Herbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and Botanicals: Recent Episodes
Wilson Lau, Nuherbs
Herbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs & Botanicals is a podcast by Wilson Lau of Nuherbs. This is a series of meaningful conversations with other herbal (Traditional Chinese Medicine/agricultural/nutraceutical/wellness) professionals. The topics covered everything from ingredient availability and product formulation to supply chain management and Federal regulations.
In the episode “New Year Update on Sino-US Trade,” Wilson Lau and Jeff Crowther delve into the Sino-US trade as they see it for 2025, while recapping 2024. They explore their top takeaways for 2024 and what they think 2025 holds.
The conversation covers changes in China supplement market, the opportunities there and how Sino-US trade could be impacted.
Conversation Overview:
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:06 What are your (Jeff's) top takeaways from 2024?
02:01 Attitudinal change in health among Chinese population and the opportunity that it presents
06:26 What are your top things to keep an eye on for 2025?
11:25 The importance of trade associations, such as Health Product Association-China to understand the issues in the local market and how they can assist with entry into China
13:15 Cross-Border Commerce
21:58 Odds of Increased Tariffs on Chinese Goods
24:22 Strategies to address increased Tariffs
Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/
In the episode “The Rise of Personalized Herbal Solutions: Meeting Consumer Demand,” Wilson Lau and Graham Rigby delve into the future of customized health products. They explore how traditional herbal practices are enhanced by modern technologies like AI and 3D printing, offering tailored health solutions that meet individual needs. The discussion highlights how these technologies not only improve the precision of herbal dosing but also innovate the way these solutions are delivered to consumers.
The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in integrating technology with traditional wisdom to create effective and personalized herbal products. Wilson and Graham stress the importance of collaboration between the herbal and tech industries to advance these personalized solutions. They also discuss the balance needed between machine precision and human intuition in crafting health remedies that are truly beneficial for individual health journeys.
Conversation Overview:
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:50 Innovative and Groundbreaking Work at Care Of
03:55 The Historical Context of Personalization in the Herbal Wellness Industry
10:39 The Role of Technology and Big Data in Personalization
18:49 Personalized Delivery Systems for Herbal Products
39:15 The Role of Ritual and Sensory Aspects in Herbal Medicine
40:13 The Potential of Precision Dosing and 3D Printing in Drug Delivery
41:46 The Importance of Personalization in Health Journeys
48:03 Balancing Technology and Human Intuition in Personalized Medicine
55:12 The Limitations of Clinical Trials in Evaluating Traditional Healing Systems
01:02:38 Navigating the Regulatory Hurdles in Personalized Herbal Solutions
01:09:01 Collaboration for Scaling Personalized Herbal Solutions
Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/
In the podcast episode “From Concept to Consumer: The Lifecycle of Herbal Product Development,” Wilson Lau interviews Lisa Thomas, Chief Commercialization Officer at Nuherbs, to explore the intricacies of herbal product development. Lisa, drawing on her background as a former professional soccer player and her deep understanding of nutrition, shares insights into the journey from initial concept to market-ready product. The episode covers key phases such as idea generation, product formulation, understanding the target customer, and the rigorous process of product formulation.
The discussion extends to the critical elements of scalability and supply chain management, particularly for small and medium manufacturers dealing with challenges like minimum order quantities, cost, and lead time. Wilson and Lisa explore the nuances of packaging design tailored to meet the expectations of target consumers and discuss the strategies that have led to success stories in scaling herbal products and developing custom ingredients.
They also highlight untapped markets such as sports nutrition, women’s health, and functional foods and beverages, underscoring the potential for growth in these areas. The episode concludes with an insightful discussion on regulations and policies shaping the herbal market, including the implications of the Amazon verification program and the importance of supply chain transparency.
