For the last 5 years alternative medicine therapies have been the mainstay of my life. I do not respond well to conventional therapies and I have multiple allergies. I live with chronic pain and I’m subject to acute pain crises. Among the causes I’m passionate about, is access naturopathic health care and homeopathic products and treatments. I’ve been very busy doing some political lobbying and I have some good news to share.
There has never been a death in Canada caused by a natural health product. Considering that there are multiple deaths every year caused by common foods such as peanuts and shellfish, it is clear that natural health products are extremely safe. In 2004 Natural Health Product Regulations were introduced, regulations that were Health Canada’s response to consumer demands for the government to protect their access to natural health products.
Bill C-51 was introduced into the House of Commons on April 8, 2008. Bill C-51 that caused a tremendous uproar. The major concern about Bill C-51 was that it considered natural health products as “therapeutic products,” just like prescription and non-prescription drugs. That meant licensing requirements could be quite strict, even for products that have been around forever.
Many Canadians myself included rely upon natural health products for their health. Almost three in every four Canadians consume natural health products – vitamins and minerals, homeopathic medicines, Chinese herbal preparations and the like. When you consider the health benefits of natural health products, it becomes clear that the real danger in regulating them is to “over-regulate” them off of the market.
Canadian citizens sprang into action demonstrating their outrage through letter writing campaigns, petitions, government lobbying and the like. They fueled a web-based campaign STOP C-51 and got the Health Minister and Parliament’s attention.
In a surprising about-face, two days ago Canada’s Health Minister Tony Clement has agreed to key demands of the natural health products industry after the sector launched a grassroots campaign against restrictions on homeopathic medicines and herbal remedies in new legislation.
When Clement proposed amendments to the Food and Drugs Act in April, natural medicines were lumped in with pharmaceutical drugs, raising concerns they would be subject to the same type of oversight. He now admits it was a mistake not to create a separate category under the law.
Now the government is proposing to insert a definition of natural health products into the Food and Drugs Act to “clearly recognize” that they’re distinct from foods and drugs under the law.
Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.
- Mahatma Gandhi
On that same day our Health Minister made his turn about, I sighed and stepped back from the Canadian scene, and happily submitted my entry to the fan page on DocNicole’s Kitchen Table Medicine site.
Having access your blog is like getting the keys to a treasure house richly stocked with naturopathic health and wellbeing information. I have benefited greatly from reading your articles pertaining to fibromyalgia, raynauds and arthritis. In addition, the diet you specifically prepared for people like me is just what my body needed. I love your sunny attitude and admire the way you encourage us to develop better eating and exercise habits and a positive attitude. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise and loving kindness online.It’s a much appreciated blessing.
Namaste,
Timethief
Sources
Bill C51
About-face on natural health products
Minister’s response to Bill C-51 debate Tony Clement, Minister of Health
Snake oil is natural, but it too should be regulated
Tags: alternative medicine, herbs, homeopathy, minerals, natural health products, vitamins
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Do you use natural health products?
Are you concerned about the over-regulation of natural health products?
Lydia
June 13, 2008
I absolutely do use natural products and regulation is a tricky thing. You want safety, and not bias. Bias against *anything but* the standard red meat and potato lifestyle is still out there, but it’s diminishing some. I buy only natural vitamins and try to put as much organic in our meals as possible. The world of ayurvedic products opened to me eight years ago and I adore and trust those I get at Maharishi Ayurveda online. Wonderful, health-enhancing products.
Thanks much for the interesting post.
Joe
June 14, 2008
This is wonderful. Here in the states, the drug lobby is so strong, we get beaten to death by it.
I personally switched from drugs to natural about 2 years ago to control my diabetes. First time in 20 years I got my sugar under control.
I also have a better diet, which helps. But they all worked together.
Thanks for the great post.
Heather
June 14, 2008
I’ve used natural alternative medicine/Naturopathic Doctor for approx. 5 years…with wonderful success. Like you traditional medicines/Doctors aren’t a great deal of help to me.
I have chronic pain and a motion problem…without alternative medicine for the motion problem it would be devastating to me as there is nothing in traditional medicine to help…
I worry about government regulations…the industry has done a reasonable job in regulating themselves…while there must be strict guide lines along with stringent quality control for companies producing natural products, there are some issues which government intervention is not required!!
I will click around the links you’ve added…I’m sure I will find something interesting.
Interesting and informative post…thanks for sharing
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Cheers
Heather
timethief
June 15, 2008
@Lydia
Thanks for your tip about Maharishi Ayurveda online. I found it here http://www.maharishi.co.uk/ and when I have time I will review the products they have and compare them to those I use. I currently purchase locally and wherever possible that remains my first choice.
I’m not a person who takes an excessive number of supplements, etc. although I do know many people who do. I believe that by working with my local homeopaths and naturopaths and remaining focused on eating a healthy diet comprised of locally grown vegetables, fruits, nuts, meats and fish I have improved my life considerably. What a boon it is to have access to DocNicole’s online site.
Have a wonderful weekend and please come again soon. :)
timethief
June 15, 2008
@Joe
Without doubt the pharmaceutical industry is an example of corporate monsters that the government agencies are in thrall too. And that situation means it’s up to us citizens to fight the good fight of speaking our truth to power and insuring that those we elect to serve the publics best interest.
It’s also up to us to politely but firmly remind bureaucrats over and over gain that their role is to be in servitude to the public interest. They are not our leaders. We, the people set the agenda and the politicians and bureaucrats ought to be achieving our ends, they ought not to be the handmaidens of corporations and their shareholders.
Political lobbying is exhausting and can also be soul draining if we obsess. I’m now going to take a rest and fill myself with the good energy I need to have to move forward again.
Thanks for commenting. I visited your blog and enjoyed reading the posts there. Best wishes for happy blogging. :)
timethief
June 15, 2008
@heather
It seems we have many things in common and that makes me smile. If I had not come out from behind the wordpress.com garden wall and joined BC I never would have met and made friends with people like you. I’m so glad that I did make the move.
I’m starting to include the links to my Blog Catalog neighbors at the end of my posts now. Whenever a post relates to specific areas as this one did then I will include links as I have done above.
Lydia
June 16, 2008
I just read my earlier comment and see an error:(
I meant “Bias against *anything but* the standard red meat and potato lifestyle is still out there …”
I think your buying local is truly the best choice. I haven’t found anyone local offering Ayurvedic products. I also neglected to pitch another online vendor that I frequently use, and it is Bindi.com
My husband and I planted our small garden today. We’ve had weird weather and the experts say that a late garden should fare well this year. I hope they’re right because I can’t wait for some French Breakfast Radishes – yummy!
It was a happy weekend, and I hope the same was true for you.
Karen Van Staeyen
June 16, 2008
The Gandhi quote says it all! When your values and soul purpose are in alignment you can become truly happy and able to tap into your personal energy source. Do you also think that healing is a matter of listening to what your body tells you and responding by putting your attention and energy there where you most need it?
Melissa
June 16, 2008
It is really unfortunate that both fear and money drive the resistance and restrictions towards natural health. The irony is that these natural and homeopathic approaches have been around for thousands of years.
It is great to hear that people are stepping up and taking action!
We love your blog! Blog on!
~Melissa @ healthybeingproducts.com
timethief
June 16, 2008
@Lydia
Hi there I fixed the small error in your comment for you. Interestingly enough, I read the exactly the way you intended to be understood previous to the edit. Gardening is indeed the way to go and whether even a balcony, patio or deck garden can produce an abundance of flavorful, healthy plants.
Best wishes :)
timethief
June 16, 2008
@Karen
Yes IMO the most important communication lines we ever have to tap into are the mind body connection. Until and unless we can tune into our bodies, we are unable to access the information and receive the feedback that we require to keep it harmoniously balanced.
Best wishes with the blog move. I hope it’s a seamless transfer for you. :)
timethief
June 16, 2008
@Melissa
I believe the time of complacency where the patient simply surrendered all health care decisions to their doctor and did as told have passed for many of us. In times in which we live more and more people have come to understand that they must take responsibility for making their own informed health care decisions. Access to medicinals that have been with us since time immemorial must be maintained and insuring the same is of crucial importance.
Tresvanty
June 16, 2008
Very good post. I REALLY like your site. You’ve just gained a new reader.
timethief
June 16, 2008
Tresvanty
Thanks for the blog compliment. Another new reader – w00t! :D
RainforestRobin
June 18, 2008
Hi Dearest TT, How are you. You sound radiant and strong here. I love it! This is a great article. I too use all natural products and do not handle ANY antibiotics, cortisone, drugs, anything except the most natural substances. So I could not live without alternative health products like herbs, homeopathics, etc. They are closer to nature for me and hence closer to my own body’s natural healing process. Thanks for such a good job. Hugs and love, RainforestRobin
timethief
June 19, 2008
I’m glad I sound radiant and sound. I’m actually feeling tired and relieved. This weekend I’m looking forward to some much deserved rest. We’re on the same wave length when i t comes to being irresponsible for our own health and I’m not surprised to hear that. It’s always great to hear from you. Love
TT