The Regulation of Herbs and other Natural Health Products
We are presently at a very critical stage in the evolution of Herbalism in Ontario and in Canada. There are many current initiatives at all levels of government that will directly or indirectly influence the practice of Herbalism in the future and access for all to herbs. Some of these are opportunities to advance our cause; others could potentially impede our work.

The OHA is committed to speaking to the various levels of government on behalf of Ontario herbalists and herbal enthusiasts. However, it is essential that all those who care about the future of Herbalism and their continued access to herbs in this country stay informed regarding the regulation of herbs and other natural health products and communicate their ideas and concerns to the various levels of government when necessary.

To this end, a list of important web addresses is listed below that will inform you of what is currently happening regarding the regulation of NHP's in this country. Please read these important documents and send in your input to the federal government.
We will continue to post additional links regarding the regulations of herbs and herbal practitioners as they become available.

Final Report of the Advisory Panel on Natural Health Products (This doesn't seem to be on the internet any more. It might still be possible to order hard copies from the NHPD.)

Natural Health Products: A New Vision. Report of the Standing Committee on Health
http://www.parl.gc.ca/InfoComDoc/36/1/HEAL/Studies/Reports/healrp02-e.htm

A Fresh Start: Final Report of the ONHP Transition Team
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb/onhp/treportfinal_e.html

Natural Health Products Regulations (from Canada Gazette 2, June 18, 2003)
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpbfb-dgpsa/nhpd-dpsn/regs_cg2_cp_e.html

Standards of Evidence for Evaluation of Safety and Claims of Natural Health Products
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb/onhp/proposed_soe_e.html
(This is the last remaining draft document on NHP policies that will operate under the regulations that the NHPD is still conducting consultations on at this time.)

The following articles might also be of interest to some as they outline the political activities without which the documents listed above would not exist. They were originally written for the CCHPA Newsletter and Vitality Magazine.

Political Update, Fall 1997
http://www.livingearthschool.com/ha-political1997.htm

Political Update, Spring 1999
http://www.livingearthschool.com/ha-political1999.htm

A New Era in Natural Health Product Regulation
http://www.livingearthschool.com/ha-newera.htm

The material contained on this web site is intended for educational purposes only and no responsibility is assumed for misadventure resulting from the misuse of botanical preparations. If you have a health problem, you should consult a qualified medical doctor for diagnosis. Herbal treatment should be undertaken only with the advice of a qualified herbal practitioner. Self medication is dangerous and inefficient.

The Ontario Herbalists Association does not condone general members practicing Herbal Medicine and is only able to support those members who have gone through a rigorous screening process thus qualifying for Professional Membership.