Save Herbal Medicine in EU

I was really shocked to learn recently that the Traditional Herbal Medicine Products Directive (THMPD) came into enforce in the EU on 30^th April 2011.  The directive means that many herbal products constituted as Traditional Herbal Products will need to be licensed before they can be sold in the EU.  The impact of this directive will mean that many of the herbal products people have been using for years will become unavailable, as companies struggle to keep up with the expensive and complex licensing procedures.  Considering how little regulation there is around what we put on our skin, I was so upset that this directive came into force, and the lack of press around the issue.  I do acknowledge that consumers should not be able to buy things that could harm them but the level of risk around herbal medicine products is so low, especially when prescribed by a licensed herbalist.  I don’t think the answer to a few dodgy herbal shops is taking herbal medicine off the shelves.  If you agree with me sign the petition organized by Avaaz – click here