1. Overview
Herbal Vanguard ("the App", "we", "us", or "our") is a wellness tracking and educational application. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our mobile application available on iOS and Android platforms.
Key Principle: Herbal Vanguard is built on a local-first architecture. The vast majority of your data — including diary entries, supplement logs, journal entries, progress photos, and wellness preferences — is stored locally on your device and is never transmitted to our servers.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information Stored Locally on Your Device
The following data is stored exclusively on your device and is never sent to our servers:
- Daily diary entries (supplements taken, meals logged, water intake, exercise)
- Progress journal entries and progress photos
- Wellness preferences and questionnaire responses
- Your supplement stack and favorite herbs
- Reminder settings and notification preferences
- App settings (theme, sound preferences, display options)
- Profile information (name, profile photo)
2.2 Information Processed Through Third-Party AI Services
When you use AI-powered features (such as the AI assistant, meal scanner, or protocol generator), the text of your query and any images you choose to share are sent to our AI service provider (Anthropic) for processing. These queries are:
- Processed in real-time and not stored permanently by the AI provider
- Not linked to your identity or device
- Subject to the AI provider's own data handling policies
2.3 Information Collected Automatically
We may collect limited, anonymized usage analytics to improve app performance, including:
- App crash reports and error logs
- General usage patterns (which features are used most)
- Device type and operating system version
This data is anonymized and cannot be used to identify you personally.
2.4 Information We Do NOT Collect
- We do not collect your real name, email address, or phone number (no account required)
- We do not track your location
- We do not access your contacts, calendar, or other apps
- We do not sell or share any personal data with advertisers
3. How We Use Your Information
Information processed through the App is used solely to:
- Provide and improve the App's core features
- Process AI-powered requests you initiate
- Generate anonymized usage statistics to improve the App
- Send you local push notifications you have configured (reminders)
We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or any purpose unrelated to the App's functionality.
4. Data Storage & Security
Your wellness data is stored locally on your device using standard platform storage mechanisms. We implement reasonable technical measures to protect data integrity, including:
- Local-only storage for all personal health and wellness data
- Encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS) for any data transmitted to AI services
- No server-side database of user personal information
Because your data lives on your device, the security of your data is also dependent on the security of your device. We recommend using a device passcode or biometric lock.
5. Third-Party Services
The App may integrate with the following third-party services:
- Anthropic (Claude AI): Powers AI assistant features. Queries are processed in real-time. See Anthropic's Privacy Policy.
- Apple App Store / Google Play Store: Handles app distribution and in-app purchases. Subject to their respective privacy policies.
- Affiliate Links: If you tap product links (e.g., to Amazon), you will leave the App and be subject to that retailer's privacy policy. We may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
6. AI Features & Data Processing
When you use AI features, please be aware:
- Text queries and optional images are sent to the AI service for processing
- AI responses are generated in real-time and are educational in nature
- We rate-limit AI usage (15-second cooldown, 50 queries per day) for service quality
- The AI does not have access to your locally stored data unless you explicitly include it in your query
- AI-generated content is not medical advice
7. Children's Privacy
Herbal Vanguard is not intended for use by children under the age of 13 (or the applicable age of consent in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@herbalvanguard.com and we will take steps to delete such information.
8. Your Rights & Choices
Because your data is stored locally, you have complete control:
- Access: All your data is visible within the App at all times
- Export: Use the Data Export feature to download your data in multiple formats (report, CSV, JSON)
- Deletion: Use the "Delete All Data" option in Profile settings to permanently erase all locally stored data
- Portability: Export your data before switching devices or deleting the App
- Sound & Notifications: Toggle sound effects and configure or disable all reminders at any time
If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), California, or another jurisdiction with data protection laws, you may have additional rights. Please contact us to exercise these rights.
9. Data Retention & Deletion
Locally stored data persists on your device until you explicitly delete it or uninstall the App. We recommend exporting your data before uninstalling if you wish to retain it.
Anonymized analytics data, if collected, is retained for up to 12 months for App improvement purposes and then deleted.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will:
- Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
- Notify you through the App (e.g., a banner notification)
- Post the revised policy on this page
Your continued use of the App after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: