Wellness Tip 
Sharing tips for healthy living.

Welcome to the Oasis Spa’s Wellness Tip of the Month. Check back often for Healthy Living Tips and information to help you live a healthy life.

When it comes to the Wellness Industry, you can’t escape the terms “organic,” “botanical” or “natural”. Each term has its own meaning and denotes different substances when it comes to food, supplements and products.

The only term that is regulated by a governmental agency is “organic.” Organic generally refers to food and beauty products and simply means that it is grown without banned substances, both artificial and naturally occurring.To be certified organic, the grower must comply with all EPA testing; however, growers producing less than $5,000.00 annually do not have to be tested. For more information on the regulations regarding the “organic” label, visit the US EPA website and search “Organic Farming.”

Botanical is a term that simply derived from a plant, and it's valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties. There is some self regulation among growers for the term botanical, however you must still thoroughly research any supplementation you take containing botanicals. Typically you will find botanical extracts or additives in beauty products. For further information, try AHPA.org.

Natural generally refers to a product that is not altered or artificial in any way, but even some processed foods are labeled “natural.” While there is no regulatory agency concerned with “natural products,” there is a group that offers some information: the Natural Products Association.

You should never assume that a product is good for you or for the environment just because it is labeled with one of these terms. Always check it out for yourself, particularly if you are taking any medications, as many herbs and plants interact with medications you may be currently prescribed.