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The future of your favorite herbs is in your hands.
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—That echinacea you’re taking may become an endangered species. Because of problems like overharvesting, changes in habitats, climate change, and population growth, scientists are seeing supplies of medicinal herbs dwindle both in the United States and around the world.
THE DETAILS: Many medicinal plants used in herbal supplements, including black cohosh, may apple, and goldenseal, are wild harvested, that is, collected in their native habitats rather than cultivated on farms or large plantations. A combination of shrinking natural habitats and increased demand for these valuable plants has led to a drop in supply, says Rainer Bussmann, PhD, director of the William L. Brown Center for Plant Genetic Resources at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Bussmann is currently working with the botanical garden to create medicinal plant gardens all over the world, to both preserve the plants and preserve the cultures of local communities that are the most educated about their benefits.
Bussmann has been working primarily to conserve valuable medicinal herbs in Latin America, but the problem has extended to the U.S. as well. In the mid-1990s, a group of herbalists concerned over the disappearance of medicinal herbs like American ginseng founded the group United Plant Savers, and drew up a list of the most at-risk herbs. As a result, companies started to cultivate plants like echinacea and goldenseal on farms, but growing them outside their native environment can make them less effective, says Bussmann. “Think about your garden and tomatoes: If you grow tomatoes in a shady spot and in a sunny spot, they’ll taste different,” he says. “The same thing happens with herbs. That’s why it’s so important to make very sure that your plant grows in the right place.” Which means supporting companies that harvest wild herbs responsibly, and doing your part to make sure native habitats are preserved.
I think we need to bring more
I think we need to bring more ideas for this purpose. Involvement of young people can be handy in this regard. I am happy to find a good post here.
Micheal
Let's Keep Raising Awareness!
Hi Emily,
Thank you for this informative article and keeping alive this important subject of at-risk medicinal plants. We need more people and companies to be aware of the situation and doing their part to keep these precious plants alive for our children and grand-children.
As a skin care manufacturer who counts on medicinal herbs for the success of our products, we are proud to be a member of United Plant Savers and doing our part to conserve these not only useful, but incredibly beautiful, herbal plants.
Thanks Emily and keep up the great work!
Deanna
Alchemilla, Pure, Organic Skin Care
I see your dream Sam
Congrats on that pineapple Sam!:)
Educating and Encouraging on sustainable plant use
Dear Emily Main,
I was so glad to see your article. We need more subject matter on this issue to raise awareness on these issues. I've been propagating and growing native plants all my life, first for Ornamental Industry now for Medicinal Industry. Worked with people groups around the world to preserve their native healing plants. The reward is to see them realize what is around them and cherish them.
Keep up the good publicity!!!!
With dirt under my nails.... EJ Fletcher
A link for Sam- Gardening in tough times
Sam,
You may find this helpful, you can find a used copy for less. : )
http://www.amazon.com/Gardening-When-Counts-Growing-Mother/dp/086571553X...
i LET A LOT OF WILD OLANTS IN MY FLOWER BEDS
SOME TIMES I TRY GROWING DIFFERENT PLANTS AND LOSE THEM. i would like to grow more such as wild plants new trees and fruit bushes well.
To fulfill a dream and help mankind!
I would love nothing more than to get information and assistance in growing alternative medicinal herbs in my yard but, I do not have the funds to do it. I’ve been practicing by trying to grow tomatoes, peppers, squash, rosemary and mint. The only thing that I see now is my first small pineapple plant growing a pineapple. I live on my disability check and can't work out of my home or where I can not control the temperature due to my Cold Urinary, but I very interested in grow organic food and herb in my backyard. Yet, I know that I have allot to learn and need all the help and knowledge to fulfill my dream of having a garden that we help all mankind if, the HOLY SPIRIT permits! I saw it in a dream! The garden! I just do not know how I'll be able to do it due to economic hardship! As we all know everyone is going through it one way or another! I would greatly appreciate it if you can email information and/or anything on how to start It.! Well, I hope to hear from you and you are safe! God Bless & May Peace be with you! Sincerely Interested, SAM!