Natural Health Products: More Than Just Medicinal Plants

What is a natural health product?

When you hear the term “natural products” the first thing that springs to mind may well be “medicinal plants.” However, in Canada, the natural health product category includes several types of products: 

• Medicinal plants
• Vitamins and minerals
• Homeopathic remedies
• Traditional remedies, e.g., in Chinese medicine
• Probiotics
• Other products such as enzymes or essential fatty acids (omega-3s)

NHPs come in a wide range of forms, depending on the type of product and its use. For example, they include tablets, solutions, drops, and creams. 

Choose a quality product

All products licensed by Health Canada must meet stringent manufacturing standards. They are clearly identified by an 8-digit NPN (Natural Product Number) or DIN-HM (Homeopathic Medicine Number).

Be wary of products available for sale online, which are not necessarily subject to the same strict manufacturing standards as those applicable in Canada, and that may contain ingredients not listed on the label. 

Make an informed choice

Choosing the right NHP, especially a medicinal plant, is not always easy when many options are available for a specific health problem. 

It is best not to rely solely on someone’s personal experience: what worked for them may be unadvisable for someone with different health issues. And while the Internet may help, finding unbiased information can be a challenge. 

Your best option is to rely on your pharmacist’s expertise. They can recommend the product that is right for you. 

Helpful tips before taking an NHP

If you are thinking of using an NHP, you should ask yourself the same questions you would with an over-the-counter medication:

• What is the recommended dose?
• How long can I take it? 
• What are the possible side effects?
• Do the precautions apply to me? 

Talk to your pharmacist before adding an NPH to your medication, as some products may interact with prescription or over-the-counter drugs. 

Ask for your pharmacist’s advice if the NHP is to be taken by a person who falls into one of the following groups because their health is more fragile: 

• Children
• Older adults
• People with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems
• Pregnant or nursing women

Never discontinue a treatment and replace it with an NHP without discussing it first with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Lastly, inform all your healthcare providers (doctor, pharmacist, dentist, etc.) that you are taking an NHP, especially if you are scheduled to undergo a medical or dental procedure, even a minor one. Some natural health products affect the body in a way that could create complications like bleeding, for example.