A new guide to natural health products such as echinacea and glucosamine aims to help people make more informed decisions about the products, a consumer group in Quebec says. 

The French language guide provides consumers with reliable, neutral, practical information about natural health products, said Protégez-Vous, the province's largest consumer watchdog. The group launched the Guide des produits de santé naturels on Monday.

The "natural" aspect is no guarantee of the safety of products, but some can be beneficial when consumed properly, the authors of the guide said.

The guide could also help patients to talk to their doctor or pharmacist about natural health products, said Dr. Sylvie Dodin, a gynecologist at Laval University who studies the use of herbal remedies such as black cohosh for reducing menopausal symptoms.

Patients regularly ask about the products, Dodin said.

In a survey of more than 2,000 adults, conducted for Health Canada in 2005, 71 per cent reported they regularly take vitamins and minerals, herbal products and homeopathic medicines.

The guide uses information collected from independent sources to outline the risks and benefits of the more than 50 products, their counter-indications, potential side-effects, and regulations surrounding their use.

Certain supplements may prevent or treat disease, but none will cure someone who is seriously ill, the authors say.

Health Canada's guidelines for natural health products also aim to clear up confusion about conflicting health claims and warnings about mixing natural products with other medicines.

For example, one study found St. John's Wort, which is used for depression, may reduce the effectiveness of some prescription drugs.

The 96-page colour guide is sold in bookshops in Quebec for $9.95 plus tax.

With files from the Canadian Press