We know that there are many products that advertise having herbs, but do you know if it is legal in Mexico? Not everything that glitters is gold, and not everything that claims to contain it actually contains it. To learn more, read on!

One of the best known herbs that can treat various conditions such as nausea, anxiety, inflammation, seizures and even help against cancer.

It is non-toxic and can be used in many forms. Countries such as the United States and Canada have changed their laws to be able to market products with herbs in markets that are currently quoted in millions of dollars.

Currently, there are many products on the market, but most of these do not have the necessary permits and are not legal.

The good news is that there are legal herbs in Mexico: in the form of cosmetics, supplements and medicines. Do you know what the differences are?

Demand for products with herb

Thanks to the beneficial effects and zero cases of overdose by herbs, international agencies such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have begun to change the prohibitionist paradigm by recognizing the usefulness of this substance. [1]

At the same time, demand for herb products has increased in the Americas, Europe and Oceania. The main products sought from the Internet are:

• drops for humans and pets,
• oils,
• Capsules,
• creams,
• balsams,
• gummies,
• beer

As a responsible consumer, we recommend that you always verify the origin, quality and legality of these products.

It is very important to request the certificate of analysis to know what it contains, and also to avoid acquiring products from unregistered suppliers, since there are few companies in Mexico that have the necessary permits to legally market herbs in Mexico.

Below, we explain the differences between supplements, cosmetics and medicines in Mexican legislation.

This product is NOT a medicine”: Cosmetics and supplements with herbs

Article 269 of the General Health Law (LGS) defines cosmetic products as “substances intended to be in contact with the superficial parts of the human body (skin, hair, nails, lips, teeth and mucous membranes), with the main purpose of cleaning it, perfuming it, modifying its appearance, protecting it, conserving its good condition, correcting body odours and attenuating or preventing deficiencies in the functioning of healthy skin”.

Food supplements, according to Article 215 of the LGS, are “products made from herbs, vegetable extracts, traditional foods, dehydrated or concentrated fruits (with nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates or carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals). Their purpose is to supplement some component of the dietary intake or to increase it”.

These supplements can be found in presentations such as capsules, syrups, powders and tablets, but not in candies, sweets or other confectionery.

Supplements and cosmetics do not require a health registration. The only step required (the “Notice of Operation”) is to notify the authority of the manufacturer’s location for possible monitoring of its facilities and products.

This means that analyses and certifications are NOT done for every product, so they may NOT contain the herbs they claim to have. If these products suggest therapeutic characteristics, they should include the following legend on their packaging: “This product is not a medicine”.

Both cosmetics and supplements are usually over-the-counter and easily accessible. By official provision, no medicinal properties can be attributed to them. Although they may meet certain needs of users, they are not designed to treat, cure, prevent or alleviate symptoms of any disease.

The same Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (Cofepris) warns that cosmetics and food supplements that promise to treat or cure diseases are misleading their consumers.

Try to visit their page to know more about C tablets.