Herbs
Echinacea: The Master Immune Herb
Elecampane: One of Nature's Almost Forgotten Gifts
Demystifying Ginseng
Motherwort: For Stress (and much more)

Politics

These articles are of historical interest only. They document the political realities of Natural Health Product legislation from the mid to late '90s and its evolution in response to political lobbying and ongoing consultation with stakeholder groups. The regulatory environment has changed considerably since that time with the creation of the Natural Health Products Directorate and the Natural Health Products Regulations and policies. Although there is still room for lots of improvement, the regulatory situation regarding NHPs is considerably better than it was 10 years ago.

In early July a new article will be added that addresses the many misconceptions about Bill C-51 which is a long overdue bill to update the Food and Drugs Act, an important piece of legislation that hasn't been significantly updated since it was created in the 1950s. Most of the information that has been circulated about this Bill is inaccurate and, with some amendments, it is a necessary and positive piece of legislation. Although it is good for politicians to be reminded periodically about how important NHPs are to Canadians, it will be unfortunate if this Bill dies due to the misguided public outcry against it. Look for a Bill C-51 article coming soon.

Are herbs safe? Health Canada doesn't think so!
Political Update, Fall 1997
Political Update, Spring 1999
A New Era in Natural Health Product Regulation

Miscellaneous
Spring is Here, the Bugs are Back
Herbal Protocols for the Immune System
The Roots of Herbalism: Collecting Herbs in the Fall
The Pros and Cons of Standardization