To reach out to Lisa regarding the Bespoke Extracts program, please email bespokeextracts@nuherbs.com
How we make Bespoke Extracts
https://nuherbs.com/resources/how-we-make-bespoke-extracts
Understanding Amazon’s New Dietary Supplement Policy: What you Need to Know
https://nuherbs.com/resources/understanding-amazon-s-new-dietary-supplement-policy-what-you-need-to-know
How to Comply with Amazon's Updated Dietary Supplement Policy
https://nuherbs.com/resources/how-to-comply-with-amazon-s-updated-dietary-supplement-policy
Conversation Overview
00:00 Introduction and Lisa's Journey into the Health and Nutrition Industry
04:00 Navigating the Initial Phase of Idea Generation and Conceptualization
09:16 Formulating Products: Considerations and Challenges
18:18 The Importance of Market Research and Intuition
25:25 Tailoring the Approach to Product Formulation
29:30 Ensuring Quality and Efficacy in Ingredient Sourcing
32:48 The Crucial Role of Regulatory Compliance
35:46 Building Partnerships with a Culture of Care and Passion
38:09 New Herbs' Sourcing Process: Ensuring Purity and Compliance
45:36 Success Stories: Scaling Products
50:50 The Importance of Effective Packaging Design
57:32 Developing Custom Ingredients
01:05:35 Untapped Markets in the Herbal Product Industry
01:10:07 Regulations and Policies Shaping the Market
Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/
In the opening episode of this season, Wilson Lau and Erin Smith delve into the critical role of ethical sourcing within the herbal industry. They define what ethical harvesting and sourcing entail, examine their effects on both the environment and local communities, and discuss how these practices influence the quality and effectiveness of herbal products.
Additionally, they explore how storytelling and transparency are vital in sharing these practices with consumers. The discussion underscores the importance of industry-wide collaboration and standardized measurement to foster positive change.
Conversation Overview
00:00 Introduction and Setup
01:01 Journey in the World of Sustainability
09:46 The Three-Legged Stool of Ethical Sourcing
21:39 Communicating Ethical Sourcing to Consumers
28:49 The Future of Ethical Sourcing in the Herbal Industry
Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/
In this episode of our podcast, Wilson Lau is joined by Kim Dietz and Johanna Phillips from Strengthening Organic Systems LLC to explore the latest USDA regulations aimed at enhancing organic enforcement.
They delve into the critical updates, including broader certification requirements across the organic supply chain, the standardization of import documentation, and the introduction of mandatory fraud prevention strategies.
They emphasize the importance of supply chain integrity, traceability, and the mandatory reporting of fraud, particularly concerning exports to Canada.
Conversation Overview
00:00 Introduction to Strengthening Organic Systems
01:05 Top Three Changes in USDA Strengthening Organic Enforcement Regulations
10:11 Exemptions and Certification Requirements for Different Entities
12:01 Non-Retail Packaging and Labeling Requirements
14:08 Import Certificates and Considerations for Businesses
23:01 Exporting Organic Products and Special Paperwork
25:01 Exporting Organic Products to Canada and Europe
30:39 Conclusion and Contact Information
Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/
In this episode, Wilson Lau delivers an update on the herbal industry, touching on significant trends like the rise of functional beverages and mushrooms, and the critical focus on sustainability.
He unpacks the challenges posed by climate change, geopolitical events, and new organic regulations impacting the supply chain.
Wilson underscores the importance of staying updated and proactive in the industry, and he commits to providing ongoing insights on these evolving topics.
Conversation Overview
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:45 Top Trends from Expo West
04:12 Industry Trend: Sustainability
06:38 Herbal Supply Chain Challenges
08:00 Geopolitical Impact on Supply Chain
09:55 New Regulations for Organic Herbs
11:23 Conclusion and Future Updates
Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/
Gummies, tinctures, extracts…alternative delivery methods are want your customers want.
But putting an effective therapeutic dose into such a small format is a challenge for most brands and manufacturers.
In this video, Wilson and Suzanne discuss how to solve for the technical aspects of moving into new delivery systems.
If you company is exploring how to move into other delivery formats, and you are faced with challenge of getting all your key ingredients that new format, you want to watch this:
Conversation Overview
00:16: How hard is it to get a therapeutic does into a supplement?
1:26: Are consumers getting the Doses they need in supplements?
2:38: How do brands and manufacturers get to the right dose?
3:14: Material, taste, and other technical formation considerations
5:58: From bars to powders, all delivery systems have challenges. It’s important to understand them in all aspects of manufacturing.
7:50: You need find manufacturing partners that have technical expertise, but also an understanding of the phyto-components of the herbs and botanicals.
12:15: The next frontier of supplements is large and small animals.
Learn more about our bespoke extracts program: https://go.nuherbs.com/bespoke-extracts-ssw23
Explore our sleep strips: https://nutraditions.com
In this episode, Alexis Durham, Director of Education at AHPA, talks with Wilson Lau on her unique perspective on #sustainability. They cover:
- Our relationship with land, soil, pollinators and people.
- Quality of life is a requirement for everyone that’s involved in the supply chain.
- Can we give back to what we take; how do we build more circular processes.
- Net positive vs. negative.
- Improving farming practices and sourcing practices.
- Sustainability is not one size fits all, it’s specific to your business.
- Creating sustainable principles in all your employee roles.
