Humans have used botanicals for medicinal purposes as far back as archaeological evidence exists. About 30% of all FDA-approved drugs are derived from botanical sources. Examples include aspirin (from willow bark) and digoxin (from the foxglove plant). Molecular biology has allowed for more directed drug development. For instance, the active ingredient in a plant extract can be identified, isolated, and replicated. The molecule can also be modified to add desired effects or eliminate undesired effects. Sometimes molecules are altered in order to develop a drug just different enough from the old medication to allow a new patent to be issued. "Reverse" development is also done, where a receptor in the body is identified, and computers assist in identifying molecules to fit these receptors. In sum, many modern medicines started as plant extracts and were refined to improve the medicinal characteristics, including reducing toxicity.

Currently, approximately 12-25% of Americans use an herbal remedy yearly. Despite their popularity, these substances, advertised as medically active, are regulated as dietary supplements, rather than as medicines, by the FDA. This means that there is very little regulation of the manufacturing or content of these substances. In Canada every natural product must apply for a natural product number (NPN) and is now governed under the Natural Health Product Regulations, which include provisions on adverse reaction reporting, labeling, and site and product licencing.

Americans, however, often perceive herbals as "safer", "more natural", and "more holistic" than conventional medications. Also, many are suspicious of the profit motive of the pharmaceutical industry. Herbal medications do, of course, represent an enormous financial interest. Echinacea alone has annual sales of about $300 million in the U.S.

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