A major health food store has been ordered to withdraw a remedy targeted at children after it used pictures of dangerous herbs on the jar.
Regulators called on families to return jars of the "echinacea and golden root for juniors", which had been sold by Holland and Barrett.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency stepped in after pictures of a dangerous herb, Goldenseal root, were used on the packet for the product – and a description wrongly said the herb was Berberis aquifolium.
The MHRA says neither Goldenseal root – also known as Hydrastis canadensis – or Berberis aquifolium have been shown to be safe for children – and high doses can cause a range of serious side-effects.
It also objected to the advertised herb Golden root – or Rhodiola rosea – which, it says, has also not been shown to be safe for children.
The MHRA said the manufacturers had not registered the product under the traditional herbal registration scheme.
Richard Woodfield, of the MHRA, said: “Parents need to remember that just because a product is labelled as natural does not mean it is safe.
“When buying herbal products you should look for those that have a traditional herbal registration which can be identified by a THR number on their label. This ensures that the product is safe and avoids consumers putting their health in jeopardy.
“Anyone that has this herbal product at home should stop using it immediately and return any unused product to Holland and Barrett."
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