- Collective buy-in to change is important to build a healthy team.
- Start small in order to achieve long-term, “sustainable” results.
Learn More About the Sustainability Committee: https://www.ahpa.org/committees
You can also join over 11,254 herbal industry professionals, companies, and practitioners who subscribe to our monthly newsletters. You can select the topics you are interested in. https://go.nuherbs.com/emailpreferences
You can also subscribe to our podcast, Herbal Explorations, for the latest insights and interviews with the world’s leading experts in herbs and botanicals.
- iHeart Radio:
- https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-herbal-explorations-the-bu-98857263/
- iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/herbal-explorations-the-business-of-herbs-and-botanicals/id1632229085
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62PaOPlfMbWRmatQJNcHi2?si=fb6304fff7d5423f
- Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Herbal-Explorations-The-Business-of-Herbs-and-Botanicals-Podcast/B0B5DZ9NWB
- Amazon: https://a.co/d/dv4agKG
In this episode, Wilson talks with Erin Smith, an Ethnobotanist with Bayan Botanicals. They discuss:
- Minimizing harm versus doing no harm.
- Creating solutions versus creating more environmental problems. The use of the earth’s natural resources.
- Developing better sourcing practices and changing packaging in order to be more environmentally conscious.
- Upstream and downstream effects of product production.
- Working directly with indigenous populations and wildcrafters.
- How wildcrafters provide information herbs that you may not otherwise get.
- Sustainability requirements should be included in your company's job descriptions. Ask your people to brainstorm ideas on ways to lessen environmental impact.
- In order to start reducing your footprint, start small. One step at a time is progress.
Connect With Nuherbs
If you have questions on this report, reach out to me via Linkedin.
You can also join over 10,932 herbal industry professionals, companies, and practitioners who subscribe to our monthly newsletters. You can select the topics you are interested in. https://go.nuherbs.com/emailpreferences
You can also subscribe to our podcast, Herbal Explorations, for the latest insights and interviews with the world’s leading experts in herbs and botanicals.
- iHeart Radio:
- https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-herbal-explorations-the-bu-98857263/
- iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/herbal-explorations-the-business-of-herbs-and-botanicals/id1632229085
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62PaOPlfMbWRmatQJNcHi2?si=fb6304fff7d5423f
- Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Herbal-Explorations-The-Business-of-Herbs-and-Botanicals-Podcast/B0B5DZ9NWB
- Amazon: https://a.co/d/dv4agKG
As we cross the halfway point of the year, this is my update From The Fields as I fly to visit our partners. Always, I address the hot button issues and give my best advice for managing them as you look forward.
The price of almost all Chinese herbs are up this year due to a variety of factors. On the low end, prices are up 10-15% and at the other extreme, prices are up 300-400%.
I suggest reaching out to your herbal partners to better understand how this will impact your company going forward. This is especially important if you have contract pricing expiring as previously made commitments have been fulfilled and you haven’t experienced the price increases to date.
The four most important factors in the increase of prices are:
- Weather
- Labor
- Cash flow
- and Inflation
There is good news that some of the increases are offset by a stronger dollar and reduction of sea or air freight costs. We won’t discuss inflation because I am sure that you feel it daily and read all about it everywhere, just know that most of the non-herbal inputs have increased in price as well. Listen to the episode to learn more.
Connect With Nuherbs
If you have questions on this report, reach out to me via Linkedin.
You can also join over 10,712 herbal industry professionals, companies, and practitioners who subscribe to our monthly newsletters. You can select the topics you are interested in. https://go.nuherbs.com/emailpreferences
You can also subscribe to our podcast, Herbal Explorations, for the latest insights and interviews with the world’s leading experts in herbs and botanicals.
- iHeart Radio:
- https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-herbal-explorations-the-bu-98857263/
- iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/herbal-explorations-the-business-of-herbs-and-botanicals/id1632229085
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62PaOPlfMbWRmatQJNcHi2?si=fb6304fff7d5423f
- Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Herbal-Explorations-The-Business-of-Herbs-and-Botanicals-Podcast/B0B5DZ9NWB
- Amazon: https://a.co/d/dv4agKG
In this episode, Wilson Lau speaks with Ann Armbrecht, Director at Sustainable Herbs Program. In this episode, Wilson and Ann discuss:
- 0:42: Companies as a whole have to move beyond a limited definition, and misuse of the term, “sustainability.”
- 0:58: Companies, and people, should be asking “How do we sustain life?”
- 1:30: People need to call for sustainable action so we can live in this world.
