Herbal supplements promise to relieve everything from migraines to insomnia, but unless you’re careful about where you obtain them, you might be getting more than you bargained for—such as pesticides or fillers. Lauren Schmitt, a registered dietician and personal trainer with Healthy Eating and Training in Studio City, California, cautions consumers to do their homework before using herbs for better health. “The FDA does not regulate herbal supplements the same way it does food and drugs,” she says. “The consumer may need to do some research on her own.”
Schmitt urges consumers to read labels carefully and to avoid herbs produced in China, India or Mexico, where regulations are not as strict—in some cases, traces of prescription drugs have been found in supplements from these countries. Schmitt says to stick with herbs organically produced in the United States and Europe and to run any herbal supplement you plan to take past the Dietary Supplements Labels Database.
“One of the things that’s really important is to get herbal supplements from a reputable source,” says Elena Michaels, a naturopathic doctor and psychotherapist based in Valencia, California. “Don’t buy discount products.”
If you’re uneasy about identifying high-quality supplement sources, don’t worry. We’ve eliminated some of the research for you by rounding up five herbal supplement companies that work to provide high-quality, organic, sustainably produced products. We asked them to tell us about what they do, from providing good products to contributing to their communities.
Environment: Participates in the Blue Sky Renewable Energy Program, which allows the company to purchase 100 percent of its electricity from wind generators and geothermal heat capture; listed as a United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary and has received “Salmon Safe” certification, ensuring its land management practices protect agricultural and urban watersheds
Social: Donates 5 percent of its net profits to environmental organizations such as the Audubon Society and Sierra Club
Products: Liquid herbal extracts, wildcrafted herbs grown in natural habitats, and herbal oils and salves for topical use
Gaia Herbs
Overview: Founded by a master herbalist in 1987, Gaia Herbs has its own herb farm, offering consumers products Gaia oversees from seed to shelf, in addition to herbs from certified-organic farms in the Pacific Northwest and Peru.
Health: Offers “Meet Your Herbs,” the first industry traceability program that allows consumers to trace herbs from seed to shelf, and “Gaia Organics,” a line of herbal extracts that is made with 100 percent USDA certified-organic herbs; has a scientific advisory board of naturopathic doctors
Environment: Committed to sustainable farming practices as well as land stewardship practices in the acquisition of wild herbs
Social: Helps train the certified-organic farmers from which it sources its herbs; promotes fair trade practices; farm team offers full-time employment in organic farming to immigrants
Products: Herbal liquid extracts, certified-organic herbal extracts and herbal teas
Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems
Overview: Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems is a 30-year-old company that specializes in superfood-based extracts delivered in formulations with plant-source enzymes and probiotics to aid in the absorption of herbs and supplements.
Health: All products are manufactured in the United States at a certified-organic facility and formulated by a board-registered dietician, certified nutritionist and fourth-generation herbalist with a Ph.D. in integrative biology; conducts purity tests on herbs to ensure they are free of heavy metals
Environment: All products packaged in Eco-Guard bottles made from 100 percent recycled material, reducing the company’s bottle carbon footprint by 92 percent; donates to the Plant A Fish initiative, which “replants” native species of aquatic animals and plants in environmentally stressed marine areas; adopted a California beach through the Save Our Shores program
Social: Since 1994, Rainbow Light has donated more than 24 million prenatal vitamins to some 100,000 women in developing nations such as Haiti, Kenya and Guatemala; also donates multivitamins for children
Products: Offers certified-organic products; allergen-free products; SafeGuard products, a line of supplements free of additives such as iron and copper that could interfere with prescription medications; and VeganGuard products, a line of supplements free of animal-derived ingredients
New Chapter
Overview: Founded 30 years ago by Master Herbalist Paul Schulick, New Chapter’s mission has always been to formulate its products based on the use of whole plants in their pure, unadulterated form.
