Natural Herbal Products

Herbal and botanical supplements — adaptogens, medicinal mushrooms, standardised extracts and traditional preparations. Brands include NFH, Designs for Health, AOR, A.Vogel and Organika. Shipping across Canada.

Extract strength is what you're paying for

Herbal products vary more in quality than almost any other supplement category, because the same herb can be sold at wildly different potencies:

• Standardised extracts guarantee a specific percentage of the active compound — for example, curcuminoids in turmeric or withanolides in ashwagandha. This is what makes doses comparable between products.
• Whole herb powder is the raw dried plant. Cheaper, far less concentrated, and potency varies with growing conditions and harvest.
• Tinctures and liquid extracts absorb quickly and allow flexible dosing. A.Vogel's fresh-plant preparations are made from herbs processed shortly after harvest rather than from dried material.
• Extract ratios such as 10:1 indicate concentration — ten parts raw herb to one part extract.

Commonly searched herbs

Ashwagandha and rhodiola as adaptogens; turmeric and curcumin, which absorb poorly unless paired with piperine or delivered in an enhanced form; milk thistle for liver support; echinacea for seasonal immune use; saw palmetto for men's health; and medicinal mushrooms including reishi, chaga, cordyceps and lion's mane.

Natural doesn't mean risk-free

Herbs are pharmacologically active, which is precisely why they work — and why they interact. St. John's wort reduces the effectiveness of many prescription drugs including hormonal contraceptives. Ginkgo and garlic affect bleeding time. Licorice root can raise blood pressure. Several herbs affect how the liver metabolises medication.

Herbal products also generally need consistent use over weeks rather than days before effects are apparent.

Related categories

Super Greens & Naturals · Stress Management · Immune Support · Sleep Support

If you take prescription medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have surgery scheduled, check with your healthcare provider before using herbal supplements — many need to be stopped before an operation.