Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Skin & Beauty > Know the Difference Between Herbal, Ayurvedic, Natural, and Organic

Know the Difference Between Herbal, Ayurvedic, Natural, and Organic

February 9, 2022 - Updated on February 24, 2022
7 min read
By Akanksha Shah Sanghvi, MD, Clinical Dermatology

In this article:

  • Major Differences Between Herbal, Ayurvedic, Natural, and Organic
  • Properties of Herbal, Ayurvedic, Natural, and Organic Products
  • Which Is Better for Skin and Hair?
  • Common Side Effects
  • Most-Asked Questions
  • Final Word

There are several nature-based, eco-friendly products available on the market nowadays, sold under the label of natural, organic, herbal, or Ayurvedic. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same.

key differences between herbal, ayurvedic, natural, & organic products

This article has compiled the various differences between herbal, natural, organic, and Ayurvedic products.

Major Differences Between Herbal, Ayurvedic, Natural, and Organic

HerbalAyurvedicNaturalOrganic
Contains plant extracts, leaves, roots, and flower extractsContains plant parts such as roots, leaves, stems, and flowers as well as heavy metals and oilsContains plants and mineralsContains naturally sourced ingredients such as plant parts, flowers, leaves, etc.
The ingredients may be contaminated with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenicMay contain toxic heavy metalsMay be contaminated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides Free from artificial fertilizers, pesticides, etc.
Are not regulated by any standards Global and local standards are maintained in India as Ayurveda is considered a legitimate medicinal science in the countryCertain standards of purity are present but are lax with no regulations Heavily regulated with several standards of purity both locally and globally

Note: All of the above may contain synthetic oils and artificial fragrances.

Properties of Herbal, Ayurvedic, Natural, and Organic Products

The most commonly seen labels are:

  • Herbal
  • Ayurvedic
  • Natural
  • Organic

1. Herbal products

Herbal products are made from herbs, herb extracts, leaf and flower extracts, (1) etc.

Advertisements

The ingredients used in a herbal product may be grown with the help of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and ingredients may also contain heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.

Herbal products can have strong effects on the body and may treat a number of health issues. They are available in the form of dietary supplements (capsules, powders), topical ointments, and face creams, among others. (2)

Herbal products mostly contain ginkgo biloba, garlic, (3) chamomile, and neem. Herbal supplements and medicines do not come under FDA regulations as they are considered to be a food product rather than a drug. (4)

2. Ayurvedic products

Ayurveda is an ancient science that originated in India thousands of years ago. (5) It is heavily reliant on the use of plants, plant extracts, and minerals for the treatment of several diseases. It is a form of alternative medicine that has proven effective in treating many different types of ailments.

Ayurvedic products may also contain trace amounts of heavy metals such as mercury, silver, copper, gold, sulfur, tin, and the ingredients used might have been grown using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. (6)

They are available in the form of powders, tablets, lotions, etc. Common examples of Ayurvedic ingredients include licorice root and ashwagandha.

Advertisements

Ayurvedic medicines can be very potent, so it is important that they are made with authentic ingredients and techniques, or else they can lead to deleterious side effects.

In India, for instance, only those manufacturers that have the Ayush license issued by the Govt. of India are allowed to produce Ayurvedic products.

3. Natural products

all about natural products

Natural products are made of plant parts, fruits, vegetables, and minerals found in nature. (7)

Often, the ingredients listed on the label may sound synthetic but really it may not be the case. Example – Sodium chloride; in actual it is just another name for sea salt.

Currently, the US Department of Agriculture does not have any regulations for the “natural” label and any product containing even a little bit of a plant extract can be called natural, no matter how many synthetic chemicals are added to it.

Hence, always ensure that the products you buy are actually natural by checking the ingredient list on the label. Plus, best to opt for those natural products that are actually certified by some organisation in that field.

Advertisements

They may or may not contain preservatives and fragrances but the ingredients may be grown with the help of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

4. Organic products

Organic products contains natural ingredients that are grown without the use of fertilizers or pesticides. (8) They are eco-friendly and safe for use in most cases. (9) They also may or may not contain preservatives and artificial fragrances.

The organic label is heavily regulated and all products are tested before they reach the consumer markets. Organic products include edibles, clothing, and skin care. (10)(11)

When you buy an organic product, make sure to check that it’s actually a certified organic product. Just having “Organic” in the brand name doesn’t make it actually organic, therefore checking the certification is a must.

