here are more than 5,000 different herbs (and over 20,000 distinct herbal recipes). Their quality depends on many factors: Chemical composition of the soil ... climate ... correct fertilizer and seed selection ... the way in which herbs are gathered, washed, dried, sliced, stored ... etc.

All this is critically important. The medicinal potency of any herb is fragile and easily depleted. Take a single short-cut in preparing an herbal product, and you'll likely have something second-rate. Take several short-cuts, and the herbal product could be useless.

All of which is a round-about way of explaining why Chinese herbs — when they are harvested and processed correctly — are the finest on earth.

No other nation on earth can match China's sheer geographical size and, therefore, the variations in climate and physical terrain. Somewhere in China are the world's best places to grow any herb. Just as important, there are people who have devoted their lives to herbal supplements — and know everything about the growing of herbs and the preparation of remedies.

Keep all this in mind when you visit your local pharmacy or health food store. Are all Ginsengs alike, just because they're called “Ginseng” on the label? Are all Chardonnay wines the same, because they're labeled “Chardonnay”?

• Chinese vs. Western Medicine. What your doctor doesn't know ... or never told you ... click here.

• Tainted Herbs. The truth about chemicals, contaminates and ‘mountain bandits’ ... click here.

• Searching for herbs in all the right places. Can your herbal products surpass the toughest standards on earth? Click here.

• 10 Myths About Herbs & Healing. What pharmacists and health food stores rarely tell you ... click here.