- 2:15: Companies need to know their impact. Companies need to identify the worst thing they do, what costs the company the most in terms of reputation, environmental impact, and costs.
- 3:02: In the herbal industry, most companies don’t know where their herbs come from. That’s dangerous.
- 3:32: If herbal companies create products that create health, those products are only as good as the health of the environments where the ingredients are grown.
- 4:10: Companies need to benchmark where they are today, and where they want to be in two or three generations from now.
- 4:36: If a company understands where their herbal ingredients come from, they’re better able to identify the company’s environmental impact.
- 5:12: The best thing a company can do in order to address “sustainability” is connect. Disconnection is a social, economic, and spiritual crisis.
- 7:05: The way to advocate for sustainability is a business case, not a case related to consumer demands.
- 8:00: Check out the Sustainable Herbs Program, Second Edition for more information.
Sustainable Herbs Toolkit: https://sustainableherbsprogram.org/webinar/toolkit-webinar/
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In this episode of Herbal Explorations, Wilson Lau speaks to Bill Chioffi, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at NAMMEX, a company that specializes in medicinal mushroom extracts. In this episode, Wilson and Bill discuss all things sustainability:
0:47: There are many different definitions of sustainability, it varies by sector.
1:07: Sustainability should mean that “We’re giving back more than we’re taking out of any one system.” Sustainability is holistic and it means taking care of the people, animals, plants, and everyone involved in the company’s supply chain.
2:11: One thing that all companies can implement today that will help bring about a better tomorrow is take a more long-term approach to how they build business systems.
2:42: In terms of plant sustainability, pick any one plant in your supply chain and know it from seed to shelf. It builds a roadmap for all the ingredients in a company’s supply chain.
3:13: Supply chain logistics are complex, but if a company understands seed to shelf, it can find places for innovation and opportunity.
4:08: Companies need to dedicate resources towards sustainability within their organizations that aren’t just part of marketing messages.
4:50: Take a look your packaging and product materials, see if there’s a way to move from single use to something that is more eco-conscious.
6:06: In order to successfully advocate for sustainability within your company, be with the materials in their places of origin so you understand all aspects of manufacturing.
7:00: Go the grower, go to the production house. Even if it’s overseas, visit your partners so that you have first hand knowledge of your products’ places of origin.
7:28: What you learn through research and paperwork is quite different than what you learn firsthand.
8:10: And don’t regret to apply the concept of sustainability to how you travel. Mindfully create practices and processes.
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Beth Lambert, CEO of Herbalist & Alchemist, joins us to share her journey of discovering the B Corp movement and how it resonated with their commitment to producing quality herbal supplements that prioritize both people and the environment.
The conversation delves into the challenges and benefits of the certification process, including the importance of quantifying sustainability efforts and the continuous drive for improvement.
Beth's passion for sustainability and the company's dedication to being a force for positive change shine through as they continue to explore their path to transformative sustainability.
1:03: The first company to be certified with B Corp
4:00: Overview of B Corp and the certification process
6:53: Changes in B Corp certifications
12:08: Governance Challenges for smaller companies
13:31: Benefits for becoming B Corp certified
15:57: Examples of Zero Waste Standards at Herbalist & Alchemist
Beth Lambert, CEO of Herbalist and Alchemist, shares their experience and top learnings from the recent move of their business, highlighting their commitment to sustainability throughout the process.
She discusses how they recycled moving materials and repurposed them into park benches, showcasing their everyday practices aligned with their environmental values. Beth emphasizes the importance of core values and goals beyond B Corp certification and how it helps set objectives but should only drive part of the sustainability journey.
Wilson and Beth also touch upon the significance of supporting the next generation in farming and exploring new sustainability initiatives at Herbalist and Alchemist. The conversation concludes with recognizing young farmers' challenges and the need to empower and support them in the industry.
1:26: Herbalist & Alchemists facility move with green intentions
5:07: Being driven for the right reasons, not just for certification
8:54: The power of partnerships and B Corp certification
11:39: Back to basics with climate, soil health, and the power of good stewardship
15:23: Empowering the next generation of farmers to sustain the agriculture business
17:06: Inflation and rising costs of land make challenges for young farmers
Wilson and Julien delve into the crucial topic of emissions and sustainability in the supply chain in this episode. They explore the challenges of sharing usable data across the entire product supply chain, emphasizing the need for standardization and accounting practices. They mention the importance of using calibrated calculators specific to the industry and having engagement from different departments to track and analyze data. Tools and resources like Impact IQ, an ESG compliance and intelligence tool, are highlighted for companies to engage in transformational sustainability reporting and compliance. Emphasizing the importance of being good stewards across multiple areas, Julien offers complimentary ESG Readiness Assessments to help companies determine their next steps in sustainability and ESG initiatives.
