Don't Trust Botanicals? Here are 7+ Companies to Love

Herbal Benefits

I know what you're thinking, "is herbal medicine really safe?"

Wouldn't it be great if you didn't feel this way?

You're afraid, they'll do more harm than good or not work fast enough

.The truth?

I've used herbal medicine and homeopathy for over thirteen years now and time and time again - they work faster than conventional medications and we have fewer secondary symptoms.

But, don't forget, always check with your doctor before adding in any new supplement.

Here's my promise to you, by the end of this post, you'll feel more confident in choosing herbal medicine for yourself and your children.

Let's dive in.

Herbal medicine safety

How do we know they are safe?

• The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) was created in 1982 and is the voice of the herbal product industry.

6 things to look for when purchasing natural remedies

#1: When purchasing herbal products look for products that have full labeling.

• Look for the following on the label:

  • The company notes the full name of the botanical on the product.

  • They have an expiration date.

  • Keep in mind, that herbal tinctures or tonics that have alcohol can be preserved for years beyond their expiration date. If your product smells bad or you have a gut feeling it is not good, throw it away.

#2 The company offers dosing suggestions on the bottle.

• Herb Pharm has a whole line of products dedicated to children’s health and has the dosing on the bottle.

#3: Watch for any ‘red flags’, companies claiming weight loss, or extreme health declarations that seem impossible.

#4:  They ensure quality control in each product

• The product is proven safe through laboratory analysis.

• They test each product to ensure there are no molds or contamination

• They can provide you with an organic certificate, kosher certificate, certificates of analysis, pesticide residue tests, GCMS printouts, and MSDS form documents to ensure your safety.

#5: They use certified organic or pesticide-free plant products that are sustainably harvested.

• The plant is vibrant, tasty, potent, and consistent

• They do not practice product substitution – using another botanical as a substitution

#6 They are considerate of temperature control, freshness, and monitor quality. This is why I use Fulscript now, instead of other online companies.

Herbal Guide

Herbal medicine guide

Who is at risk?

• #1 If you have an allergy to a plant, you may experience an adverse reaction.

  • If you or your child’s partner has an allergy to the Asteraceae family, it would be important for you to keep this plant away from your child until they are older.

  • What is an adverse reaction?

    • this is an abnormal sensitivity to a drug that may result in:

      • severe skin reactions – look for skin rashes, itching, or hives

      • anaphylaxis – along with skin rashes, the throat will feel like it is closing up and you have trouble breathing. Take a deep breath, this rarely happens.

      • blood dyscrasias – a disease or disorder of the blood.

      • hepatotoxicity – liver damage.

      • fever or joint pain

• #2 Women who are 50+ or older

• #3 The most prevalent source of adverse effects is among clients who are currently taking medication. If you are taking the following medication, please check with your doctor and community herbalist before ingesting a new herbal product.

  • anticoagulants

  • barbiturates

  • insulin

  • cardiac medications

  • NSAIDs

  • oral contraceptives

  • anti-depressantsAlways check with your doctor when using herbal medicine, but especially if you're taking these prescription medications.

  • Or, If you have:

    • Hepatic disease

    • Renal ideas

    • If you are malnourished and/or decreased weight

    • If you consume alcohol regularly

    • If you have possible enzyme deficiencies

Idiosyncratic reactions occur very infrequently and are independent of dose, and are highly unpredictable. Herb/drug interactions present a higher risk than allergic reactions. Other concerns when using botanicals:

• #1 Watch for the timing of use – stop taking botanicals two weeks before surgery for fear of too much bleeding or a bad reaction.

• #2 Dosage – always check for correct dosing when using any medication.

• #3 Duration of use

Who are the 7 herbal companies you can fall in love with and trust?

1. mountainroseherbs.com

2. frontiercoop.com

3. gaiaherbs.com

4. herbpharm.com - Great for kids!

5. traditionalmedicinals.com - My favorite teas!

6. herbalistandalchemist.com

7. yogiproducts.com

To search for a company you love, head over to the American Herbal Products Association directory of members.

9 MORE HERBAL COMPANIES TO TRUST

• https://www.etsy.com/shop/Earthashram

• https://www.reverencebotanicals.com/

• https://www.montanafarmacy.com/

• https://www.desertortoisebotanicals.com/

• https://woodlandessence.com/

• https://www.wishgardenherbs.com/

• https://ravencrestbotanicals.com/

• https://wisewomanherbals.com/

• https://www.healingspiritsherbfarm.com/

Breastfeeding Safe Products

• Sweet lactation tea; to soothe your nerves and boost milk supply

  • https://www.healingspiritsherbfarm.com/product-page/sweet-lactation-tea-blend

  • Moms love the baby blues remedy blend

    • https://www.wishgardenherbs.com/collections/postpartum

    • I was so excited to find this company! They have some amazing products to restore your adrenal health. Let me know if you try any of them.

      • https://www.themilkmoon.com/

xoTara

P.S.  What herbal companies do you love? I'd love to know. 

Please share in the comments below. Thank you!

References:

¹ https://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm050798.htm

Additional resources:

• American Herbal Products Association

• American Botanical Council

• American Herbal Pharmacopeia

• Tara's Supplement Store: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/tgregorio

• updated:1.26.22