And just what is toll on our pocketbooks for all of “this food that may or may not be better than products we normally use, but probably isn’t better”? Well, putting “organic” label on your food (see my opening comment about milk) simply doesn’t mean anything except that you can charge a higher price for product. How much higher? Typical markups for “organic” products run from 50% to 200% above similar products which are not claimed as “organic”.

But, remember that above information is dated 2000. This is 2005 and there are now some rather severe restrictions on use of words “natural”, “organic” and “certified organic”. To even claim to be organic you must now comply with an entire list of USDA (and sub-agencies) qualifications. You must also “provably” be at a minimum 70% organic. And if you claim “certification” you must display USDA Seal or drop claim. OK – but after acceptance by USDA you need to wait 18 months until seal is authorized! You must also clearly label your product as to manufacturer and address.

Did you get that? At least 70% organic! How about I pour you a drink that’s 71% good organic orange juice and 29% poison. Well, according to USDA standards, I can call this “organic” – but how organic is it if other 29% – nearly a third – will kill you? Let’s say I make a product that is provably 98% organic and only 2% manufactured from products grown using ceptic tank treated residues as fertilizer. Just what does 2% potential poison mixed with 98% really good stuff make resultant 100% product? Judge for yourself.

Whoa! Hold on just a second here. How about newer regulations. You want to get USDA certification now? Once you do you’ve gotta wait 18 months before you can either claim it or display USDA Certified Seal. The rules are getting into place to protect us consumers, slowly but surely. But we all need to be aware of just what is going on.

Let me close this article with a small personal advisory. If it says “organic” and there is nothing on that label to “prove organic claim”, run as fast as you can to some other product. The survey above clearly indicates there is big trouble ahead for consumers and “organic” labeling. But, even if it does say “organic” and does hold appropriate certification, there is really no evidence that it is healthier, better for you, more nutritious – only that it will cost at least approximately double what your regular “non-organic” product will cost.

Green tea also helps to reduce inflammation, hormonal activity and aids in detoxification - which is all good news for acne sufferers.

Green tea extract is an extremely versatile herbal supplement - it can be administered topically, often being used in creams, taken as a in form of a pill or incorporated into your diet and drunk as a tea.

This last method is very popular (Green Tea with Honeysuckle is often known as ‘Pimple Tea’ in many Chinatowns) when drunk after a meal it aids digestion and helps to detoxify your system, getting rid of toxins that can cause acne. Tip: don’t drink it with sugar, this will neutralize worthwhile effects of tea.

It seems that taking green tea for acne is a win-win situation… It has many beneficial properties which promote good all-round health with little or no known side effects and for price, green tea it’s definitely a herbal treatment that’s worth trying.

Elaine Clay is the owner of Acne Treatments Online.com - articles and information to help you find proven and effective acne solutions available online to treat and get rid of your condition safely and naturally