Which Is Better for Skin and Hair?

herbal, ayurvedic, natural, and herbal products: Which is better?

Each skin type is unique and different people may have different reactions to the same product.

While all four types of products may be beneficial, do check the ingredients list as it’s the most important thing that will help you to decide what’s right or wrong.

Advertisements

Common Side Effects

Most of these products are made of natural sources and are therefore safe to use. Nevertheless, some people may experience the following side effects:

  • Rashes and skin irritation
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Allergic reactions

Note: Always consult your gynecologist before trying any of these products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are using a skin care product for the first time, patch test it on a small area of the skin (underside of the arm or neck) before complete application. This will help rule out any allergies or adverse skin reactions.

Most-Asked Questions

Are natural and organic skin care products the same?

Natural and organic skin care products are not the same.

“Natural” products are made up of ingredients found in nature like plants and minerals. “Organic” products also contain plant-based ingredients but unlike “Natural” they are grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

Advertisements

However, always ensure that the organic products you buy are certified genuine.

Are organic and herbal skin care products the same?

are organic and herbal skin products the same?

No. Both organic and herbal skin products are made up of plant parts but they are not the same in two respects.

Firstly, the ingredients used for making organic products are cultivated without the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers but those used in herbal products may contain these contaminants.

Secondly, organic products have to pass several regulatory standards of purity whereas herbal products do not undergo any such regulation.

Are natural and Ayurvedic skin care products the same?

Again, no. Natural beauty products are made from plants and minerals. They can be used to improve your skin texture and complexion.

Ayurveda, on the other hand, is the traditional system of Indian medicine. It is a form of alternative medicine that can treat a number of diseases and common skin problems.

Final Word

All types of nature-based products are good as long as they do not contain any harmful chemical additives.

Hence it’s always advised to read the ingredients list on the label and ensure that the product you use is chemical-free. Even better if it’s certified by some reputed regulatory body which guarantees its purity.

A particular product does not work the same way on every skin or body type. Therefore, it can yield different results for different people. You should try a few different products to find what suits you best.

References
  1. Sofowora A, Ogunbodede E, Onayade A. The role and place of medicinal plants in the strategies for disease prevention. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines: AJTCAM. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3847409/. Published August 12, 2013.
  2. Helal NA, Eassa HA, Amer AM, Eltokhy MA, Edafiogho I, Nounou MI. Nutraceuticals’ novel formulations: The good, the bad, the unknown and patents involved. Recent patents on drug delivery & formulation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6806606/. Published 2019.
  3. Abebe W. Review of herbal medications with the potential to cause bleeding: Dental implications, and risk prediction and prevention avenues. The EPMA journal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6459456/. Published January 8, 2019.
  4. Avigan MI, Mozersky RP, Seeff LB. Scientific and regulatory perspectives in herbal and dietary supplement associated hepatotoxicity in the United States. International journal of molecular sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4813193/. Published March 3, 2016.
  5. Behere PB, Das A, Yadav R, Behere AP. Ayurvedic concepts related to psychotherapy. Indian journal of psychiatry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3705701/. Published January 2013.
  6. Galib, Barve M, Mashru M, Jagtap C, Patgiri BJ, Prajapati PK. Therapeutic potentials of metals in ancient India: A review through Charaka Samhita. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3131772/. Published April 2011.
  7. Veeresham C. Natural products derived from plants as a source of drugs. Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560124/. Published October 2012.
  8. Jarczok-Guzy M. Obstacles to the development of the organic food market in Poland and the possible directions of growth. Food science & nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6145282/. Published June 19, 2018.
  9. Mie A, Andersen HR, Gunnarsson S, et al. Human health implications of organic food and organic agriculture: A comprehensive review. Environmental health : a global access science source. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5658984/. Published October 27, 2017.
  10. Vigar V, Myers S, Oliver C, Arellano J, Robinson S, Leifert C. A systematic review of organic versus conventional food consumption: Is there a measurable benefit on human health? Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019963/. Published December 18, 2019.
  11. Dolan LC, Matulka RA, Burdock GA. Naturally occurring food toxins. Toxins. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153292/. Published September 2010.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.