HerbVerdict is an independent publication that reads clinical research on Ayurvedic herbs and products and reports the findings. This page sets out exactly how we work — how we choose sources, how we write verdicts, who writes and reviews, how we handle corrections, and where we stand on commercial relationships. It is meant to be held against the site: if we don't live up to it, tell us.
Who writes HerbVerdict
Articles are written and edited by Ash, our research editor. Ash is not a doctor, pharmacist, or licensed healthcare professional, and this is stated on every article. HerbVerdict does not currently employ a medical reviewer; if and when a credentialed reviewer joins, reviewed articles will carry a visible “Reviewed by” line and the reviewer's credentials, and nothing will be labelled as medically reviewed before that is true.
How we select sources
We prioritise, in roughly this order: systematic reviews and meta-analyses of human trials; randomized controlled trials in humans; other controlled human studies; and observational human studies. In-vitro (test-tube) and animal studies are reported only as background and are never the sole basis for a positive verdict. Traditional use, however longstanding, is described as traditional use — not as evidence of effect.
We draw primarily on indexed databases and primary sources: PubMed, PMC, the Cochrane Library, peer-reviewed journals, and — for Indian regulatory and safety context — FSSAI, the Ministry of AYUSH, CCRAS, WHO, and the NIH LiverTox database. Every substantive claim links to its source.
How we write verdicts
Each herb or practice receives a Proven, Promising, or Limited verdict according to the published criteria on our methodology page. The verdict follows the criteria, not the writer's preference. Every study we cite is reported with its sample size, duration, journal, and at least one limitation. We do not cherry-pick positive findings, and we state plainly when evidence is weak, mixed, or absent.
Three rules we never break
We report, we never prescribe. We describe what studies found; we do not tell you what to take, at what dose, or for which condition.
We always show limitations. A study's weaknesses are reported alongside its findings, every time.
We never claim to treat disease. HerbVerdict does not present any herb as a treatment or cure for any disease, in line with applicable Indian law.
Review and updating
Health evidence changes. Each article carries a published date and a last-updated date, shown near the top of the page. We revisit articles when significant new trials, safety findings, or regulatory developments appear, and update the last-updated date when we make a substantive change. Developing stories (such as ongoing regulatory or legal matters) are marked as such and updated as events unfold.
Corrections policy
We take factual accuracy seriously. If you believe a claim on this site is wrong or misrepresents a study's findings, email ash@herbverdict.com with the specific article and the issue. We will review it against the cited source and, where a correction is warranted, fix it promptly and note the change. Substantive corrections are reflected in the article's last-updated date.
Conflicts of interest & commercial disclosure
As of today, HerbVerdict has no affiliate relationships and no financial relationship with any supplement brand, Ayurvedic manufacturer, or pharmaceutical company, and sells no products of its own. We are not paid to write, rank, or recommend anything.
If this ever changes — for example, if the site introduces affiliate links to help fund the work — those links will be clearly disclosed on every page where they appear, and our editorial conclusions will remain independent of any commercial relationship. A verdict will never be for sale.
Not medical advice
Everything on HerbVerdict is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See our full medical disclaimer. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement.