Herbalism at a Crossroads: Protecting Trust in a Time of Frustration

Andree Noye
Oct 2
3 min read

Herbalism in Nova Scotia is at a turning point. Public interest in herbs, apothecary products, and natural wellness is stronger than ever, especially as more people feel discouraged with the medical system. At the same time, Health Canada is moving forward with stricter Natural Health Product (NHP) regulations that may make it increasingly difficult for small practitioners to continue.

By Andrée Noye, MA, Clinical Herbalist and President, Herbalist Association of Nova Scotia. Reading Time: 7 minutes

If we want herbalism to thrive at the community level, we must protect our reputation by showing that we are safe, ethical, and worthy of public trust.

Cottage core aesthetics, such as this picture of a selection of handcrafted herbal tinctures and dried flowers display, are in part responsible for influencing a return to family herbalism and natural remedies.

Why People Turn to Herbs

It is easy to understand why community members seek out herbs and home-made products. Many feel dismissed or unheard in conventional healthcare, where clinic visits often allow only one concern per appointment. For those living with chronic pain or multiple overlapping conditions, that model feels inadequate.

Frustration is real, and herbalists can meet it with care. We can provide more time, more listening, and a broader perspective. But when frustration is exploited through exaggerated claims or miracle-cure promises, clients are not being empowered. They are being misled, and the credibility of our whole field is put at risk.

When Passion Crosses Into Risk

In our region, some home-based apothecaries are selling products marketed as cures for depression, cancer, or chronic Lyme disease. These promises may come from passion, but they cross into dangerous territory.

St. John’s Wort can reduce the effectiveness of many prescription drugs, including antidepressants and birth control pills (Mills & Bone, Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, 2013).
Comfrey can be beneficial in topical salves, but when taken internally it has been linked to severe liver damage (Brinker, Complex Herbs – Complete Medicines, 2018).
Wintergreen essential oil contains methyl salicylate, which is toxic even at small doses if improperly used (Tisserand & Young, Essential Oil Safety, 2014).

These are not theoretical risks. They are well-documented and highlight why safety, education, and scope of practice matter so much.

Scope of Practice and Integrity

Herbalists cannot diagnose, treat, or cure disease. What we can do is support body systems, reduce discomfort, and encourage resilience. This work is meaningful and powerful in its own right.

In my own practice, for example, I often see clients living with the aftermath of Lyme disease. I do not claim to treat Lyme itself. Instead, I offer tinctures and strategies to support recovery, reduce stress on the nervous system, and strengthen overall vitality. That distinction is critical. It is also the standard we expect from all professional herbalists.

David Hoffmann reminds us that herbalism is about supporting physiological function, not replacing medicine (Medical Herbalism, 2003). Simon Mills describes herbalists as “partners in health.” These perspectives reflect the integrity we must hold.

A person carefully sifts through dried herbs using a wooden frame in a garden setting, surrounded by fresh flowers and natural twine.

Why This Matters Now

Health Canada already regulates natural health products under the Food and Drugs Act through the Natural Health Products Regulations. These regulations require licensing, manufacturing standards, and limits on advertising and claims. Every time an unverified claim is made in the name of herbalism, it raises red flags and increases the likelihood of enforcement.

The reality is that large companies can absorb compliance costs. It is the small apothecaries and community herbalists who will pay the price when regulators act. If we want to preserve herbalism as a community practice, we must prove that we can self-regulate. That means clear labeling, honest language, safety precautions, and an ongoing commitment to education.

An Invitation to Join, Not Divide

This is not about discouraging creativity or home practice. Herbalism needs more voices, not fewer. But it also needs responsibility. The best way forward is for makers to come together under shared standards.

The Herbalist Association of Nova Scotia exists to support practitioners in doing exactly that. We offer community, guidance, and credibility. Membership is a way to raise your practice, protect your reputation, and help demonstrate that herbalism in this province is professional and safe.

Closing Thoughts

As the Herbalist Association of Nova Scotia, we believe our future depends on the standards we set today. By standing together, we can show regulators and the public that herbalists are capable of professionalism and care. The path forward is one of shared responsibility, mutual support, and respect for the plants and the people who trust us with them. In care,