0:19: Getting Data To Talk to Each Other
0:51: Using Carbon Calculators to Understand Carbon Footprint
3:50: Using the correct carbon calculator for the proper industry
4:46: Measuring your ESG Risk to develop a strategy
5:16: Tools and Resources to use in the Sustainability Journey
10:13: Impact IQ tools work together with BCorp scores
11:52: Thinking 20 years ahead in sustainability and financial planning
13:36: Sustainability services and complimentary ESG Readiness Assessments
In this episode of Herbal Explorations, Wilson welcomes Julien Gervreau, the Sustainability Director of Sensiba San Filippo. With his extensive experience in accounting, agriculture, and a passion for sustainability, Julien shares valuable insights on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices into businesses.
Julien emphasizes the need for companies to understand the importance of transitioning companies into a more sustainable, zero-carbon emission future. From water scarcity and labor availability, to the impact of extreme weather conditions on crop quality, the conversation underscores the need for adaptive practices and responsible production.
1:20: The critical role accountants play in planning a sustainable future for companies.
4:40: Accounting for the Impact with audited and validated results.
6:22: Increased Scrutiny with Greenwashing and creating a transition plan to cut Carbon Emissions by 2030 and reach NetZero Carbon Emissions by 2050
11:20: Using ROI and a sustainable transition plan to Future-proof our companies and investments
12:59: Water quality, climate change, labor availability, and educating consumers to save agriculture
14:59: The impact of extreme weather events on the wine industry
16:15: Growers need to adopt a plan to maintain yields in our ever-changing climate
17:40: Changes in microclimates may impact the efficacy and profiles of future botanicals like champagne
Intro/Overview
In this episode, Wilson speaks to David Winston of Herbalist & Alchemist, who is the world’s leading expert on adaptogens. In this episode, they discuss:
0:18: How practitioners can best help their patients understand the use of adaptogens.
1:15: Energetics, primary and secondary uses.Look at each adaptogen, and if it
makes sense for you.
6:11: Treating the person, not the problem.
7:33: Treating people with chronic stress, the rise in interest in adaptogens.
Find the video and full transcript:
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast in iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website.
Intro/Overview
In this episode, Wilson speaks to David Winston of Herbalist & Alchemist, who is the world’s leading expert on adaptogens. In this episode, they discuss:
2:00: The history of adaptogens.
3:00: The historical definition of what an adaptogen is.
4:40: Practitioners still use old definitions of adaptogens.
5:30: We need to define adaptogens correctly. There are only 9.
6:12: Classifying other herbs with adaptogenic properties.
7:46: Using adaptogens in marketing messages.
9:00: The nine plants that are actually adaptogens.
11:12: Herbs and plants that are possible adaptogens, but more research is needed.
12:20: What truly makes a herb or plant an adaptogen.
13:25: How adaptogens also work on a cellular level.
16:55: Secondary sets of adaptogen characteristics.
19:27: TCM, Ayurveda, Unani Tibb, Campo, Jamu, Sidha, Tibetan medicine, physiomedicalism, herbs are used in complex formulas.
20:00: People are complex, and have complex problems, compounding herbs is key.
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast in iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website.
In this episode, Suzanne Shelton, of the Shelton Group, interviews Wilson Lau, on his thoughts about sustainability. In this episode, they discuss:
1:26: Finding the greatest impact: global change or local change
3:42: Shortening the food supply chain.
5:33: The impact of technology on pesticides.
7:57: Eliminating food waste - is it worth the cost?
14:51: Are Synthetic botanicals the future of our food?
16:38: Wildcrafting is becoming a thing of the past.
20:21: The need for a more equitable supply chain.
22:24: Technology can provide a measurable and positive outlook on sustainability.
Find the video and full transcript:
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast in iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website.
In this episode, Suzanne Shelton of the Shelton Group interviews Wilson Lau on his thoughts about sustainability. In this episode, they discuss:
2:04: Five macro themes that impact the future of our food supply chain.
4:09: How do we avoid global famines?
7:10: Proof that climate change is real.
9:48: Extreme weather impacts the cost of business.
14:09: We have to invest in a way that is profitable and sustainable in the long term.
16:18: The impacts disease can have on productivity.
20:10: Have we seen the last pandemic?
Find the video and full transcript:
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast on iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website.
