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Page 68
| experience or knowledge to properly identify, echinacea. Others were so obviously different plants that one could only assume that the pickers were intentionally gathering other plants as a means to profit from the demand for the true herb. Such adulterations continue to be prevalent on the market today. |
| Every health food store across the country carries a multitude of echinacea products from literally hundreds of different manufacturers. One of the duties and responsibilities of the retail staff is to assure the products they carry are manufactured in a way that ensures you will receive a high-quality product. Some retailers take this duty very seriously, while others do little research into the manufacturing practices of the various herb companies. Ask if your local store is a member of the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA). NNFA is the trade association for those manufacturing and selling dietary supplements. All NNFA members must adhere to a code of ethics and must participate in a ''True Label'' program by registering their products with the association. The products are then subject to be tested to verify that they are manufactured according to the appropriate Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). |
| You can also find out it the manufacturer is a member of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). AHPA is the trade association specifically representing manufacturers of herbal products. AHPA members also adhere to a code of ethics and oftentimes manufacture their products according to GMPs which exceed those required by law. |
| At the same time, you must use your own common sense and find a health food store whose personnel are demonstrably well-informed. Ask questions about the process used to ensure the store's products are |
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