Mary,
Absolutely, I agree. No one should go into any alternative treatment without researching and consulting with their GP, especially where many are on a sundry of medications that could potentially interact. Herbs and homeopathic medications may not seem dangerous, but in some instances can be, even veggies if one is on blood thinners. I always recommend researching. That said, even in Western medicine one must consider risk/benefit regarding what a doctor may deem beneficial. I am first and foremost a patient advocate. While for example while Methotrexate may be considered in the event one has relapsed re: PMR and steroid taper, one must consider the potential detrimental side effects. But this goes for most anything, including aspirin and OTC medications. Here in Ireland the Functional medicine model is very good, east meets west. The Irish culture is old and they have embraced many ancient medicinal modalities not considered in the USA until the last 100 years or so.
Warmly.
Patti