Table 6 Characteristics of natural product regulation and naturopathic ‘tools of trade’
ACCESS TO NATURAL PRODUCTS (n=65) | ||
|---|---|---|
 Botanical medicines | N | % |
  Restricted and requires a prescription | 11 | 16.9 |
  Access to health professional only | 8 | 12.3 |
  Restricted but available to consumers (i.e. behind the counter) | 13 | 20.0 |
  Freely available to consumers (i.e. over the counter) | 35 | 53.8 |
  Not available at all | 3 | 4.6 |
 Nutraceuticals | ||
  Restricted and requires a prescription | 7 | 10.8 |
  Access to health professional only | 6 | 9.2 |
  Restricted but available to consumers (i.e. behind the counter) | 12 | 18.5 |
  Freely available to consumers (i.e. over the counter) | 34 | 52.3 |
  Not available at all | 2 | 3.1 |
 Homeopathics | ||
  Restricted and requires a prescription | 9 | 13.8 |
  Access to health professional only | 12 | 18.5 |
  Restricted but available to consumers (i.e. behind the counter) | 11 | 16.9 |
  Freely available to consumers (i.e. over the counter) | 31 | 47.7 |
  Not available at all | 3 | 4.6 |
 Other | ||
  Restricted and requires a prescription | 7 | 10.8 |
  Access to health professional only | 6 | 9.2 |
  Restricted but available to consumers (i.e. behind the counter) | 4 | 6.2 |
  Freely available to consumers (i.e. over the counter) | 8 | 12.3 |
  Not available at all | 3 | 4.6 |