Letter: Steroids in herbal medicine

Sir: The article "Steroids found in herbal medicine" (26 January) raises important issues with regard to the regulation of herbal medicine. The use of steroids in herbal creams is not only illegal, it is also unethical and totally irresponsible. The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which is the largest UK register of Chinese herbal practitioners, has very clear guidelines, and all members are already forbidden to use this type of medication.

Until state registration, any member of the public can rest assured that all RCHM members are highly trained and obliged to practice within stringent safety guidelines.

WAINWRIGHT CHURCHILL BMus BAc DipCHM MBAcC MRCHM

London N10