Context:
The use of natural and plant-based products has increased tremendously in the last three decades, while around 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal remedies and herbal and natural products as part of their primary health care.
These type of products are thought to be safe as it is natural, but in fact, they can cause serious adverse effects and interaction with other drugs and supplements.
Are you sure your supplement does not have toxic metals?
How do you know that your supplement is 100% Herbal?
Most of our health care products are labeled as herbal, natural herbal, organic, or Ayurveda, most of them look alike and are also used as traditional medicine. But they all differ from each other and are also governed by different regulations and frameworks.
Herbal Products
Herbal Products are made from plants, leaves, flower concentrates, and extracts that are used in our daily life or as home remedies in general.
Herbal products come in many forms, including teas, tablets and capsules, bath salts, oils, and ointments. They are also available as dietary supplements. Examples of herbal products include herbal soap, herbal oil, or toothpaste.
If you are using a product that has been labeled 100% Herbal - it means that
- the product is prepared from plants or plant extracts.
- it is free from chemicals, though pesticides may be used for plant growth.
- it is beneficial to improve overall health and is also used for therapeutic purposes.
- generally safe if used with recommended doses, but in some cases, it may be harmful with other medication.
Herbal refers to products that are prepared from plants for their medicinal value. These plants can be grown naturally, using either chemical or organic means.
Most herbal products are used for improving health, to healing the wound quickly.
International Regulatory Cooperation for Herbal Medicines (IRCH) is a global network of regulatory authorities responsible for the regulation of herbal medicines, established in 2006.
Herbal medicines are thought to be safe as it is natural, but in fact, they can cause serious adverse effects and interaction with other drugs and supplements.
Ayurvedic Products
Ayurvedic products are prepared on the basis of Ayurveda, the traditional health care system of India used to alleviate disease and improve physical and mental well-being.
Ayurvedic products are made from plants and herbs and may include animal, metallic, and mineral substances. They are also available as dietary supplements. Examples of Ayurvedic products include Dashamularishta, Chyavanprash Avaleha, and Triphala Churna.
Ayurveda: Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine, originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. Ayurvedic medicine practice is based on three main dosha types — Vata, Kapha, and pitta which vary individual body type and personality.
Practices of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani are recognized under ‘The Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970’ (IMCC Act 1970)
Some people use ayurvedic practices to maintain health, reduce stress, and improve flexibility, strength, and stamina.
Difference between herbal and Ayurvedic products
Herbal products are sometimes claimed to have Ayurvedic properties, but there are differences between herbal products and Ayurvedic products.
Here is the table showing how herbal and Ayurvedic products can be differentiated based on their principal, ingredients, and regulations.
| Herbal | Ayurveda |
| Herbal medicines are prepared based on the benefits of traditional medicinal plants and folk herbs from different countries. | Ayurveda is based on 3 basic principles, called doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), which derive from the 5 elements of Indian philosophy. |
| Herbal medicines and products are purely of plant origin, made from extracts, roots, leaves, etc., which do not contain any chemicals. | Ayurvedic medicines and products use herbs and plants, but metals such as gold, silver, sulfur, copper, mercury, etc. can also be used. |
| On the regulatory side, herbal products are not regulated all over the world. There are different certified bodies for each region. | On the regulatory side, Ayurvedic products are not regulated globally. But in India, these kinds of products are regulated by the Ministry of Ayush and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). |
Natural Products
Natural: Natural products are those products that are made from plants and minerals. Natural products are not made in a laboratory.
Natural products refer to products that are natural in nature and do not contain any synthetic ingredients. If they do contain synthetic ingredients of any kind, then they are only in small quantities.
The word “natural” is also often used to describe some herbal/organic products, such as
Natural products are free of artificial color, fragrance, or any other preservatives.
Organic Products
Organic products are produced without using synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or other components that are genetically modified to obtain a higher level of nutrients that are not available in the same plants that are grown non-organically.
Organic products also include animal products such as cheese, milk, meat, or honey that were also produced without growth hormones, or antibiotics. Examples of organic produce include produce, meat, and dairy, as well as processed foods such as cookies, beverages, and frozen meals.
They ensure you get real nutritional benefits from their ingredients.
They are made with natural ingredients and supervised by a certified body.
Similarities Between Herbal, Ayurvedic, Natural and Organic Products
- These all-natural, herbal, organic, or Ayurvedic products are derived from plants and plant extracts.
- These products are also used in traditional medicine for their health benefits.
- Promoted as having little or no side effects.
- They are regulated by different organizations in different countries and are not regulated globally.
- Easily available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product in e-commerce or drug stores.
How to differentiate between herbal, Ayurvedic, natural, and organic products
Herbal Products |
Ayurvedic Products |
| Herbal products are made from plants' roots, leaves, etc. they are free of chemicals. | Ayurveda products may not completely natural, and sometimes may use toxic levels of metals as well. |
| No global or local standards are available to ensure purity. | Global and local; standards are available in India to ensure purity. |
Natural Products |
Organic Products |
| Natural products are made by plants, but they grow with fertilizers and there is no supervision over them. | Organic products are made with natural ingredients, but they are free from fertilizers, and they are supervised by a certified body. |
| Global and local standards are available to ensure purity but not everywhere. | Many Global and local standards are available to ensure purity. |
Which out of the four is better for health & well-being?
Each body type is unique and different people may have different reactions to the same product. You should use the products wisely and make sure you have a deep knowledge of which product you are looking to use.
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Well-WisherLast update: 2023-01-07 15:16:56
