At the heart of WishGarden Herbs lies a deep respect for the age-old tradition of herbal medicine, which guides us every step of the way in sourcing herbal ingredients for our tinctures. It is a practice deeply intertwined with both the well-being of the Earth and its inhabitants, while the quality of our remedies is a direct reflection of the health of our planet’s ecosystems.
Here’s a look at the top 5 sourcing techniques that help us stay true to our commitment to sustainability.
Monitor plant populations
When purchasing herbs it is essential to check the “At-Risk” by United Plant Saver plant list. This list is a crucial resource for anyone in the herbal industry and helps us identify plants that need our attention and protection. Similarly, for international purchasing, the CITES plant list provides a comprehensive overview of global plant trade regulations. As our ecosystems continue to change, understanding the dynamics of vulnerable plant populations and adhering to sustainable harvest practices are becoming more important than ever.
Cultivate sustainability
As the demand for herbal medicines grows in the natural supplement industry, so does our responsibility to source responsibly. For example, osha root is a beloved herb within our product line at WishGarden, but wild populations have declined significantly. To address this, we have partnered with an organic farm that grows Osha Root sustainably so we can meet our annual needs without depleting the plant in the wild. Grow contractually is a common partnership between manufacturers and suppliers, because both parties can find certainty and transparency in transactions.
Plant analogues
Navigating the use of ancient herbs can often bring herbalists to crossroads. When a beloved herb becomes scarce in nature, it may be wise to scale back its commercial use. Exploring alternative plants with similar health benefits could be a sustainable strategy that helps alleviate pressure on endangered species and supports their recovery in the wild. This approach not only helps protect precious plants, but also ensures that we can continue to offer high-quality herbal products. Herbal analogs can be used by home pharmacies and large-scale herbal production facilities such as WishGarden, furthering our shared commitment to plant conservation.
Here are a few analogues we like to use:
- Lovage root (Levisticum officinalis) instead of Osha Root (Ligusticum porter)
- Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis) instead of Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
- Garden sage (Salvia officinalis) instead of White Sage (Salvia apiana)
- Feverfew (Leonurus cardiala) & Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) instead of Trillium, also known as Beth root (Trillium erectum)
Sustainable management of wild plants
When traditional, wild-crafted collections no longer offer specialty spices on a large scale, we look to forest farmers! Forestry takes place on private lands, under the canopy of highly biodiverse forests that provide a natural, sheltered environment for growth. This method allows growing plants in their native habitat, which is crucial for maintaining their natural qualities and effectiveness.
At WishGarden we recognize the importance of responsible purchasing. We specifically select Wild Cherry Bark, Goldenseal Roots, Wild Yam Roots and other high-risk plants from domestic forest farmers. By doing this, we ensure that plants are harvested sustainably, preserving the integrity of both the plant materials and the ecosystems from which they come. This approach helps preserve traditional wildlife manufacturing practices while adapting them to modern needs and environmental awareness.
Quality of purchasing
We are committed to the belief that the strength and quality of our products are the direct result of the environment from which they come. For a plant to truly embody the essence of its potential benefits, it must come from an environment that is not only vibrant and biodiverse, but also sustainably managed.
By investing in sustainable practices, we ensure that our herbs are grown in conditions that respect their natural growth processes. This focus on environmental health and sustainability allows us to deliver products that not only support the well-being of our customers, but also make a positive contribution to the planet. Each plant is cared for to maintain its full natural potential, making our herbal remedies effective and of the highest quality available.
Lauren Nichols-Sheffler with a mansa root
Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler attended the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and received her certificate in medical herbalism. She owns it Blue yarrow herbs also known as Herbal Vice, an herbal product company that practices bioregional herbal medicine by growing plants and sourcing locally. Lauren loves educating and advocating for plant sustainability. She is the Purchasing and Purchasing Manager for WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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