Reviews and Information for Gaia Herbs
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Product Review
Maca Supplements Review
Choose the Best Maca Supplement. Make Sure Your Maca Supplement Isn't Contaminated With Lead.
Product Review
Holy Basil Supplements Review
Find the Best Holy Basil (Tulsi) Supplements. Tests and Reviews of Popular Holy Basil Supplements & CL's Top Pick.
Product Review
Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review
See Our Top Picks Among Turmeric Products
Product Review
Ashwagandha Supplements Review
Find the Best Ashwagandha Supplement. Only 38% of Ashwagandha Products Pass Tests.
Product Review
Ginseng Supplements Review
Find the Best Ginseng Supplement. Key "Ginsenosides" Found to Range 10-Fold Across Products.
Product Review
Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review
Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead
Product Review
Rhodiola Rosea Supplements Review
Do Rhodiola Supplements Help With Depression and Anxiety? Find Out and See Which Rhodiola Supplements Provide the Best Quality & Value.
Product Review
Ginger Supplements, Chews & Spices Review
Tests Reveal Best and Worst Ginger Supplements & Spices. Poor Quality and Lead Contamination Discovered in Some Products.
Product Review
St. John's Wort Supplements Review
Find the Best St. John's Wort Supplement. Only 40% of St. John's Wort Supplements Pass Tests & Strength Varies Widely.
Clinical Update
10/27/2023
Information to Avoid Counterfeits Added for 7 Brands
We've added information about how to safely purchase products from Bragg, Centrum, Gaia Herbs, Host Defense, Nutricost, Vital Proteins, and Vitamin Shoppe to our article about Where to Safely Buy Real Vitamins and Supplements. The list now covers 39 brands.
Product Review
Valerian Supplements Review
Choose the Best Valerian Supplement. Strength and Contamination Vary Widely Among Popular Valerian Brands.
CL Answer
Where to Safely Buy Real Vitamins and Supplements Online, Not Fakes or Counterfeits
ConsumerLab explains how to avoid counterfeit vitamins and supplements when shopping online on Amazon, Walmart.com, and other sites. Learn to identify authorized sites and sellers and avoid fake supplements. Use the brand-by-brand guide to protect yourself from risk.
CL Answer
Does Bacopa extract improve memory, mood, or sleep? Is it safe?
Find out if bacopa improves memory and cognition, mood or sleep, and whether it's been shown to be helpful in people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Plus, learn about the safety and common side effects of bacopa.
CL Answer
Black Pepper Extract & Turmeric: Is black pepper extract necessary for turmeric to be effective, and is it safe?
Find out the best way to take turmeric and curcumin supplements to increase absorption and bioavailability. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
What are the health effects of turkey tail mushroom and is it safe?
Learn about the possible health effects of turkey tail mushroom, including its use as adjuvant treatment for cancer and for boosting immune function, plus get information about possible side effects and find out why ConsumerLab has not yet tested turkey tail products.
News Release
February 25, 2025
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2025 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2025 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on over 8,400 responses collected in November/December 2024.
News Release
May 23, 2024
ConsumerLab Finds Little Ashwagandha in Most Ashwagandha Supplements
White Plains, NY, May 23, 2024 — Ashwagandha is often promoted to decrease stress and anxiety, and improve sleep and cognition.
News Release
February 25, 2024
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2024 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2024 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on over 10,000 responses collected in November/December 2023.
News Release
June 29, 2023
ConsumerLab Tests Reveal the Best Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices
White Plains, New York, June 29, 2023 — Turmeric and curcumin (a key compound in turmeric) are promoted for uses including osteoarthritis, seasonal allergies, and ulcerative colitis, as well as improving cognition and reducing symptoms of depression.
News Release
February 25, 2023
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2023 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2023 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 8,600 responses collected in November/December 2022.
News Release
October 06, 2022
Lion’s Mane and Chaga Supplement Labels May Mislead, According to ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, October 6, 2022 — Lion’s mane and chaga supplements are often promoted to improve memory and mood, boost the immune system, and a range of other health benefits.
News Release
February 25, 2022
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2022 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2022 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 8,049 responses collected in November/December 2021.
News Release
June 16, 2021
Wide Variations in Ginseng Potency, Quality Revealed by ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, June 16, 2021 — Ginseng is promoted for a wide range of uses, from increasing energy, "vitality," and libido, to improving blood sugar levels and preventing colds.
