Sales through health food stores are predominant compared to other outlets like supermarkets and drug discount stores. Although in the more developed markets of France and Germany, most herbal sales are through pharmacies. New legislation in France actually restricts the sale of licensed herbal products to pharmacies. Generally though, European countries allow herbal remedies to be sold only in places that provide some kind of advisory service to consumers. Some countries like Germany and France have created a system of monographs that establish a plant s safety and efficacy.
Manufacturers only have to provide proof of a product s quality.
Interestingly, the UK is not producing any monographs and the British herbal market has been restricted by negative attitudes of the medical profession, government and pharmacies. Their herbal sales equal 2 percent of the UK s total pharmaceutical market. A copy of the monographs established by the German government are available for study at Cheryl s Herbs. Although the English translation is in book form, the monographs were originally intended to be package insert information. The German Commission E Monographs have been described as the most accurate scientific information available in the entire world on the safety and efficacy of herbs.