Resources
Websites
www.consumerlab.com
Consumer Lab is an independent laboratory tests herbal products, vitamins, supplements etc. for purity and potency. Check their web site and select an approved product or a manufacturer that clearly provides quality control. Some information available for free, but full product information, plus tests results require a modest yearly subscription fee.
www.naturalstandard.com/
Natural Standard provides a free newsletter on alternative/nutritional studies.
www.naturaldatabase.com
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database provides a very detailed and comprehensive review of many "natural medicines"-probably more than most people want to know-but for anyone serious about using herbal medicines may be worth the approximately $100 per year subscription.
Note: some healthcare organizations, for example Kaiser Permanente now offer access (Kaiser members only, to this site for free.
http://www.herbalsafety.utep.edu
Herbal Safety provided by the University of Texas at El Paso Pharmacy School, provides information on specific herbals, a section discussing the use of herbals in special populations and a downloadable brochure for older adults and the use of herbal medicinals. No fee.
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu
Linus Pauling Institute ( Oregon State University) provides general information on alternative and herbal treatment with frequent updates based on current health studies. (no charge)
http://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/
Health Notes, California Board of Pharmacy, Alternative Medications.
