The American Botanical Council (ABC) has released information stating that the New York Attorney General’s (NY AG’s) investigation on the herb “devil’s claw” has reached an incorrect conclusion. The ABC notes that this accusation is based on the NY AG’s too-narrow interpretation of botanical classifications.

Last week, the NY AG sent cease-and-desist letters to 13 companies that sell herbal supplements made from devil’s claw. In these letters, the organization noted that their products had been tested at the New York Botanical Garden with DNA technology, and that the results of said testing had revealed that the devil’s claw was actually of a different, “less desirable” botanical species than was labeled.

In botanical classification and nomenclature, devil’s claw is usually known scientifically by its Latin name, Harpagophytum procumbens. The DNA tests ordered by the NY AG, however, showed that some herbal supplements actually contain Harpagophytum zeyheri, a slightly different—but very closely related—form of devil’s claw.

“Both species of devil’s claw have a similar chemical profile,” says Thomas Brendler, a medicinal plant expert. “While both species differ marginally in shape and chemical composition, both are considered equally effective.”

Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the ABC, notes that the organization “sincerely [appreciates]” the NY AG’s desire to “help consumers maintain access to high-quality, safe, and effective herbal products.”

“We here at ABC have a similar mission,” he adds. “However, splitting the devil’s claw genus in the very narrow way that they have done in this investigation is akin to splitting hairs — it has no real meaning or value to anyone, particularly the herb consumer.”

According to a new market report published by the American Botanical Council (ABC), sales of herbal dietary supplements in the United States increased by 6.8 per cent in 2014, reaching an estimated total of more than $6.4 billion. This information was published in HerbalGram, the ABC’s quarterly journal.

The article notes that sales in the mainstream market channel—which includes retail outlets such as food, drug and mass-market stores—continued to grow throughout the year, increasing an estimated 2.1 per cent over 2013 sales. Meanwhile, sales in natural and health food stores rose by a stronger estimated growth of 5.2 per cent.

“Consumers continue to demonstrate their interest and confidence in botanical dietary supplements for a wide variety of health reasons,” says Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the ABC.

2014 marks the eleventh consecutive year of increased herbal supplements sales, according to data from previous HerbalGram herb market reports.

As the Canadian dollar continues to weaken and the prices of imported goods continue to soar, Canadian retailers are expected to make some tough decisions in the coming months.

In addition to staff layoffs and cutting wages, retailers will opt to hike prices in order to fight the consequences of the loonie’s 16-per cent drop compared to the U.S. dollar over the past year.

According to a survey of large and mid-sized retailers from a Retail Council of Canada study, the major effects of the Canadian dollar’s decline are yet to come.

“We [manufacturers] are constantly trying to balance near term profitability with stable long term growth,” says Aaron Skelton, vice-president brands and business development, GreenSpace Brands. “The variable that challenge us all is the consumers willingness to absorb the exchange fluctuation at shelf. Our biggest advantage is to ensure that consumers understand the value and quality of our products. The greater the consumers understanding, the more loyalty we can generate to sustain purchases after these necessary increases.”

Statistics Canada says that consumer prices have increased by 1.3 per cent in August from July as a result of higher costs for food, housing, home decor and clothing despite cheaper gas prices.

The Retail Council of Canada report does have one positive point – the drop in the dollar has resulted in less cross-border shopping and more spending on Canadian soil.

Effervescent and delicious, Ener-C’s Orange Flavour vitamin drink mix helps to boost your energy, immune system and electrolyte count naturally. With fast-absorbing vitamins and minerals and a zesty orange taste, this easy-to-use product packs a swift, electrifying and powerful punch.

While conventional cleansing wipes can leave skin feeling dry and irritated, Natracare’s Organic Makeup Removal Wipes use only the best natural ingredients to leave the face moisturized, clean and refreshed. Infused with organic almond, apricot and chamomile essential oils, this product is free of harmful, formaldehyde-releasing chemicals.

The Aubrey Organics Collagen Restorative Moisturizer for All Skin Types is certified by the Natural Products Association to meet truly natural standards. This firming, restorative moisturizer brings you the nourishing and conditioning powers of collagen and elastin, proteins found in your skin. Together they create a film on the skin’s surface that instantly improves texture and helps hold moisture in. We’ve enhanced it with the long-term firming and anti-wrinkle properties of milk protein peptides to lift and smooth the complexion and reduce visible signs of aging with twice daily use.

The Gardener’s Dream Cream is the winner of over 28 National Awards of Excellence for “Best Body & Skin Care Product” and “Best Aromatherapy Product.” It has been hailed as the go-to cream for a variety of ailments.

Gardener’s Dream Cream is the ultimate in vibrational therapy with its infusion of essential oils and other key ingredients.

Since 1989, Gardener’s Dream Cream has been the top choice for a full body treatment. A massage with Gardener’s Dream Cream helps you to relax and its therapeutic aroma creates a sense of wellbeing. This home care cream calms and is a perfect at home spa treatment for tired feet! It’s a perfect gift for anyone who loves natural body care.

PUR Gum is naturally sweet, gluten-free, nut- and soy-free, vegan, dairy-free, non-GMO, diabetic friendly, Swiss-made and safe for pregnant moms!

PUR Gum is naturally sweetened with Xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol derived from non-GMO corn grown in Europe, and doesn’t contain any wheat ingredients making it super safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

PUR Gum is available in six delicious flavours including Wintergreen, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Coolmint, Spearmint and Pomegranate Mint.

Olympic Dairy’s Balkan-style yogurt is distinguished by its firm and creamy texture. You can enjoy it plain in the morning, with fruit or chia seeds, for a health break, or as a thoroughly delicious evening snack. The Olympic Dairy Organic Probiotic Yogurt in Vanilla, 3.5%, contains organic whole milk, cane sugar, skim milk powder, vanillas and active bacterial culture.