How to Read Herbal Labels: What to Look For

Buying herbal products can feel confusing — there are many names, claims and tiny print. Reading the label carefully helps you pick safe, effective products and avoid fakes. This guide walks you through the important parts of a herbal product label and gives simple tips you can use next time you shop.

Quick note: This is general information only. For medical advice, or if you are on medication, pregnant, or giving herbs to a child, talk to a doctor first.

1. Product name and form

Look at the top of the label:

• Product name — e.g., “Giloy Syrup”, “Ashwagandha Capsules”.
• Form — capsule, syrup, powder, paste, oil. The form affects how you use it and the dose.

Why it matters: Two products with similar names may be very different if one is a syrup and the other is a capsule.

2. Net quantity / size

Find how much product is inside:

• Examples: “60 capsules”, “200 ml”, “100 g”.
• Some labels also show servings per container.

Why it matters: Helps you compare price per dose and know how long the pack will last.

3. Ingredients list (read carefully)

This is one of the most important parts:

• Ingredients are usually listed from highest to lowest amount.
• Look for both common names and scientific names (e.g., Ashwagandha / Withania somnifera). Scientific names reduce confusion.
• Check for added ingredients like preservatives, sweeteners, fillers, gluten, or artificial colours.

Why it matters: Some products hide fillers or mixing herbs under vague terms like “herbal blend.” If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, ingredient details are essential.

4. Active ingredient and strength

Good labels tell you the active ingredient and how much is in each serving:

• Example: “Each capsule contains 300 mg Ashwagandha extract (standardized to 5% withanolides).”
• For syrups, the label may show mg per 5 ml.

Why it matters: Strength tells you whether the product contains a meaningful dose. “Standardized” extracts show how much of the key chemical the product guarantees.

5. Recommended dosage & directions

Labels should clearly say:

• How much to take (e.g., 1 capsule twice daily).
• When to take it (before/after meals).
• How long to use (if applicable).

Why it matters: Wrong dose can be ineffective or cause side effects. Follow label directions or the advice of a qualified practitioner.

6. Warnings, contraindications & interactions

Look for statements like:

• “Not for pregnant women.”
• “Consult your doctor if you are on medication.”
• “Keep out of reach of children.”

Why it matters: Some herbs interact with medicines (e.g., blood thinners), so warnings are essential for safety.

7. Storage instructions

Labels often say how to store the product:

• Examples: “Store in a cool, dry place,” or “Refrigerate after opening.”

Why it matters: Proper storage preserves potency and prevents spoilage.

8. Batch number, manufacturing & expiry date

Check these items:

• Batch / Lot number — useful for recalls or verification.
• Manufacturing date (MFG) and Expiry/Best before date (EXP).

Why it matters: Don’t buy expired products. Batch numbers let the company trace any problem with that production run.

9. Manufacturer & contact information

A trustworthy product shows:

• Company name, address, and customer care email/phone.
• If there’s no contact info, be cautious.

Why it matters: You should be able to contact the maker for questions or complaints.

10. Certifications, approvals & seals

Look for recognized marks, such as:

• FSSAI (in India), GMP, ISO, or organic certification (if claimed).
• Note: Certification logos should be real — check the certifier’s name, not just the icon.

Why it matters: Certifications indicate third-party checks (manufacturing standards, safety). However, absence of a logo doesn’t always mean poor quality — but presence helps.

11. Claims & marketing language

Watch for extreme claims:

• “Cures diabetes” or “100% guaranteed cure” are red flags.
• Labels should be clear about what the product is intended for (support, supplement) rather than cure claims.

Why it matters: Legitimate products use careful, supported wording. Big medical claims without evidence are suspect.

12. Barcode / QR code / authenticity features

Good labels may include:

• QR code linking to product details or verification.
• Holograms, tamper seals, scratch-off codes for authenticity.

Why it matters: Use QR codes or authenticity codes to confirm the product is genuine on the manufacturer’s website.

13. Price, MRP & unit price

Labels may show:

• MRP and, sometimes, a unit price (price per 100 g or per capsule).

Why it matters: Unit price helps compare different pack sizes and brands fairly.

14. Packaging & physical checks

Before you buy:

• Check the seal is unbroken.
• Inspect packaging for damage, smudged printing, or spelling mistakes (common in counterfeit items).
• Look for consistent label styling — crooked printing or low-quality paper can be warning signs.

Quick checklist (print or save)

Use this short checklist when reading any herbal product label:

• Product name and form clear
• Net quantity / serving size shown
• Full ingredient list (scientific names where possible)
• Active ingredient & strength listed
• Dosage & directions present
• Warnings & contraindications included
• Storage instructions present
• Batch number, MFG & EXP present
• Manufacturer name and contact info present
• Certifications / approval logos (if any)
• No unrealistic medical claims
• Tamper seal / authenticity feature intact

Red flags — when to be cautious

• Vague ingredient lists like “herbal blend” without specifics.
• No contact details or company name.
• Missing expiry or batch number.
• Big medical claims (e.g., “cures cancer”) with no evidence.
• Poor printing quality, obvious spelling mistakes.
• No dosage instructions.

If you find one of these, question the product or contact the seller for more info.

How to verify a product

1. Scan any QR code or authenticity code on the pack.
2. Check the manufacturer’s website for the same batch number (some brands provide verification pages).
3. If in doubt, contact the company’s customer care email/phone printed on the label.
4. Buy from trusted sellers or official brand stores.

Short sample label reading (example)

Imagine a capsule label shows:

• Ashwagandha Capsule — 60 caps
• Ingredients: Withania somnifera extract (300 mg), Capsule shell (vegetable cellulose).
• Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily after food.
• Warnings: Consult doctor if pregnant or on medication. Keep away from children.
• MFG: 01/2025 — EXP: 01/2027 — Batch: B12345
• Manufacturer: Jami Raza Herbal Pvt. Ltd. — info@jamirazaherbal.com — FSSAI: [number]

This is a clear, understandable label: scientific names, dose, expiry, contact and a certification number are all present.

Final tips

• Keep labels or photos of labels until the product is finished — handy if you need to contact customer support.
• If you use several herbs or supplements, keep a list and show it to your doctor or pharmacist to check interactions.
• When shopping online, check the product images for clear label photos, not just decorative images.