Health: Offers whole food-based supplements sourced from organic fruits, vegetables, herbs and cultured probiotics to ensure easy absorption and smoother digestion; as most ingredients are organic, New Chapter offers an online list of its organically produced herbs and foods; never uses synthetic ingredients or chemicals in its products
Environment: Dedicated to sustainable, biodynamic farming methods; Luna Nueva, the company’s 200-acre biodynamic ginger and turmeric farm in Costa Rica, is Demeter-certified—the highest level of organic farming certification in the world; uses 100 percent recyclable packaging; composts, recycles or reuses 85 percent of company waste; started Sacred Seeds, a global initiative to save medicinal plants vulnerable to habitat loss, and makes financial donations to support rainforest conservation in Costa Rica
Social: In compliance with the California Transparency in Supply Chain Act, New Chapter audits suppliers to review compliance with the company’s environmental standards as well as policies against human trafficking and slavery; donates prenatal vitamins to women in Indonesia
Products: Herbal supplements as capsules, freeze-dried powders, liquid extracts and tonics
Barlean’s Organic Oils
Overview: A leading manufacturer of omega-3 supplements, Barlean’s Organic Oils began as a fishery in 1972 and eventually evolved into an organic seed mill that focuses on providing omega-3 fatty acid supplements and flax seed oil supplements to consumers. Family owned and operated, this farm now produces a variety of organic herbal oils and was rated the No. 1 health-food store brand for consumer satisfaction by Consumer Labs in 2009.
Health: Uses the cold-press method, which helps retain antioxidants, to process its 100 percent organically produced North American seeds into oils
Environment: Rated one of the Top 100 Green Companies in America by Green Patriot, an organization founded by Green Patriot Radio host David Steinman to honor eco-minded companies and lobby for more companies to adopt sustainable practices
Social: Donates hundreds of thousands of dollars to Vitamin Angels, which helps distribute vitamin and nutrient supplements to undernourished children worldwide, and Nourish America, which works to provide nutritious foods and vitamin supplements to impoverished American families, children and seniors
Products: Organic flax seed oil, coconut oil, olive leaf complex and green food concentrates
Note: While much of the information in this article is verifiable by third-party sources, some information is not subject to any third-party verification standards and was sourced directly from the supplement companies.
10 Supplement Ingredients to Avoid
Since herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA, it’s important to do your homework before buying, paying special attention to the ingredients. Here are the top ingredients you should avoid. The FDA has warned against several, and some are even banned in European nations.
• Aconite: Can cause nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure or respiratory system failure
• Bitter orange: Linked to fainting, heart attack, stroke or death
• Chaparral: Can lead to liver damage and kidney problems
• Colloidal silver: Can cause side effects such as blue-tinted skin, and neurological and kidney damage
• Coltsfoot: Linked to liver damage and cancer
• Comfrey: Linked to liver damage and cancer
• Country mallow: Can cause heart attack, stroke or death
• Greater celandine: Risk of liver damage
• Kava: Risk of liver damage
• Lobelia: Can lead to low blood pressure, coma or death
It’s also smart to check the warnings issued by the FDA at Dietary Supplement Alerts and Safety Information or the alerts of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at Alerts and Advisories.
Give Herbs a Chance
When starting a new supplement, it’s wise to keep things simple. “It is best to stick with a single herb versus a formula of herbs to start,” says Lauren Schmitt, a registered dietician. “The body needs time to adjust to an herb. Allow time to figure out if there are positive or adverse effects on the body.”
It can often take weeks or months for a supplement to cause allergic or adverse reactions. “Not everything in the health-food store is safe for everyone,” cautions naturopathic doctor Elena Michaels. For several weeks after starting a new supplement, watch for common symptoms of an allergic reaction: shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, stomach pain, nausea, cramping, vomiting, skin rashes, hives and lightheadedness.
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Has anyone heard of Healths Harmony supplements I was interested in taking their Black Seed oil supplement but hesitant about starting something new.
Ken I think you will be very lucky if you find a company that dose not put in lots of fillers and binders in... A lot of the herbs today are useless people are been fooled and rip off by the word Organic ...
