#herbalgram

[at-the-sign-of-the-fox-n-phoenix]

Maternal grandfather was an herbalist.  There are several chemical components in actual dandelion (and many of its lookalikes) that are MEDICINE.  His dandelion wine treated a few things, and dandelion greens (both raw with other other medicine ingredients used in a sauce of some kind AND sauteed) tasted and will always taste bitter and horrid.  Like most medicines do.  I feel the same way about Robitussin that I do about dandelion wine or brandy.  And yes, i feel much better after both and no, i never had enough of the alcohols to do any intoxicating. For more information including a thorough list of references: https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/109/table-of-contents/hg109-herbpro-dandelion/

[rockydolittle]

The Role of Science-Based Herbal Medicine in Healthcare, Part 1

Mark Blumenthal is founder and Executive Director of the American Botanical Council (ABC)<;u>. We commemorate the 35th anniversary of the ABC, the 40th anniversary of HerbalGram, an informative publication about botanical medicine, and Mark’s 50th anniversary as an herbal advocate, consultant, educator, and researcher. His Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program is a resource to the natural…

[diana-rajchel]

Still have a persistent cough so burning it out with #ginger. Left a guava peel in because eh, why not. Using a recipe from a friend. . . . . . . #herbalism #freshginger #diyherbs #diymedicine #naturalfoods #naturalhealth #homeandgarden #herbalistathome #herbs #herbsandspices #herbalistsofinstagram #plantmagic #plantmedicine #plantlove #herbalhealing #naturesmedicine #herbalgram #herbalistskitchen #naturalremedy #naturalremedies #medicinalherbs (at San Francisco, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bspg6O9nTya/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gfaj7gt1q97c

[houndofhecate]

Science & Magick: Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

As are many herbs, this one is also in the mind Lamiaceae family and is native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean, Iran, Central Asia and is now naturalized in the Americas. Pictured above was harvested from a plant originally foraged from wild growth in Western Washington state (Pacific Northwest). This herb has a generous scent of lemon and mint and is beloved by bees in addition to humans for it’s flowers. It grows in clusters and spreads both vegetatively and by seed.  Stems will die off in winter but shoot up again in spring. 

Historical use in medicine includes several traditions. Into antiquity it has been recorded as used as a wine-infused liniment by the Greek physician Dioscorides. In the middle ages in Western Europe was used as a tea or external topical for treatment of the GI tract, nervous system and liver. Carmelite Water, itself has origins as far back as the 14th century then known as “Eau de Carmes” created by nuns in the 14th c from the Abbey of St Just. In 1826 a nun named Maria Clementine Martin made her own variation known as “Klosterfrau Melissengeist” . It is an herbal tonic/toilet water, similar to the more well-known Florida Water which contains several different ingredients and is popular still in Europe (image below). Carmelite Water is believed to have contained lemon balm in addition to gentian, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger and is presently used since the 1800s for cold and GI disorders.  There is also a long history of use in the Middle East, with reference to Azerbaijani folk practice of bathing in Lemon balm tea to support healthy skin.  It also has uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In current production today, in addition to Carmelite Water and similar products it can also be found in certain liquors including Benedictine and Chartreuse.

(image from LINK) 

Current herbal medicine considerations are numerous, often attributing Lemon balm to use for mood, cognition and indigestion. Modern medical research has been done primarily in the Middle East, Asia and Western Europe. Noted effects of Lemon balm include anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects, enhancement of cognitive capacity with regards to memory function, and even improve sexual dysfunction in women. There is additionally ongoing study with some evidence of improvement of cholesterol/lipid profile with oral supplementation and decreased cardiovascular inflammation. 

In ancient Greece the association is strong between Lemon balm and honey bees and ancient beekeepers would rub the hives with Lemon balm to encourage bees to come rest Lemon balm is in some respects believed to be associated with the goddess Aphrodite . Additionally there has been a long belief through the middle ages with belief in longevity attributed to the plant. It also represented sympathy in flower language. 

Modern symbolism and correspondence for attracting love, finding love, healthy sexuality, finding happiness and mental wellness all seem appropriate given the precedent from history and our current knowledge of this plant. If bees have important meaning to you it is also something to be considered to enhance a relationship with bees or associated magickal properties. Below are included a variety of recipes and sources if you’re interested in utilizing Lemon balm in your own medicinal  or magickal practices. 

