Which makes the longevity and quality of life even more important to most human beings in the free world. While I don't know much about very many of the 'drugs' on the market today, and there are some with some very serious side effects, I do know how to look them up, to learn about their effect AND SIDE EFFECTS. What they supposedly help, and what they potentially interact with. More importantly, I know the vast majority of the people alive today are actually living because of modern medicine, vaccines, and drugs... that otherwise absolutely would NOT be here today without those things being invented and readily available. That is reality. 

If you don't understand that, then odds are the rest of this page will point out a pile of other things you don't understand or agree with.  Fear, ignorance, and incomplete information are dangerous things... especially when combined.

The two biggest factors that cause the American healthcare to be so expensive is Regulation and Tort... until and unless those are dealt with, the costs will continue to rise. Disclaimers are there to help LIMIT some of that tort (lawsuits)... because someone, somewhere, taking or doing something else, just might die using this, even as directed, even if not directly related. Sadly, the vast majority of the population alive today are benefited by most modern medicines... and most people complaining the loudest about the widest variety of modern medicines and big pharma wouldn't even be alive today had it not been for modern medicines and big pharma. Talk about some wild and strange hypocrisy.

I'm 100% sure that I'm alive today, and had a decent quality of life these last few years, simply because of modern medicine... as are atleast two of my children, therefore I'm extremely greatful for it!

I don't have much trust in the FDA ... as they are often ALL ABOUT THE MONEY. If you have enough, you get approval. If you don't, regardless how wonderful or beneficial your medical drug/device is... you probably won't get approval unless you sell out or find the money (last survey it was a cost of 1 Billion dollars for most 'new drugs' and over $100 Million for most new medical devices). Wrap your head around that one.

However, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) - for the most part is the agency responsible for the REPORTING, CLEAN UP, and STOPPING of stuff that causes deaths and problems. They are who, supposedly, catches - quarantines, and attempts to deal with the stoppage of contagions within our borders (and worldwide - especially when those diseases might enter our borders or affect our citizens). So yeah, having met a few of the people that actually work for and study contagious diseases... and spend their life trying to stop them, I'm far more trusting and aware of the benefit of the CDC than the FDA.

Further, the CDC doesn't have the history of being bought... and have very few issues since they were started in 1946, with the goal of eradicating contagious deadly diseases. The 2016 ebola scare was the closest to a screw up the CDC has had within our borders, and it was contained once they figured out it was REAL! Further, some protocols and solutions came into play that didn't previously exist.  

Sadly, the CDC will probably be cut back long before the FDA, EPA, IRS, TSA, NASA, or probably even BLM if there are any federal funding cuts. However, the CDC is one of the most important ones on that list. They will work to STOP any outbreaks before they happen... and establish containment protocols if they happen, and deal with vaccines or antidotes as necessary to save lives (and eradicate the contagion). Not something those other agencies are even capable of.  

Anyhow... as for herbs... the CDC really doesn't have anything to do with them, aside from limited information gathering. One of the biggest problems is that the vast majority of companies aren't honest about the PROPER use of their products, the limits, or known concerns. There is a grave lack of good ethical information, and the education for such proper use, and the inconsistency of product (even often within the same company).

The 'side effects' of herbs... really depend on a whole pile of factors that most people just don't know, and there really is zero regulation - aside from is there salmonella or eColi in there. That leaves a whole lot of stuff that really does vary from company to company, product to product, and even batch to batch... unless very serious, strict, and consistent guidelines are established by the company and TESTED FOR with each and every batch.

There are many 'government' agencies I don't believe really do their job, or do a good job, or are 'bought' by mega companies... or have massive politically partisan focus... but the CDC isn't one of them. They are one of the few that don't, and seem to have a history of actually DOING GOOD, for the RIGHT REASONS far more often than not.

"Today, CDC is known as the nation’s premiere health promotion, prevention, and preparedness agencies.

CDC is globally recognized for conducting research and investigations and for its action-oriented approach. CDC applies research and findings to improve people′s daily lives and responds to health emergencies—something that distinguishes CDC from its peer agencies.

CDC works with states and other partners to provide a system of health surveillance to monitor and prevent disease outbreaks (including bioterrorism), implement disease prevention strategies, and maintain national health statistics. CDC also guards against international disease transmission, with personnel stationed in more than 50 countries."

I know, strange, but until and unless they are proven corrupt, incapable, and otherwise untrustworthy... they are one of the few 'government agencies' most people should actually pay attention to, simply because they aren't political, don't care about income, gender, or any of the other common dividing factors or labels. They look for ANSWERS, where ever they might be, and try to solve problems before they become plagues, pandemics, or otherwise deadly to the masses.

It's great to watch, question, and think... but unless a major contagion breaks out, the time should be spent watching those agencies that are repeatedly having problems that negatively impact 'we the people.' At this point, I've found no evidence to show the CDC is one of those problem agencies.