Part two of our interview with Dr. Holly Johnson, the Chief Science Officer of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). In this episode, Wilson and Holly discuss the following:
1:20: Climate Change is affecting the way we grow and harvest.
2:58: High Temps in the Pacific Northwest decrease the yield of valerian root.
4:12: Be the bestie to your farmer or supplier before it’s too late.
8:35: Growing location affects phytochemical profile.
12:53: Protecting wild populations from decline with CITES.
17:41: Preserve wildcrafting: wildcrafters are underpaid and leaving the industry.
23:59: How do we bring more value to wildcrafters?
Find the video and transcript:
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast on iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website.
In this episode, Wilson speaks to Dr. Holly Johnson, the Chief Science Officer of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). Last season, Holly and Wilson discussed the importance of AHPA’s Tonnage Study. They are back to start season two with the conversations that happened around sustainability at AHPA’s 10th Botanical Congress. In this episode:
0:52: Climate Change is Real – And It’s Affecting Your Herbal Supply Chain
2:10: How Gen Z and Younger Generations are Combating Climate Change
3:43: The Future - It’s Here Now
4:20: How to Conduct an Environmental Audit of Your Organization
5:48: Looking at Sustainability Through Socioeconomic Lens
9:26: Energy Consumption, Emissions and Examples
11:42: Going Beyond Good Intentions - Finding the Right Partners
14:14: Question: How Do We Really Measure Our Impact?
16:06: From Growth to Cultivation - TheMany Factors that Affect Sustainability
Find the video and full transcript: https://nuherbs.com/resources/how-the-herbal-industry-can-start-to-address-climate-change-sustainability-part-1
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast in iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon.
If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website
In this episode, Wilson speaks to David Winston of Herbalist & Alchemist, who is the world’s leading expert on adaptogens. In this episode, they discuss:
2:00: The history of adaptogens.
3:00: The historical definition of what an adaptogen is.
4:40: Practitioners still use old definitions of adaptogens.
5:30: We need to define adaptogens correctly. There are only 9.
6:12: Classifying other herbs with adaptogenic properties.
7:46: Using adaptogens in marketing messages.
9:00: The nine plants that are actually adaptogens.
11:12: Herbs and plants that are possible adaptogens, but more research is needed.
12:20: What truly makes a herb or plant an adaptogen.
13:25: How adaptogens work on a cellular level.
16:55: Secondary sets of adaptogen characteristics
19:27: TCM, Ayurveda, Unani Tibb, Campo, Jamu, Sidha, Tibetan medicine, physiomedicalism, herbs are used in complex formulas
20:00: People are complex, and have complex problems, compounding herbs is key
22:06: How can practitioners best help their patients understand the use of adaptogens?
28:05: Energetics, primary and secondary uses.Look at each adaptogen, and if it makes sense for you.
29:09: Treating the person, not the problem
33:06: Treating people with chronic stress, the rise in interest in adaptogens
If you want to learn more, subscribe to our podcast in iHeart Radio | iTunes | Spotify | Audible | Amazon. If you’re a practitioner, you can create an account on Nuherbs to shop our herbs and botanicals on our website
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.
In this episode, Blake Ebersole, founder of NaturPro Scientific, and Willson discuss herbal product development and formulation. They also discuss FDA compliance work, quality control and supply chain issues. Listen and learn more about what’s happening in R&D in 2022.
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.
In this episode, Roy Upton, the president of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and Wilson Lau discuss the importance of high quality herbal research on the herbal supply chain.
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.
In order for brands and manufacturers to be able to meet regulatory compliance, and create safe and effective botanical products, herbal identity testing is critical. Confirming botanical genus, species, and plant parts is an art, as well as a science. Wilson talks to Elan Sudberg, CEO of Alkemist Labs, on how the process works.
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.
Jon Benninger of Informa, and Wilson Lau of Nuherbs will be discussing the importance of hybrid events and platforms such as SupplySide365 and Jon’s Morning Mingle are for the herbal supply chain.
In this episode, they discuss and explore how the herbal industry can use online platforms to supplement traditional trade shows to discover new suppliers, customers, and make new connections. Jon and Wilson look at how companies will do business in the dietary supplement industry using technology from 2022 and beyond.
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.
In this episode, Wilson and Ann discuss key areas of sustainability impacting the growth, cultivation and harvesting of herbs. Listen to their conversation to better understand:
Farming Practices - Soil Health: Choice of the crops, variety, seed, rotation, soil fertility, The temperature, soil, terrain, micro-climate and humidity all influence potency of the plant. For the plants to continue to thrive, the entire ecosystem must be protected.