Make Your Own Carmelite Water (from Mountain Rose Herbs - LINK)

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh lemon balm leaves or 1/4 cup dried lemon balm

1/4 cup dried angelica root

1 Tbsp. dried coriander seed

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest (about 1 small organic lemon)

1 tsp. (cassia) cinnamon chips

2 hole cloves

1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1 bottle dry white wine (or cold water)

Directions

Combine all the herbs and spices into a glass quart jar.

Pour the wine into the jar.

Stir well.

Cover with a lid.

Steep for 4 to 6 hours.

Strain through several layers of cheesecloth or a coffee filter and compost the herbs.

Place the infused wine in an airtight container and chill for several hours.

Enjoy within 3 to 5 days.

A Relaxation Tonic (from Judy Griffin’s Mother Nature’s Herbal)

2 tbsp hops

2 tbsp chamomile flowers

2 tbsp lemon balm

1 tbsp spearmint leaves

1 tsp lavender leaves, chopped (or flowers)

DISCLAIMER:

Do NOT use any natural medicine without consulting your healthcare provider or researching the potential interactions it may have with your current medications or health conditions. It is also recommended that any essential oil used topically be tested in a small spot first and diluted so as not to irritate the skin. DO NOT use in lieu of other medical attention. For all consumption or topical application ensure that what you are using has not been treated with pesticides that can be harmful to humans. 

See other Science&Magick by me posts HERE

Images aside from that of the Kosterfrau belong to myself. 

SOURCES: 

Hiller, Sabine “Using Lemon Balm in the Kitchen”. Mayo News (LINK)

Klosterfrau website (Carmelite Water source) (LINK) - above image

Make your Own Carmelite Water (LINK) 

Kennedy DO, Wake G, Savelev S, Tildesley NT, Perry EK, Wesnes KA, Scholey AB. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2003 Oct;28(10):1871-81. doi: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300230. PMID: 12888775.

Haybar H, Javid AZ, Haghighizadeh MH, Valizadeh E, Mohaghegh SM, Mohammadzadeh A. The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2018 Aug;26:47-52. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015. Epub 2018 May 19. PMID: 29908682.

Darvish-Mofrad-Kasani Z et al. “Effect of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) on Sexual Dysfunction in Women: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study” Iran Journal of Pharm Res.  Winter 2018;17(Suppl):89-100. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958328/ 

Alakbarov FU. “Aromatic Herbal Baths of the Ancients”.  HerbalGram. 2003; 57:40-49 American Botanical Council. Issue 57. Page 40-49. http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue57/article2449.html?ts=1606520284&signature=609cb7597faf1adb7b2341b804a22828 

Jones MW. “Lovely Lemon Balm”. Moon Maid Botanicals. (LINK)

[cedar-glade]

Two classic species in any eastern mesic prairie or intact riparian zone. 

Ludwigia alternifolia, alternate leaf seedbox, 

More known for it’s winter aesthetics and it’s unique square capsule that utilizes bellowing effect during winter to puff out dust sized seeds into the breeze, this plant is critical for early wetland rehabilitation or riparian colonization in general. After massive disturbance like bank failure or flood based erosion this plant is one of the first to germinate along with the annuals like jewelweed and ragweed. It is much more low lying and where it doesn’t get shaded out it can produce incredible swale line populations. It’s picked often for bioremediation projects in seed mixes and bioswale seed mixes for this reason. 

Teucrium canadense var. canadense (, American/Canadian glandless germander, wood sage,

