From a reliable source Q: I often read in your newsletters about different herbal remedies and would like to try them. But I live in a rural area and either can't find what I am looking for, the products seem to be of poor quality, or they are not in the necessary strengths that I need. Is there another way to get the products I'm interested in? JVW: You're right to be concerned about the quality of the supplements you ingest. As with any product, the quality depends on a number of factors, including the ingredients, how it was manufactured, and the product's stability or shelf-life. The best way to get natural products you can trust is to form a relationship with a physician skilled in natural medicine who can recommend specific formulas and brands. Even though you're in a rural area, chances are you'll be able to find such a physician within driving distance. Some good sources to check are the American College for Advancement in Medicine (888-439-6891; www.acam.com), the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (866-538-2267; www.naturopathic.org), and the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (800-884-2236; www.aaem.org). | 
