The UK government has designed a collection of herbal remedies as ‘holding a traditional herbal registration (THR)’, which is granted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
These naturally derived formulations are registered to the formulator, typically a health and wellbeing company.
The registration means that the formulation has been deemed to be ‘acceptably safe’.
Since 2009, many of these products and companies have shown their registration through the use of the ‘THR’ mark, a logo that can act as a guide for consumers.
Registration of a formulation means that consumers who purchase these registered products can be assured that they have been assessed for safety. But it does not mean that there are no possible side-effects.
It is therefore always important to conduct your own research before using a traditional herbal medicine and to seek advice from qualified individuals if you are in doubt as to their suitability.