I came to this site thinking it was a well informed one. How disappointing to see that the information is misleading and clearly not well researched. You have listed under supplements to avoid KAVA because you say it causes liver damage. That information is absolutely false. Please read Dr. Mark Micozzi's free download on Boundless Cures. Within it's pages on cancer fighting herbs and foods you will find the study that was misleading the public into believing such false claims like KAVA causes liver damage. In actuality KAVA has proven to be one of the herbs that fights cancer along with Curcumin which is well documented on it's many health benefits. There are also many other herbs and supplements listed within the pages of Boundless Cures that are beneficial to one's health. Also I noticed you have listed silver colloidal as another one to avoid. Again the research has proven silver colloidal to be another beneficial supplement in fighting bacterias, viruses and fungis. True there is a need for caution when choosing a true silver colloidal and making sure the nano size of the silver particles are what they should be to be beneficial and not cause any issues. This information can be learned on a site called The Silver Edge by Steve Barwick. Sadly there is an array of contradicting information put out from unsavory companies looking to get your money with there false claims of their brand of silver colloidal. This is where it is up to each individual to do their due diligence in researching reputable companies and information before going forward with accepting any claims put forth. Sometimes even the well intentioned who put information out to the public to be helpful are found out to be inaccurate. We live in a world of greed and sadly because many are more interested in lining their own pockets. They are more than willing to mislead ones if it directs them in their direction. As to the other supplements listed in the avoid list I have not researched any extensively enough to state whether they are beneficial or not. However I would definitely research them apart from this site due to the fact that there are inaccuracies found with the information that has been presented on this site. Sorry to say.
I'd remove Gaia Herbs from the list. Their Turmeric supplement is for lack of a better word garbage and misleading, ingredients they put are questionable at best for a "good" company. The threat(in the form of an attorney letter) they sent CL which really shows how childish Gaia is being. I'm really disappointed with this company and I've heard nothing but good things, but this just shows are even "good" companies are greedy. It's not just their Turmeric either, their ashwagandha, milk thistle seed and who knows what else failed to meet label ingredient accuracy.
I also agree that Shaklee was a pioneer and has great products. The negative is their multi-level marketing in order to buy it. After layers and layers of "distributors," their prices are way out of reach. And most of the profits go to the top layers of the pyramid.
I ordered Osha and Licorice tinctures from a company called Secrets of the Tribe, so far I like them. I asked them to send me organic certificates and they e-mailed me right away. I say definitely give herbs a chance.
frosty looking at these companies in a little different light, they seem more interested in helping the rest of the world than the US. I wouldn't buy from 4 out 5 of them. take care of yourself first.
Admittedly I did not read every word of this article; however, I don't think there was any mention of these companies being tested for proper levels of ingredient. They may be all natural, etc., but I'm thinking that doesn't mean, say 5mg of something means there's always or ever that amount in the product. If I am wrong about this please set me straight so I can start purchasing form these companies. Thank you.
My friend suggested me to use Cosmic Nutracos products. All the personal care products are so mild and suites to my skin very well. Since then I am using that only. All their products are “Halal Certified”. One can visit website at www.cosmicnutracos.com for details.
You didnt mention the Synergy Company. Its all certified organic with plant based vitamins and minerals. By the way, the FDA or the Fraudulent Drug Authority has given colloidal silver a bad name. Ive used it for 10 years with no negative side effects nor did I turn blue. The key with any nutritional supplement is that it is pure and from a reputable source. Many vitamins on the market are synthetics and are toxic to the body. I wonder if the FDA is funds this site.
Your advice to avoid aconite is misleading. Aconite in homeopathic doses is not dangerous. As soon as I notice that I'm freezing or have the chills, which is my body's indication of a virus, or "cold" as it is most commonly called, I take 3 globules of aconite C30 potency and the symptoms soon disappear. I may take 3 more globules the next day just to be on the safe side. I've been doing this for years with fantastic results. Homeopathic remedies are commonplace here in Germany as well as other European countries. They are available at every pharmacy.
Good information thanks !
It's too bad you didn't mention Nature's Sunshine Herb company out of Utah. They passed the FDA audit with flying colors, no demerits. They always do because they have their own equipment to test the herbs they buy. Many smaller companies say their product is organic because they think it is, when in fact it is not even the herb they think they bought. It's shocking and a good reason why some don't get the results they expect with herbs. The may in fact be taking fillers or even the wrong herb.
Great herbal products!
You can't do any better that Penn Herb!
I know I wouldn't trust them now.
All you have to do is read the labels. And also, if the supplements are not food based supplements, you are putting lots of chemicals into your body, needlessly. Robert Scott Bell recommends choosetobehealthy.com, whose supplements are ALL organic, food based.
