You may be asking yourself why being Certified Organic is so important. Also what is the difference is between Certified Organic, wildcrafted and conventional? Read on to find out the answers!
Why “Organic” is so important?
Many people prefer to buy organic foods and products for themselves and their families, but what exactly does “Certified Organic” mean, and what are the benefits of using organic products?
- “Organic” generally refers to ingredients and products grown and produced without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides and herbicides.
- Chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides have been linked to birth defects, obesity, diabetes, ADHD, and other health problems.
Benefits of using Certified Organic Foods and Products (including herbal products)
- Studies show that organically grown foods (which include herbs and those herbs used as ingredients in our products) have higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, nutrients and antioxidants.
- Beyond supporting our health and the health of our children, organic practices are good for the health of the planet.
- replenishes and revitalizes the Earth’s soils when these chemicals are not used
- protects wildlife, water, and other resources from these harsh chemicals
- prohibits the use of GMO’s (organic foods never contain GMO’s as that practice goes against the Certified Organic rules and is not allowed)
- removes toxins like pesticide and herbicide residues and as well as antibiotics and hormones from our food supply chain
- Growing, manufacturing, and consuming Certified Organic products also benefits our local communities, economies, and public health.
In a world filled with some very unhealthy food and supplement choices, it’s easy to see the health benefits of organic products.
What is Wildcrafted?
Wildcrafted means that the herb is grown and harvested from the wild. They are grown without the use of pesticides and herbicides but because there is no “paper trail” proving that they are clear of these things, they cannot be legally called organic.
The products on our website that contain wildcrafted herbs are labeled as conventional.
Why are some of your products not Certified Organic?
Some of the herbs used in a few of our products contain Wildcrafted herbs (see above). There are no Certified Organic sources available for these herbs unfortunately, but we feel confident in their quality and wildcrafted status to use them in our products.
Because we cannot get official certifications or documentation proving their organic status (because they’re grown and harvested from the wild), we cannot legally call them “Certified Organic”. They are still of excellent quality and standards, but because we cannot obtain the required documentation for certification, they must be called “conventional”.
How do companies become “Certified Organic”?
Companies who make and sell certified organic products must meet the strict USDA NOP (National Organic Program) standards.
Compliance is audited and confirmed by a third-party certifier (ours is CCOF – California Certified Organic Farmers, located in Santa Cruz, CA).
Companies manufacturing Certified Organic products are inspected annually and must demonstrate complete traceability through the entire manufacturing process, ensuring that they meet the Certified Organic requirements and proving the integrity of their products from start to finish. We do that and pass with flying colors!