Classic lamianoid (lamiaceae/ mint family member)  with fragrant terpenoids exudence and squared of stems, this is more or less abundant in many habitats but riparian zones and open mesic woods are the most common location for them. Often utilized for native woodland gardens this plant has also been selected for function in permaculture beds though I don’t necessarily recommend it be used, often plant medicine is less focused on in permaculture and so is the idea of ecosystem roles, this plant is often selected for both purposes. If we are looking for soil maintenance(aeration and water retention) and more prolonged nectar sources(June-September in some states) in part shade this species is could appear ideal and for native restoration projects I feel this is the case; but, not for permaculture. While this may be a good antiseptic if leaves are boiled and placed on wounds, and while this does have a soothing effect it also has a historic use for tea mixes. Historically it was considered a diuretic and and a sweat inducing species, helps with throat swelling and even is useful for aiding expectorants, while this is true, their isn’t enough data on additional issues for health. European species in this genera are known for similar qualities and were at one point used for chemical extract complexes, these were added to mixes of skullcap extract for nerve suppressant to aid with spasm control and pain. In a paper re-evaluated in 2015( originally published in HerbalGram. Feb-Apr2012, Issue 93, p34-41. 8p.) Research supported that this species was known to cause liver toxicity . So, depending on application, this could be implemented; but, proper education/ full discretion/signage/warnings should be used if that ever becomes the plan to implement this species in a permaculture setting purposefully. Again, for just native gardening and for restoration or prairie scaping/woodland native scaping this is a great species. 

http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=3e5d9076-18c2-47fd-89b6-d43c273306a9%40sessionmgr101&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#AN=72364950&db=awh

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stefan-Gafner/publication/282813684_Skullcap_Adulteration_Laboratory_Guidance_Document/links/561d070508aec7945a2524f5/Skullcap-Adulteration-Laboratory-Guidance-Document.pdf

[latenighthealthradioshow]

Late Night Health

[windingriverherbals]

HerbalGram Special Sustainability and Conservation Issue Highlights Threat of Climate Crisis on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

HerbalGram Special Sustainability and Conservation Issue Highlights Threat of Climate Crisis on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

AUSTIN, Texas (November 25, 2019) — Rapidly warming temperatures, fluctuating precipitation patterns, and changing landscapes are having measurable negative effects on global flora, including medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). These impacts are described in the extensive cover article of issue 124 of HerbalGram, the quarterly, peer-reviewed scientific journal of the nonprofit American…

[tipsycad147]

All About Cinnamon | The Health Benefits, Uses, & More

Written by Sass Ayres

Cinnamon, as warming and sweet as it is, is a quintessential spice of the fall season. And this common spice that we might take for nothing more than the flavor of fall has a long history of use as both food and medicine. From immune health to cardiovascular health, the health benefits of cinnamon make it so much more than just a spice cabinet staple. Plus, it’s flippin’ delicious! Today, cinnamon can be found in everything from holiday pies to toothpaste.

HERE YOU’LL FIND: Meet Cinnamon Get To Know The Real Cinnamon: Cassia vs. Ceylon Culinary Uses of Cinnamon The Health Benefits of Cinnamon Resources & Further Reading

As a tropical spice that is commercially produced primarily in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Madagascar, and the Seychelles, for most of us, cinnamon travels a long way and passes through many hands to get to our kitchens.

Believe it or not, cinnamon actually played a big role in colonial expansion. In the early 1500s, Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, was invaded by the Portuguese in an attempt to monopolize the cinnamon trade. Several hundred years later, the Dutch East India company took over and dominated the cinnamon trade up until the early-mid 1800s, effectively spreading cinnamon all over the globe.

Cinnamon was (and is!) adored by everyone.

But there’s more to this everyday spice than meets the eye. Because of its origin, traditional methods of processing, and the multitude of unique varieties and uses, cinnamon is quite an interesting plant!

Meet Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.)

Here’s the skinny:

Cinnamon is an evergreen tree, and when left to its own devices, it can grow 30-50 feet tall. However, commercially grown cinnamon is grown as a bush and typically maxes out around 10 feet tall.

The leaves are long and oval-shaped, typically anywhere from 3-7″ long. Cinnamon flowers are small, whitish-green, and arranged in panicles.

In more commercial operations, a cinnamon tree is typically ready for harvest at 2-3 years old. The shoots are then coppiced (harvested by cutting back to the ground) and left to regrow as many 2-3 times a season. Cinnamon trees can typically be harvested from for 40-50 years!

The bark of the cinnamon tree is harvested right after monsoon season, when all the rain and humidity has made the cinnamon bark softer and easier to harvest.

As the bark dries after harvest, it rolls into quills, what we often refer to as cinnamon sticks.

There are hundreds of types of cinnamon, but only 4 are typically grown commercially. These are Ceylon (true cinnamon), Cassia, Saigon, and Korintje.

Cinnamaldehyde is the primary essential oil found in cinnamon and is responsible for its characteristic taste and smell.

Get To Know The Real Cinnamon

While there are many varieties of cinnamon, the two most common are Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is, by far, the most ubiquitous variety. Because it’s generally less expensive and has a stronger flavor than Ceylon, it’s the most common variety on the market shelves.

However, to most untrained palates, the two are relatively indistinguishable.

Ceylon Cinnamon

often referred to as “true cinnamon”

grown in Sri Lanka and southern India

typically a lighter brown color

more expensive than Cassia cinnamon and is more difficult to find in groceries

has a milder, more delicate flavor (and perhaps even slight floral notes)

the bark is generally in thinner sheets, which are nested into each other, resulting in a flakier appearance

Cassia Cinnamon

grown mostly in China

typically darker in color, often appearing reddish

has a much more intense flavor (and is often preferred for its stronger flavor)

contains a higher concentration of cinnamaldahyde

the bark is typically thick and usually single layered (compared to the thin, multi-layered, and flaky-looking Ceylon)

the most commonly sold and available cinnamon in the United States

Culinary Uses of Cinnamon

Cinnamon’s most prominent use is as a food. It’s been used as a spice to flavor everything from curries, teas, marinades, chewing gum, soups, baked goods and desserts, as well as liqueurs. Chocolate and cinnamon is a popular combination, and cinnamon is a key ingredient in 5-spice powder, a Chinese blend of 5 or more spices representing the traditional Chinese elements of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and pungent.

Cinnamon bark essential oil is also often used in food. Because it generally yields a more consistent flavor, cinnamon bark oil has replaced powdered cinnamon as a flavoring in much of the commercialized food industry.

Try These Recipes With Cinnamon

Simple Cinnamon Tea Cinnamon & Pear Cordial Savory Cinnamon & Spice Herbal Salt Cinnamon & Rose Pear Upside-Down Cake Coffee & Cacao Cocktail Bitters

The Health Benefits of Cinnamon

It might be a little surprising, but many of the most commonly used herbs and spices in our kitchens live double lives as incredible plant medicines.

The health benefits of cinnamon go far beyond the alluring aroma of fall desserts and sweet treats. It’s not really hard to believe that this spice is beloved worldwide. After all, what would our apple pie and pumpkin-spiced everything be without cinnamon?!

Cinnamon is antiviral, astringent, anti-fungal, expectorant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and so much more. With such a wide variety of medicinal actions, it has many medicinal uses.

Cinnamon bark oil is used in the pharmaceutical industry in products for asthma and colds/coughs due to its expectorant and fever-reducing properties.

Cinnamon helps to increase warmth and circulation, thereby supporting healthy and efficient digestion.

It can help relax uterine muscles, helping to calm painful menstrual cramps. Cinnamon tea is a popular remedy for menstrual cramps.

It can help to dissolve excess mucus, aiding in resolving coughs and lung congestion. For this reason, cinnamon can also be effective in easing respiratory allergy symptoms.

Studies have demonstrated effectiveness in helping to decrease blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Cinnamon 101

Species  True Cinnamon: Cinnamomum verum (formerly C. zeylanicum) Cassia: C. cassia (or C. aromaticum) Korintje: C. burmannii Saigon: C. loureiroi

Family Lauraceae (the laurel family)

Part(s) Used Dried inner bark of young branches & semi-hard shoots

Origin Tropical forests of Indonesia & other parts of Asia When to Harvest Immediately after rainy season, when the bark is softer & easier to harvest

Energetics Drying, Warming, Energizing

As a Medicine Antiviral, Alterative, Astringent, Anti-fungal, Carminative Antibacterial, Anti-parasitic, Anti-inflammatory, Gastrointestinal tonic Expectorant (helps to remove excess mucus)

As a Food Excellent source of manganese & fiber Very good source of calcium

Caution(s) Caution against using large doses (>1 teaspoon/day) for long periods of time. Contraindicated in persons with a cinnamon allergy. Caution during pregnancy due to slight emmenagogue effect.

