Medicinal plants have taken a central place in the natural products sector. Herbal teas, essential oils and supplements are now being used more than ever, putting plant species at risk due to overharvesting and unsustainable growing practices. As a result, it has become critical to prioritize sourcing plants from regenerative organic farms and forest farmers that grow and harvest sustainably. Is this plant ethical to work with? Can we respect the plant population and the sustainability of the resources? At WishGarden, this is where we start: intentionally sourcing sustainably grown medicinal plants.
Understanding plant cycles
In herbal medicine, we purchase herbs harvested during their peak growth cycle for optimal functional benefit. Medicinal plants are best at different times of the year, depending on the molecular composition of the plant. For example, St. John’s wort or Hypericum perforitumblooms during the summer solstice, because the plant’s main substance, hypericin, is most abundant at this stage. We use the flowers for oil infusions and the leaves and stems (antennae) for tinctures. Peppermint or lemon balm leaves (favorites of the mint family) have optimal aromatic compounds before they bloom. Therefore, farms that understand the life cycle of this plant provide higher quality herbs, which makes for higher quality tinctures.
Regenerative purchasing
Regenerative agriculture models go beyond organic certifications. Regenerative agriculture focuses on people, plants and soil. As purchasing manager for WishGarden Herbs, I prioritize sourcing from regenerative farms because they focus on optimal harvesting techniques and organic practices at every step of the process. Regenerative farmworkers earn fair wages and experience an overall better work environment. The result is that they are happier. And good energy makes a difference in plant quality, because energy is important when dealing with plants.
Relationship building
Building meaningful relationships with organic farmers, foresters and our sustainable wildcrafters is extremely important because we can develop a better sense of plant quality. We can conduct quality on-site visits, access quality documents and better determine compliance with sustainable fair trade practices. We can also avoid expensive purchase returns by discussing our quality expectations. Finally, we can be a better partner to our suppliers by better understanding their pain points and facilitating growth opportunities.
Oshala Farm, Oregon
An example of a strong and valued supplier partnership is with Oshala Farm. Along the Applegate River in Oregon, Oshala Farm grows certified organic medicinal herbs. Oshala has 290 hectares, 75 hectares remains wild forest area where medicinal herbs are naturally preserved or sustainably harvested. The farm employs 28 people year-round, unlike seasonal commercial farms, which focus on fast growing seasons. We purchase several medicinal herbs from Oshala Farm, including ashwagandha, holy basil and yarrow. I had the great pleasure of visiting their country and attending their annual plant camp for herbalists and plant enthusiasts in 2023. When I arrived at the farm, I was greeted by vibrant, deep purple lavender. The hot sun released its powerful, relaxing aromas into the air and I immediately felt at home. Jeff and Elise kindly guided me through the fields of Yarrow, Blue Vervain and drying rooms so I could see how plants are grown, harvested and dried before being packaged. Each process was thoroughly explained with organic and sustainable intentions in mind.
Contracted yarrow and blue verbena
Growing medicinal plants in today’s unpredictable weather patterns isn’t easy, although Elise and Jeff Higley, owners of Oshala, grow more than high-quality plants: they create magical relationships between people and the land.
Integrity since the beginning
Intentional sourcing has been a value of WishGarden from the beginning. More than 30 years ago, our founder Catherine Hunziker was a thought leader in the burgeoning industry in ethical wildlife manufacturing practices and worked with experts in the Rocky Mountain plant field to conserve the osha root, a species who is at serious risk. Her efforts have sparked important conversations about industry practices and herb sustainability. We have remained true to this intention and recently received an award for this Supply Chain Integrity from the Nutrition Business Journal.
Catherine Hunziker, founder and chief formulator of WishGarden Herbs, accepted the award from Nutrition Business Journal for Supply Chain Integrity (July 2023)
It is more important than ever to pay attention to shrinking biodiversity and prioritize sustainable sourcing. We need regenerative farmers, forest farmers and sustainable wildcrafters more than ever and we are so proud to support these efforts and develop strong relationships for decades to come.
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 sourcing 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.
Read further