The term natural health products is commonly used in Canada to define non-chemical substances including herbal medications, vitamins and minerals, homeopathic medicines, energy drinks, yeast and probiotics, herbs and teas, massage oils, natural foods, and alternative and traditional therapies. A 2021 study found that 73 percent of Canadians use NHP on a daily basis. Natural health products are considered to be safer than conventional drugs because they don’t contain artificial ingredients or pesticides. However, the National Health and Wellness Program recommend against the use of nutritional supplements that contain artificial flavours or colours, artificial sweeteners, starch, or sugar.
Canadian pharmacies offer a variety of natural health products to their customers. While vitamins, minerals and herbs can be purchased individually, some other herbs, teas, oils, and foods are only available as part of a dietary supplement. Common nutrients found in most dietary supplements include vitamins A, C and E, beta carotene, essential fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, and selenium. While prescription drugs and vitamins are generally recognized as safe, no scientific evidence shows that natural health products are more effective or safe than standard prescription drugs and vitamins.
Herbs, teas, and oils are considering natural health products because they have been used for centuries to treat disease, improve skin conditions, treat anxiety, treat depression, improve digestive system, etc. Many natural health products, such as colloidal gold, colloidal silver, colloidal copper, colloidal silver mixed with water, colloidal platinum, colloidal silver, colloidal fumarate, are colloidal in form. Colloidal gold, colloidal silver and colloidal platinum are using to prevent and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The US FDA does not regulate herbs, teas or oils.
Some common natural health products are milk thistle, which is known to be beneficial for treating depression; black cohosh, which is known to be beneficial for women experiencing premenstrual syndrome, morning sickness and diarrhea; chaste tree, which is known to be effective for menstrual disorders including heavy bleeding; and licorice root, which have an antidepressant effect and are effective in reducing gastrointestinal irritation due to food ingestion. Herbal medicines are safe when used as directed. Herbs can act as an effective complementary therapy with standard therapies. However, they cannot replace the services of a qualified medical practitioner. Consultation with an experienced medical practitioner is necessary before using any herbal product.
The US government regulates the manufacture, processing, distribution, safety, and labeling of natural health products. Several state regulatory agencies are responsible for the regulation of this and other herbal medications. Generally, all medicinal herbs and drugs are sold in pharmacies with a prescription from a licensed physician. There are no legal loopholes for retailers to sell unlicensed drugs and medications, but the sale of unbranded drugs is strictly prohibited in several states.
The safety of natural health products is maintained by various organizations such as FDA, FTC, and CFSAN. FDA is the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and its main mission is to regulate the production, handling, and distribution of medical and health products. Its role is particularly important for nhps. It plays a major role in protecting the public’s health because it prevents consumers from falling prey to substandard or dangerous drugs and herbs. According to FDA, all natural health products should meet certain quality standards before being marketed commercially. It is the consumer’s responsibility to ensure that the product purchased is safe and fulfilling their needs.
There are several risks associated with buying unlicensed drugs. While purchasing npn, you should carefully consider the type of the herbs and npn and whether or not they are obtained from a licensed dealer or producer. Licensed dealers are required to follow strict manufacturing guidelines and secure their products from producers and distributors who could produce them in limited quantities. As a result, there is a great probability that licensed producers will sell their products at higher rates and sometimes at an unregulated rate. As a result, consumers could be cheated by unknowingly purchasing fake drugs or herbs. You should therefore, only buy from a dealer who is licensed.
Aside from the risk of acquiring drugs in unsafe quantities, you should also consider another risk when buying Canadian nhps. It is that the drugs are not regulated and sold in bulk amounts. As a result, some people may suffer adverse effects from buying bulk products. Therefore, it is important that you only purchase regulated health Canada herbs and supplements.
