In our country, almost medicinal plants are not scientifically validated and their safety and effectiveness are frequently unknown; therefore, like any other medicines, they should be used with caution because toxic plants consumption may carry intoxication and even death. Lippia turbinata Gris., Aristolochia triangularis Cham., Ruta graveolens L., Huperzia saururs (Lam.) Trevis, Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerh., among others may be referred to as risky. Fatal cases are recorded due to the misuse of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Alternanthera pungens Humb. et. al., Illicium verum Hook. F. Although they may possess curative properties, they may leave their innocuous conditions for different reasons. But this doesn't mean all phytotherapy is harmful; many drugs come from plants, and an appropiate knowledge and information about healing herbs is necessary to prescribe and administrate them accurately. © 2009 The Authors.