[Alex3917]

> Should I run my own lab to test every product I use?

Subscribe to one of the companies that do independent lab testing of consumer products and/or supplements.

Also, buy some field guides. You should be able to find medicinal plants for almost any condition within a couple miles of wherever you live. Wild Edibles Forage is the best app in this category for iOS. (In this case whether or not the plant/mushroom actually treats the condition is irrelevant if you were already planning on purchasing the same thing from the store.)

[bowmessage]

where do you live...?

[Alex3917]

I live in the Bronx and work in Manhattan. You're obviously not going to find aloe growing in central park, but there are at least half a dozen other plants there that can be used to treat minor burns and other skin conditions. E.g. plantago, jewelweed, witch hazel, etc.

According to at least one prominent American zen buddhist, the secret to the good life is, "stay together, learn the flowers, go light." This isn't some sort of metaphor, go outside.

[mattdotc]

Surely you aren't suggesting that New Yorkers should forage in Central Park...it's a public space, not your privately-owned backyard.

[Alex3917]

> It's a public space, not your privately-owned backyard.

If you're collecting invasive plants then you're basically doing free community service. Obviously you shouldn't uproot native plants, although picking taking fruit from them isn't harmful, nor is taking foliage when done in limited amounts.

[psyc]

I am personally giving them my blessing to do it, and do it boldly.

[gkop]

People have foraged in Central Park since it was first built. Yes foraging can cause problems, but it hasn't ruined the park, and there are benefits.