form of traditional medicine and

can only be used by people who belong to a specific culture

or tradition.

d) Herbal medicines are a form of integrative medicine and

can be used in conjunction with conventional medicines,

based on the best available evidence and patient

preferences.

Answer: d) Herbal medicines are a form of integrative

medicine and can be used in conjunction with conventional

medicines, based on the best available evidence and patient

preferences.

Rationale: Integrative medicine is an approach that

combines different modalities of healthcare, such as

conventional, complementary, alternative, and traditional

medicine, in a holistic and patient-centered way. Herbal

medicines are one of the modalities that can be integrated

with conventional medicine, depending on the individual

needs and preferences of the patient, as well as the quality

and safety of the herbal products. Alternative medicine

refers to modalities that are used instead of conventional

medicine, which may not be supported by scientific

evidence or may even be harmful. Complementary