News Release
February 25, 2021
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2021 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2021 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 9,647 responses collected in November 2020.
News Release
December 22, 2020
Best and Worst Ginger Supplements, Chews & Spices Identified by ConsumerLab. Contamination, Less Ginger Than Expected in Some Products.
White Plains, New York, December 22, 2020 — Ginger is not only a popular spice but may reduce nausea from motion sickness and pregnancy and modestly decrease pain from osteoarthritis. Key compounds in ginger known as gingerols are believed to be active components of ginger.
News Release
April 03, 2020
Tests of Holy Basil Supplements Show 63% Fail on Quality -- ConsumerLab Tests Reveal the Best and Worst Holy Basil Supplements
White Plains, New York, April 3, 2020 — Holy basil supplements are promoted to reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood sugar, and strengthen the immune system.
News Release
February 25, 2020
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2020 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2020 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 9,782 responses collected in late November and early December 2019.
News Release
February 25, 2019
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2019 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2019 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,931 responses collected in late November and early December 2018.
News Release
February 25, 2018
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2018 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2018 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 11,446 responses collected in late November and early December 2017.
News Release
April 04, 2017
ConsumerLab.com Reveals Best and Worst Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements & Spices -- 31% Fail ConsumerLab.com Tests of Quality
White Plains, New York, April 4, 2017 — Turmeric and its key compound, curcumin, may be help reduce symptoms of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and may be helpful in treating depression, diabetes, and indigestion.
News Release
February 25, 2017
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2017 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
White Plains, New York, February 25, 2017 — Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 9,505 responses collected in late November and early December 2016.
News Release
September 26, 2016
60% of St. John's Wort Supplements Fail ConsumerLab.com Tests of Quality
White Plains, New York, September 26, 2016 — St. John's wort extracts can be as effective as standard antidepressant drugs for treating mild to moderate major depression, with significantly fewer side effects. However, recent ConsumerLab.com tests revealed that six of ten St.
News Release
July 05, 2016
80% of Milk Thistle Supplements Fail ConsumerLab.com Tests of Quality -- Most Found to Be Low in Key Component
White Plains, New York, July 5, 2016 — Milk thistle supplements naturally contain silymarin compounds which may be helpful in certain liver diseases as well as type 2 diabetes. However, recent ConsumerLab.
News Release
March 22, 2016
Rhodiola: Does It Help With Depression and Anxiety and Which Brands Are Best? -- ConsumerLab.com Reviews the Evidence and Tests the Quality of Popular R. Rosea Supplements --
White Plains, New York, March 22, 2016 — Rhodiola (R. rosea) supplements are promoted to treat depression, anxiety, and fatigue — but do they really work? And do products on the market contain the right species, amounts, and appropriate doses of R.
News Release
March 01, 2016
Does Echinacea Really Help With Colds and Which Brands Are Best?
White Plains, New York, March 1, 2016 — Echinacea supplements are a popular choice for preventing colds and treating cold symptoms, but do they really work? And, with so many different types of Echinacea marketed, how do you know which one to choose? To answer these questions, ConsumerLab.
News Release
February 25, 2016
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2016 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 11,534 responses collected in November, 2015. Respondents gave ratings for 963 brands and 399 merchants.
News Release
January 05, 2016
Cinnamon Spices and Supplements Found to Vary Widely in Levels of Potentially Helpful and Harmful Compounds Reports ConsumerLab.com
White Plains, New York, January 5, 2016 — Cinnamon supplements may be helpful for controlling blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, possibly due to compounds known as proanthocyanidins or PACs.
News Release
September 19, 2015
ConsumerLab.com Tests Popular Prostate Supplements with Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol
White Plains, New York, September 19, 2015 — Can prostate supplements with ingredients such as saw palmetto or beta-sitosterol improve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a condition affecting more than half of men over age 60? And, if so, which supplements are properly made and labeled and ...
News Release
July 01, 2015
Tests of Maca "Enhancement" Supplements Find Real Maca, But Some Lead Contamination and Seemingly Excessive Amounts of Rice Filler
White Plains, New York, July 1, 2015 — It's touted for increasing stamina and sexual performance and sales have steadily increased for more than a decade, but do maca supplements really contain this root indigenous to Peru? To answer this question, ConsumerLab.
