Botanical Products Defined
What are Botanical Products? Botanical Products are made from plants and herbs and considered by many as being "alternative medicine". Many companies are marketing herbal and natural "remedies" that are very similar to or even identical to medications you might buy over the counter at your local pharmacy. Botanical products are not regulated by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration). The manufacturers of such products are not required to list any of the ingredients in their products, nor have to disclose the manufacturing processes used to make them.
Does this mean that herbal and natural "remedies" are ineffective or even harmful? Not necessarily. If a product contains a valid medical claim, it must contain an adequate warning to readers that the product may cause side effects. For instance, if a shampoo contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate (caustic soda), a warning would be displayed stating that: "The chemical sodium laureth sulfate may cause side effects such as dizziness, stomach pain, upset stomach, confusion, or rashes." Notice how the warning does not indicate that laureth sulfate can actually cause a specific symptom!
In addition to this, it's important to understand that "natural" or "herbal" products vary greatly from one another in terms of quality, safety, and effectiveness. There is no standardization of what constitutes "natural". And this is where many fall down. There are many products on the market that are not effective or safe. A lot of this has to do with the lack of regulation of the herbal and natural product industry. Read this article to learn more about the benefits of using botanical products.
When looking for herbal cures, it is always best to consult a naturopath or herbalist. These individuals are trained to help you choose safe, effective products that will help your particular condition/illness. But beware - many "homeopathic" doctors do not use sound scientific principles when diagnosing your condition. This is why it is often best to only see a naturopathic doctor when it comes to your health.
Botanical products are generally made by professionals who have gone through rigorous training. They receive years of experience in growing and researching plants for their uses. During their study, they learn what combinations naturally work to treat patients. It takes years of practice and research to come up with what works best. Botanical products are standardized by the International Botanical Pharmacopoeia (IBP). The IBP sets the criteria for quality and safety in the plant extract industry.
To find a qualified botanical product practitioner, go to this page. There are many well-qualified professionals who offer their services as holistic healthcare experts. Look for a Board of Trustees or an Expert Panel. You want to be sure that the practitioner you are working with has the highest level of education. It's also a good idea to find out if they are practicing in your area.
To familiarize yourself more with this topic, it is best that you check out this post: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicinal_plants.
