Practitioner only products vs over the counter

Not all products are created equally!

Lets break down the difference here because this is something I’m passionate about.

I’ve heard from people before “I can find these products at the chemist much cheaper” and let me explain why! 

Practitioner-only products which can only be dispensed by a qualified health practitioner undergo rigorous testing and clinical trials to ensure they are both effective and safe. They are filled with quality ingredients in a much higher dose to ensure it’s having the desired effect.

Over the counter supplements only contain a very small amount of the active ingredient (which is why they are available for everyone) — because while herbs and supplements come from natural forms, they can still have toxic affects if taken incorrectly. In some cases, the form of these ingredients are very poor quality and not always easily absorbed into the body.

Another component that comes with this is the issue of self-prescribing, which leads down the slippery slope of symptom treating which usually ends up being a waste of money and potentially harmful if not done correctly. I used to do this all the time, many years before becoming a practitioner and I can definitely say I’ve wasted so much money over the years. Herbal medicine can also interact with other supplements or prescribed medication, all of which undergoes careful consideration when prescribed by a qualified Naturopath.

Once you are under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, taking good quality supplements — you will notice the difference. You get what you pay for, and you’ll never regret seeking the guidance of someone who knows what they’re doing!