The history of herbal remedies dates back to the days of the ancient Greek, Roman, Chinese, Japanese and Arabic societies. Today, herbal remedies can be purchased in a variety of retail establishments. But, unlike conventional asthma medications, you do not need a prescription to purchase them.
The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal products the same way as prescription drugs. This means that herbal products do not have to meet standards for potency or purity required for prescription or over-the-counter medications in the United States. However, other countries, particularly those in Europe, do classify herbals as drugs.
This creates a double-edged sword. On one hand, herbal remedies are available to just about anyone who wants them. On the other hand, safety of the products can come into question due to improper labeling or possibly adulterated ingredients.