Change in remedy for herbal medicines

New laws from the European Union could see hundreds of herbal medicines disappear from sale.

It will mean many health shops will not be able to stock certain remedies.

A new EU directive comes into force in May, saying that all herbal medicines must be properly licensed and tested like conventional medicines.

While the Channel Islands are not part of the EU, they have made an agreement with the UK to abide by the EU law.

The law is not saying these herbal remedies are dangerous, but that they must go through these procedures in order to be sold.

However, the testing is an expensive process and many manufacturers may find it too costly.