It sounds like you have been listening to the "lame-stream media and/or Dr. Oz, who is now promulgating this "elitist" b. s. because people want to eat good, clean, organic food or use herbs. Herbs are not out of reach. They are much less expensive than prescription drugs. Now, with the mega increases of food in grocery stores, it is actually cheaper to buy from local growers. This elitist baloney is a new brainwashing tool and totally untrue.
Thank you. I didn't remember who actually bought them out. And BTW, who on earth cares what the FDA says??? That alone tells me this information is totally false.
New Chapter is no longer a company you can trust. It was recently bought out by a major conglomerate. Also, your cautions on colloidial silver and the other herbs, like Lobelia are totally false. I would suggest anyone reading this, rather than taking the advice suggested here, is to listen to the Robert Scott Bell show on naturalnewsradio.com This stuff is bogus!
Clearly this is a partial list, and subjective. There are some very good companies not listed in the article which have been mentioned in the comments, such as NOW Foods. I'd like add Herbalist & Alchemist to the list for best companies in the market. I've worked with them and use their herbal formulas. Stellar quality, very good people.
I agree with you. Shaklee is a pioneer in vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements. Dr. Shaklee worked with Dr. Fink who first discovered vitamins necessary for human health. They were the first manufacturing plant in the US to become carbon neutral. They also were the only company to pull its Ginsing off the market when the world supply was tainted by a fungicide because of excess rain. Their research is the reason I use these products, No other company I've ever come across devotes so much to the scientific knowledge regarding nutritional science.
interesting to read your article and I am also wondering why Standard Process and Biotics Research Co. are not on your list? is it that you can get their product only from a health provider? or are they considered food supplements?
Why is Biotics Research and Standard Process not on you list? Are they considered FOOD supplements and because are only available from a health professional?
What about Mountain Rose Herbs?
Sorry, but Swansons Vitamins may be cheaper, but almost if not all of their own pruducts do contain Magnesium Stearate. Dr Mercola wrote an excellent article about this "Poison" check it out on www.mercola.com
Sorry...type o... PROCTOR & GAMBLE
Yes, I agree with you. They sold out to Procyor and Gamble, I just posted it.
I used to trust New Chapter products but now they have sold out to Proctor & Gamble which hs ties with Monsanto from what I had read. I will no longer purchase New Chapter products because of this.
Nice that you print the herbs to avoid, courtesy of the FDA. Inaccurate partial information, often incorrect.Everyone wants to make herbs into drug. Herbalists use most of these herbs, usually in combination with other herbs.Some like country mallow, used like Ma Huang or ephedra is a stimulant and should be used correctly. If in doubt seek the assistance or a trained herbalist or a naturopathic doctor. Remember there is a use and a misuse to everything. If aspirin had to go through new drug certification today , it would not pass- yet it is widely used today.- yet many use it without apparent harm. The FDA is not an unbiased source.
Why isn't Shaklee on this list??? Here's an excerpt from their website: At Shaklee, scientific research has been a corporate strategy for over 30 years. Our commitment to clinical and scientific research separates Shaklee from the competition and has resulted in over 100 scientific papers—90 of them published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Our research studies are designed to help advance the state of scientific knowledge in the health and nutritional sciences, and they are a significant component of the Shaklee Difference. What other companies can say this? I wouldn't take any vitamins or supplements unless they come from Shaklee.
New Chapter was just bought out by a mainstream conglomerate. I'm not sure I would trust them anymore.
How do you know these facts?
Not all of Swanson's supplements are completely organic and free of harmful ingredients.
Me too
What do you mean by "more and more out of reach"?
The herbs are suggesting people avoid have some wonderful health benefits, they are only possibly dangerous if misused just like any other herb or even food.
I don't believe these lists and I'm grateful to know who to not trust. thanks for whoever sent me this email
Please recheck all the lists and those companies because I have some entities that will be sending your formal resolutions.
It is sad that herbals are more and more out of reach of regular working folks and the working poor. Again health even from humble beginnings is elitist.
I would be interested in a list of all the companies you checked. That would tell more of the whole story.
Why isn't NOW Foods included in this list?
Thank you for this article. However you forgot to list the BEST Supplier--SWANSON VITAMINS. swansonvitamins.com They survived EVERY attempt to close them by FDA for many years. They also mgf and bottle own product and usually much cheaper than most other companies, PLUS shipping is always $4.95 no matter how much one buys.