"There is a lot of skepticism among conventional doctors," Stohl says. "None of this stuff is scientifically regulated or approved by the government."

The solution, say all herbalists, is research and education.

Kristen N. Danischewski, employee at Hartnetts in Harvard Square, boasts about the literature collection in the corner of her store.

Strohl points out that store employees themselves may not be able to help much when it comes to an herbal prescription.

"People think we are licensed practitioners," Strohl says. "We're not. We offer researched and well-educated opinions, but we can't guarantee a prescription, and people must take the time to read about the effects of herbs."

According to Danischewski and Strohl, most employees at health food stores have been trained with herbal companies or individual herbalists, but training is not a requirement. Most employees can offer knowledgeable opinions based on the information they pick up while working at their stores.

"It is necessary to be educated on the herbs, their effects and how they affect you personally," says Danischewski. "It's necessary to know what you're getting into."