News Release
February 25, 2015
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2015 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,329 responses collected in November, 2014. Respondents gave ratings for 1,709 brands and 891 merchants.
News Release
January 06, 2015
Only 25% of Ashwagandha Supplements Pass ConsumerLab.com Review
White Plains, New York, January 6, 2015 —"It's very hard to find a good ashwagandha supplement," notes Tod Cooperman, M.D., President of ConsumerLab.com, the health product testing company which recently completed evaluations of ashwagandha herbal supplements.
News Release
February 12, 2014
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2014 Based on Consumer Satisfaction -- Results of the ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,326 responses collected in November, 2013. Respondents gave ratings for 1,639 brands and 788 merchants.
News Release
October 23, 2013
Valerian “Sleep” Supplements Vary Widely in Key Compounds and Two Fail Tests for Lead Contamination
White Plains, New York — October 23, 2013 — Valerian root powders and extracts are popular herbal sleep aids and may have anti-anxiety effects, but few products on the market provide the amounts of compounds typically used in clinical trials, and some are contaminated with lead, ...
News Release
February 01, 2013
Top-rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2013 Based on Consumer Satisfaction
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,862 responses collected in November, 2012. Respondents gave ratings for 1,438 brands and 851 merchants.
News Release
December 21, 2012
ConsumerLab.com Tests Reveal What's Really In Green Tea Supplements and Bottled Drinks
White Plains, New York — December 21, 2012 — How do levels of EGCG and caffeine in green tea supplements and bottled teas compare with levels provided in a typical brewed green tea? It very much depends on the brand, according to new tests by ConsumerLab.com.
News Release
February 01, 2012
Top-rated vitamin and supplement brands and merchants on consumer satisfaction for 2012 -- Based on ConsumerLab.com Survey of Vitamin & Supplement Users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 10,260 responses collected in November, 2011. Most respondents used multiple supplements.
News Release
February 01, 2011
Top-rated vitamin and supplement brands and merchants on consumer satisfaction for 2011 -- Based on ConsumerLab.com survey of vitamin and supplement users
Each year, ConsumerLab.com surveys its free e-newsletter subscribers about the vitamins and supplements that they use. The results below are based on 6,010 responses collected in November, 2010. Most respondents used multiple supplements.
News Release
January 31, 2011
Vitamin D use increased 52% in past two years according to ConsumerLab.com survey of supplement users -- Fish oil continued to surpass multivitamins as most popular supplement and Internet was most common place to buy supplements
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — FEBRUARY 1, 2011 — Among people who use dietary supplements, the most popular products at the end of 2010 were fish oil, multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium and CoQ10 according to a survey by ConsumerLab.com. Use of vitamin D surged in 2010 to 56.
News Release
June 30, 2010
Echinacea supplements vary widely in ingredients but found clear of contaminants according to ConsumerLab.com -- New review guides consumers through wide range of dosage, species, preparations, and formulas in echinacea products
WHITE PLAINS, NY — June 30, 2010 — Echinacea may help prevent colds and cold-symptoms, but choosing a supplement is difficult due to the range of ingredients offered. To provide consumers guidance, ConsumerLab.
News Release
June 12, 2007
Tests show many milk thistle supplements low in key component — Seven products fail ConsumerLab.com testing of herb used in diabetes and liver diseases
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — June 12, 2007 — Tests by ConsumerLab.com of nine milk thistle supplements that it selected showed that only two contained the expected amounts of silymarin compounds, believed to be the active constituent of milk thistle.
News Release
February 14, 2007
ConsumerLab.com reports on anti-depressant herb — St. John's Wort — Few supplements pass quality testing
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — FEBRUARY 14, 2007 — St. John's wort may be helpful in treating mild to moderate cases of clinical depression, but a new report from ConsumerLab.com shows that few of the herbal products tested met quality standards. Americans purchased $64 million of St.
News Release
August 15, 2006
Over 70% of herbal sleep supplements fail tests for quality by ConsumerLab.com — Results for 16 valerian products released today
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — AUGUST 15, 2006 — Most of the valerian dietary supplements recently tested by ConsumerLab.com were low in potency and/or contaminated, the testing company reported today. Valerian, an herbal sleep aid, accounts for approximately $50 million in sales in the U.S.
