1 GUIDE FOR HERBAL PRODUCT USE BY MEXICAN AMERICANS IN THE LARGEST TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER COMMUNITY. The Journal of Texas Medicine 2006; 102(2):46-56 (February).

2 The use of herbal products is a very common practice among Mexican Americans living in the El Paso, Texas region. Although medicinal plants are commonly assumed to be a safe and natural alternative to conventional medications, some herbal products could potentially pose a health risk to the consumer. Currently, only a few studies focus on herbal product use by Mexican Americans and none in HIV patients living on the U.S. / Mexico border. A prospective observational study was conducted in 439 non HIV patients, as well as 35 patients suffering from HIV. Seventy-nine percent (347 out of 439) of non-HIV and 71 % (25 out of 35) of HIV patients reported using herbal products