IT IS VITAL for perioperative team members to assess the effects of increasingly used herbal and nontraditional medications on a patient's surgical course. THIS LITERATURE REVIEW provides a knowledge base so nurses can appropriately assess the possible effects of herbal medication use by perioperative patients. THE HISTORY OF HERBAL REMEDY USE, existing regulatory guidelines, effects on consumer safety, and socioeconomic and insurance issues are discussed. Additionally, the role of an herbal medicine practitioner is explored. Finally, the eight most commonly used herbal medications are examined, particularly in regard to perioperative patients.