Regenerative Farming: Regenerative farming practices have arrived at the front of the sustainability discussion. While the ideals of regenerative farming are great and noble, regenerative is still a work in progress science-wise, mainly because the impact of regenerative practices are difficult to measure and compare. A single practice sits within a web of interdependent practices, so it may be regenerative on one farm but destructive on another.
Non-GMO Crops: This includes native plant preservation, fertilizers, and doing our best to avoid any non-natural additives
Other resources to learn more about sustainability and building more sustainable manufacturing processes:
Plants are used as medicine by 80% of the world. Similarly, in their 2019 Sustainability Report, the Hartman Group found that in 2019, 51% of consumers purchased sustainable products because they were better for the earth and the environment, up from 32% in 2017.
- APHA ToolKit
- APHA - Sustainability Resources
- SHP - SHP Sustainability & Regenerative Practices Toolkit
- Sustainability in the herb trade - Wilson Lau, Nuherbs
- SHP - Just How Sustainable is the Herb Industry?
Read The Full Article and Watch The Video Here: https://www.nuherbs.com/resources/the-business-of-botanicals-w-ann
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.
Does Just In Time Inventory Make Sense For the Global Supply Chain?
In this episode, Wilson Lau and Sam Joshi, talk about “Just in time inventory” and some trends that make “just in time herbal ingredients” harder to secure these last few years. The conversations provides an extensive overview of the stakeholders involved the global herbal supply chain including:
- Government / Regulators
- Farmers / Wildcrafters
- Aggregators
- Processors
- Traders / Exporters
- Logistic Providers
- Importers
- Manufacturers
- Distributors
- Brands
- Marketers
- Retailers /Platforms
- Consumers
Wilson and Sam then discuss the trends that specifically related to sourcing ingredients in 2022 and how they have changed in 2022. They cover everything from international logistics to shipping container shortages. They also talk about:
- The New Cost of Crops
- Hoarding of Ingredients
- Costs of Regulations
- Labor Shortages
- Environmental and Weather Patterns
- Crop Destruction
They also explore the growing complexities surrounding getting herbs and botanicals into the country, including the challenges with clearing and qualifying materials:
The conversation ends with a look at the importance of data. As a manufacturer or brand, data and analytics is no longer a nice to have, it’s a must have. It’s an investment well worthy of spending the money/time/effort.
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.
Climate Change and Developing Sustainable Harvesting Practices
Wilson Lau, and Josef Brinkman, Traditional Medicinals, Vice President of Sustainability talk about climate change, growing herbs, and building a sustainable supply chain. According to Josef, sustainability begins with evaluating and understanding what is needed most to sustain and improve your supply chain.
1:30: What do you consider to be a sustainable herbal supply chain? What goes into those considerations?
4:30: Sustainability is about not causing detriment to the places you operate in. It also means you’re paying fair wages and people are making a livelihood.
8:30: Site selection is extremely important.
9:30: Case study on Sustainability and Licorice.
13:00: Risk Mitigation in the supply chain and having multiple suppliers to deal with climate change and other geo/political factors.
14:30: Developing New Sourcing Practices: Closed-Loop Supply Chain, Diversification, Source-to-Shelf
17:32: Climate change, changes in plant growth patterns, and plant/ingredient chemistry.
19:00: Do we need to carry larger quantities of ingredients to combat availability issues?
20:30: What to consider in long term storage and maintaining potency.
23:20: Planning long term crop availability.
26:00:Other Climate Change Considerations:
- Social responsibility
- Conservation on a global scale; implemented at the local level
- We all have to do better
- Investing in sustainability
Read the full article online and learn more about Nuherbs.
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.
Conservation, Preservation, ESG, and the Work of FairWild
In this episode, Wilson talks to Anastasiya Timoshyna of FairWild. Anastasiya and Wilson talk about a specific conservation effort called TRAFFIC and how FairWild is working to ensure that the trade in wild species is not a threat to environmental conservation.
As part of this work, Nuherbs has been supporting the development and the growth of the FairWild Standard and the FairWild initiative. FairWild’s standard is that it brings a rigorous and thorough framework to sustainability of wildcrafted plants, in particular, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP plants). In this interview Wilson asks Annastasiya the following questions:
- What percentage of our herbs would you estimate are wildcrafted?
- Why is it important to have sustainable practices, with the increase in demand for medicinal aromatic plants?
- Why does Fairwild include a social responsibility portion in their plan?
