Questions to Ask a Traditional Healer or Herbalist
A practical list of questions to ask a traditional healer or herbalist about training, safety, products, medicine interactions and working with your doctor, plus what to bring.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Why asking questions is normal
Good practitioners expect questions. NCCIH advises being as careful and thorough in choosing a complementary practitioner as you would be in choosing conventional care. [1] This page is a practical question list. It does not tell you who to see, because we do not list or recommend practitioners. To check credentials first, see how to check a traditional practitioner.Some traditions keep certain knowledge private, and that is their right. Ask about safety, products and your care. Do not press for ceremonies, sacred plants or restricted teachings. See cultural safety and humility.
What to bring
- A written list of everything you take, how often, and the amounts. This includes prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbs. [2]
- The names of your doctor and pharmacist.
- Any recent test results or diagnoses you are comfortable sharing.
Questions about training and experience
- Where and how did you train, and how long did it take?
- Are you registered, licensed or recognized by a body (or by your community)? How can I check?
- Have you worked with people who have my condition? NCCIH suggests choosing a practitioner who understands how to work with people with your specific needs, even if general well-being is your goal. [1]
- What do you treat, and what do you not treat?
- Who do you refer to when something is beyond your scope?
Questions about your care plan
- What is the goal, and how will we know if it is helping?
- How long before we reassess, and what would make us stop?
- Is this meant to be used alongside my medical care? NCCIH suggests finding out whether the practitioner is willing to work with your conventional providers. [1]
- What will it cost over time? Do not assume insurance will cover the service; ask your insurer. [1]
Questions about herbs and products
- What exactly is in this product, and who makes it?
- Is it registered or licensed where I live? In England, a herbal medicine should carry a traditional herbal registration mark and a product code. [3]
- Could it interact with my medicines? Some herbs interact with many drugs. St. John's wort, for example, interacts with many types of drugs. [2] If you take a medicine with a narrow safe range, such as digoxin, cyclosporine or warfarin, take special care to tell your providers about herbal supplements. [2]
- Has it been tested for contaminants? Supplements have been found to contain hidden prescription drugs and other compounds. [4] Some Ayurvedic preparations may contain lead, mercury or arsenic in toxic amounts. [5]
- Is it safe in pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney or liver problems? The NHS says you should not take herbal medicines if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have kidney or liver problems. [3] It also says herbal medicines are not recommended for children. [3]
Ask a clinician or pharmacist to check any product before you start. The NHS advises checking with a pharmacist first if you already take other medicine. [3] More detail is on traditional herbs and prescription medicines and heavy metals in traditional medicines.
How a practitioner's answers should sound
Reassuring signs include clear answers, willingness to say "I don't know," respect for your doctor, and no pressure. Concerning signs include vague answers, secrecy about ingredients, or discouraging questions. Learn more in red flags in traditional healing practice. To prepare for a conversation with your doctor, see talking to your doctor about traditional healing.Frequently asked questions
What is the most important question to ask?
Ask what the person will do, why, and how it fits with your medical care. Then ask whether they will work with your doctor. [1]
Should I tell my doctor I see a traditional healer?
Yes. Tell all your health care providers about the complementary approaches you use and the practitioners treating you. [1]
What should I bring to the first visit?
Bring a written list of everything you take, how often, and the doses. [2]
Is it rude to ask about training?
No. NCCIH advises finding out as much as you can about a practitioner, including education, training, licensing and certification. [1] In some traditions, standing comes from the community, so ask how the person is recognized. [6]
Can I ask for a list of ingredients?
Yes, for any product you will take. Hidden ingredients are a known problem in some products. [4] If you cannot learn what is in it, ask a pharmacist before using it.
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Questions about safety and medical care
- What side effects should I watch for, and who do I call if I have them?
- When should I see a doctor instead or as well?
- Will you work with my doctor? Tell all your health care providers about the practitioners treating you. [1]
Never stop a prescribed medicine without first talking to the doctor who prescribed it. [3] Do not delay care for a medical problem. For more on this, see when traditional healing delays needed care.