The home health nurse observes that a female client is using a topical preparation that contains echinacea to treat a canker sore. Her husband expresses concern regarding the effectiveness and safety of using herbs. How should the nurse respond?

B Echinacea seems to be useful in the treatment of some infections, such as canker sores. C This product is essentially harmless but also is not very beneficial in treating skin infections. A Topical echinacea is usually used to soothe burns and can cause damage to the skin. D Many of the herbal preparations are helpful primarily because of their placebo effect.