Organic herbal remedies have many advantages over herbal remedies that aren't organic. In order to ensure that you're not adding any harmful chemicals to your remedy--and possibly doing more harm than good--you may want to consider searching for organic herbs. If you aren't looking for something to put into a remedy but you are looking for something to add to your favorite dinner dish, why not try organic there and keep some of the dangerous pesticides out of the meal?
Why Organic Is Better
It's simple to say that pesticides and toxins are bad - but why are they bad? How dangerous are they really if farmers and companies are allowed to use them? In fact toxins are, well, toxic. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calls pesticides completely unsafe and notes, "They are produced specifically because they are toxic to something."
Many of the pesticides that have been tested for long-term effects on human health have been labeled by the EPA as dangerous. The EPA quotes, "The health effects of pesticides depend on the type of pesticide. Some, such as the organophosphates and carbamates, affect the nervous system. Others may irritate the skin or eyes. Some pesticides may be carcinogens. Others may affect the hormone or endocrine system in the body."
Why eat or try to heal yourself with something that's known to have negative effects on human health?
Where to Purchase Organic Herbs
If you can't find the organic herbs you're looking for in the grocery store or health food store, you can order them online without too much of a hassle. There are several sites that cater to those who wish to purchase the organic versions of herbs they use in their daily lives.
Mountain Valley Growers
Mountain Valley Growers is USDA certified and has the herbs listed by both botanic name and common name, so you can search for what you need either way. The list is extensive, so there's a good chance you'll find what you're looking for here. The list contains herbs like dill, French tarragon, licorice mint, basil thyme, chickory, and more. You can place your order via a secure order form online or mail or fax in a different form.
Local Harvest
You won't necessarily be buying directly from Local Harvest, but this site will allow you to search for the organic herbs you'd like to purchase. Then it tells you where you can find what you're looking for in your area. However, if you prefer to shop online or you just can't find what you're looking for at a farmers market or other location near you, you can click on the Shop button at the top of the page to see which online vendors have what you need. You can place your order through the Local Harvest website.
Herbal Remedies
At Herbal Remedies, you can find herb powders and teas that are 100 percent certified organic. The selection of herbs isn't the widest, but the prices are reasonable and if you're shopping for other supplements, this could be a one-stop shop. You can also search for ailments and conditions that are commonly treated by herbs and supplements, then find out what you should take. You can order online or by phone.
Frontier Natural Products Co-op
Frontier Natural Products Co-op has a wide selection of herbs for all types of remedies. Look to the Simply Organic line for 100 percent certified organic herbs and spices. While you're at the site, be sure to check out the list of recipes for more ideas on how to use what you've purchased. There is also a section on using herbs, so you can find out more about de-stressing, relaxing, or caring for your skin and hair with herbs.
Morgan Botanicals
Morgan Botanicals sells loose herbs, as well as teas, essential oils, and more. All herbs come in one-ounce, food-safe bags. If you're not sure what you need but you have an ailment you'd like to cure with herbs, the descriptions offer suggested uses for each one. There is a wide variety of herbs to choose from, like anise seed, alfalfa, basil leaf, bilberry leaf, blessed thistle, chickweed, comfrey, dandelion root, and more.
Owens Acres
Owens Acres has herbal teas, medicinal herbs, herbs for hair, and more. It's CCOF certified and uses sustainable growing methods. Though they grow some herbs there, they do have to purchase some from other reputable places. You can purchase the teas in one- or two-ounce sizes, and bulk quantities are available as well.
Starwest Botanicals
Starwest Botanicals offers organic herbs in bulk. They boast a line of over 130 varieties. For example, you can find organic arjuna, psyllium husks, red raspberry leaf, goji berry, gotu kola herb, rue, horny goat weed, saw palmetto berry, milk thistle seeds, and more. A variety of sizes are available, and you can purchase by the pound if you need quite a bit. If you don't need quite so much, quantities as low as four ounces are available.
When Purchasing Organic Herbs
When purchasing organic herbs, look for certification information to ensure that you're getting what you're paying for. Also do your homework before you go. Even if an herb is organic--or an herb--do your research to make sure that it won't affect any of your other medications or health conditions, especially if you're using the herbs medicinally rather than cooking with them periodically.
