Natural herbal products are the holistic healing of the different systems of nature, consisting of the interrelationship of living things on earth and their respective relationship to each other. Herbal medicine is the practical application of herbal plants and pharmacognosy, the study of plants and their use as a source of remedy. Herbal products range from food and drink to health supplements and natural medicines. There is a limit to the usefulness of plants as a source of remedy because of their diverse species, individual needs, and their relation to each other and to nature.
Buy organic products from your local market. The government has set standards for minimum standards of purity for natural herbal products that must be presented on the Internet and in the local markets. Buy only from distributors and sellers who are registered with the government's National Organic Program (NOP). If you see any products from eBay or craiglist that are "all-natural herbal products" and have not been inspected by an NOP-registered distributor, they may not be NOP-approved distributors. Although there is no evidence that organic farming aids in combating any disease or illness, some farmers' markets offer more natural herbal products than the traditional drug stores.
Join or start a new business related to natural herbal products. There are several opportunities available on the Internet. Many businesses on the Internet are scams, however, so it is important to understand how to distinguish between real opportunities and scams. The National Organic Program conducts inspections of vendors certified by NOP and member processors and ensures that the processing facility adheres to the NOP's policy regarding quality control. When purchasing online, ensure that you are dealing with legitimate companies.
Search for, read and follow the guidelines set forth by the United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regarding natural herbal products and drugs. The USFDA is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and its role is to protect the public's health, and prevent the abuse of prescription and non-prescription drugs. The FDA regulates cosmetics, dietary supplements, medical devices, medications and tobacco. Pursuing an education in FDA regulation is necessary for those pursuing a career involving the prevention, treatment or cure of an individual's ailment. Studying the policies and procedures of the FDA can help individuals understand how to assess safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before using them.
Check your local state health department for regulations and information regarding natural herbal products and remedies. Farmers markets offer a variety of products to sample; check out what is offered in your county. For example, in Texas, farmers' markets are prohibited from selling oils, fats and spices, but may sell chicken or fish oil, corn, cucumbers and jalapeno peppers. In Maine, consumers may buy raw or cooked eggs, honey, pears, sweet potatoes, summer squash, kiwi fruit, lemons and limes, chamomile, lemon balm, peppermint, sage, lemon grass and more. While visiting a local market, look for a list of items to buy and a map to help find your way.
While there are plenty of opportunities for consumers to obtain quality natural herbal products, obtaining reliable information from a reputable, FDA-approved herb and food manufacturers supplier is important. When shopping for herbs or buy online herbal products, it is important to find a company that will provide quality products backed with a guarantee. Look for a website that encourages customer reviews and a return/refund policy. A good manufacturing company that also offers a return/refund policy is even better, because a consumer should feel confident that when they purchase a product through the website of a company that stands behind the quality of their product and the integrity of the company, then they will be fully satisfied with the results when the herb and food products maker delivers to their door.