- How do you think companies and brands can become better stewards of these natural resources?
To hear the discussion, listen to the full episode, watch the video, or read the full transcript.
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.
In this episode, Wilson and Asa Waldstein, the principal of the Regulatory Compliance and Supplement Advisory Group and the creator of the #WarningLetterWednesday. Asa and Wilson discuss how herbalists, TCM practitioners, naturopaths, and functional medicine doctors should make claims.
Making Claims
Claims you make as a practitioner are different from claims you make products, as product claims move out the practice scope and more into the realm of marketing (and regulation comes in). It's really important to remember which hat you're wearing when you're doing what. Just because a practitioner or doctor may be able to make a statement in one environment and one setting, doesn't mean they can make it in another setting.
2022 and 2022 Warning on Testimonials and Paid Influencer Claims
The FDA and FTC, they look at really the 30,000 foot view of a company's online persona, and the FDA investigator with probably no knowledge of TCM, Recently, the FDA, FTC and National Advertising Division, sent out 700 letters to 700 individual companies to put them on notice for their product review testimonials.
When using any testimonials, they must be truthful, not misleading. Whoever is giving the testimonial, has to have tried the product before. And testimonials get even dicier when it comes to online statements made about herbal products, especially from social media influencers.
The First Amendment
The First Amendment gives a person the right to say a lot of things. But there's a difference between you as a public citizen and you as a practitioner/commercial marketer and commercial speech. They're regulated quite differently. As a practitioner, when you apply the first amendment to your customers and what they may say about your products or services, your customers are allowed to say whatever they want, that's uncompensated.
Now if you as a practitioner then said, "Oh, that's so cool. I want to use that in my marketing." Then, if that practitioner reposted that or used that on their website, they're substantiating that claim. You’re inadvertently bridging that gap between potentially protected speech and that commercial connection. Oftentimes, you may not know any better.
As a practitioner, you're not responsible for what anyone else says. But the second that you start playing with it or interacting with it, then the government says, "Well, now you're sort of adopting it." This applies to simply sharing it on social media. You can comment on it, on their page, and it could still, if the totality and the sum parts indicate that's what you're trying to do, then you might get in trouble as well.
Listen to the complete episode to learn more about product claims, identifying high risk buzzwords,how to use lower risk words and statements, how to use the FDA Small Entity Compliance Guide to your advantage, and how to use your discretion in one-on-one consultations and selling compounded formulas.
Learn more about Nuherbs: https://nuherbs.com
Subscribe to the Herbal Explorations Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/62PaOPlfMbWRmatQJNcHi2?si=7c38397101294d6a
Subscribe Warning Letter Wednesday, a newsletter about FDA and Gov’t Regulation Enforcement Trends: https://www.asawaldstein.com/warning-letter-wednesday
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.
Holly Johnson of the American Herbal Products Association discusses the AHPA’s Tonnage Surveys. These reports present the findings of surveys APHA conducts to quantify annual harvests of certain North American herbs in commerce. In this episode, Holly discusses:
- How the AHPA conducts their surveys, and shares their research methodology, how their studies are conducted, how they take the data from their surveys, and share it with the herbal community.
- Land stewardship and conservation, and sustainable wild harvesting practices.
- A case study on the goldenseal and how the demand for the 45 different species of it grew has developed since the 1990s.
- How to use data in order to cultivate and harvest North American herbs and botanicals.
Listen to the full episode below or read the transcript. https://nuherbs.com/resources/the-importance-of-ahpa-s-tonnage-surveys
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.
In this episode, Wilson talks with Bill Chioffi of Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research.
In it, Wilson and Bill discuss: What the institute is and what its mission, and Wilson asks:
Currently, herbs depending on the level of research and claims that it seeks to make can be classified as a Food, Drug, or Cosmetic, which are all regulated by the FDA. A example of this is Vitamin C can be classified as a drug, if it’s delivered at the proper levels and you use a claim that it helps treat scurvy.
Is the Institute looking to develop botanical drugs, dietary ingredients, or where is the core focus?
What is the importance of the herbal supply chain for the research that you do? How do you think climate change will impact herbs, where they are grown, and their chemical profiles?
Nuherbs had the pleasure of working on several potential botanical drugs and the rigorous qualification and quantification process involved. What are some take key learnings that you think we can adopt in the dietary supplement spaces with regards to dietary ingredients?
https://www.nuherbs.com/admin/articles/how-the-institute-for-botanical-research-furthers-evidenced-based-naturopathic-medicine
To learn more about herbalism, the supply chain, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.