**Always consult with your doctor or a licensed clinical herbalist if you have any concern or are taking any prescription medications.**

Other Uses Crafts Aromatherapy, Body care & perfume

Resources & Further Reading

Engels, G. & Brinckmann, J. (2012). Cinnamon. Herbalgram, 95:1-5. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue95/hg95-herbpro-cinnamon.html

Chen, P., Sun, J., & Ford, P. (2014) Differentiation of the Four Major Species of Cinnamons (C. burmannii, C. verum, C. cassia, and C. loureiroi) Using a Flow Injection Mass Spectrometric (FIMS) Fingerprinting Method. J Agric Food Chem, 62(12): 2516–2521. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3983393/

Garner-Wizard, M. (2016). Review of health benefits of cinnamon. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/541/081546-541.html

American Botanical Council. (2000). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs: Cinnamon bark. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Cinnamonbark.html

McBride, K. (2019) The Herbal Kitchen.

Tilgner, S. M., (2009) Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth.

   https://www.botanyculture.com/meet-the-plants-the-food-medicine-of-cinnamon/

[health-ingredients]

Science-Based Benefits Of Milk Thistle Extract Sales of herbal supplements with Milk Thistle reached $16,244,188 in the US Mainstream Multi-Outlet Channel in 2019 (NO.23 on the list), with an additional $10,010,699 in sales reported from the Natural Channel (NO.10 on this list), according to latest HerbalGram's Herb Market Report.

● Support Liver Health ● Control Diabetes ● Improve Brain Function   ● Promote Skin Health

Reliable source: https://www.naturalin.com/news/show/1861.html

[diana-rajchel]

Circa 1995 #goldenseal gained favor by stoner jocks looking to cheat on their drug tests. Thanks to that, this fantastic immune supporter became wildly over harvested and now costs upwards of $100 a pound. San Francisco Herb Supply actually keeps theirs in the back - you have to ask for it! On a #healing level it's fabulous. On a #magickal level I can't imagine making Crown of Success oil or #incense without it! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #sanfranciscoworld #sanfrancisco #herbs #herbalism #herbalgram #herbalremedies #plantmedicine #plantmagic #herbalhealing #friday #conjure #folklife #sanfranciscoherbcompany #herbalwitch #witchcommunity #pagan #instawitch (at San Francisco, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsOdhHVnMit/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9yh5fcl1sssu

[kflemhealth]

New report finds that sales for herbal supplements experienced their strongest growth in 15 years

(Natural News) Herbal dietary supplements are making waves in the market these days. In a report published in Herbalgram, the official publication of the American Botanical Council, researchers say that retail sales in the U.S. experienced their strongest growth in 15 years. The report also revealed that in 2017, consumer spending increased by 8.5 percent...

from NaturalNews.com https://ift.tt/2FB3hBH via IFTTT

[guitarpanda8]

Ginger extract may inhibit obesity, inflammation, suggests study on rats fed a high-fat diet

These were the results of a study conducted by researchers from South Korea, published recently​​ in the journal Nutrients. ​

“[Ginger extract] would be useful for application as a functional food for the prevention of obesity and inflammation,”​ they argued.

“Our findings suggest that [ginger extract] inhibits body weight gain and adipose tissue in rats fed a high-fat diet”​ through the down-regulation of certain mRNA (a type of molecule conveying genetic information) related to the storing of fat, as well as biomarkers linked to inflammation.

They postulated that the improvements of markers linked to obesity and inflammation in rats supplemented with ginger extract, even though they were eating a high-fat diet, was due to the volatile oils (gingerols and shogaols) present, which give ginger its distinctive scent.

Two types of extracts were used in the study—high-hydrostatic pressure extract of ginger, as well as hot water extract of ginger, both supplied by the Korea Food Research Institute.

What is high-hydrostatic pressure extract of ginger?​

High-hydrostatic pressure technology is a low-temperature extraction method “that does not destroy or denature the active substances by heat during the extraction process of various natural products,” ​the authors wrote.

For this study, the researchers bought ginger from a local market, added it in distilled water, and then pulverized it. This resulting puree was poured into plastic bags with an enzyme and then treated in a high-pressure vessel. The final step was to filter and freeze-dry the ginger.

HerbalGram data: Ginger supplement sales up 20% year-over-year

US botanical sales topped $8 billion, an 8.5% growth, according to the American Botanical Council's HerbalGram Herb Market Report. Leading ingredients included Ashwagandha, with 25% sales growth, and ginger with 20%.

READ MORE​​

(Originally published Sept-21-2018)

Researchers compared the performance of high-hydrostatic pressure extracted ginger to a hot water extract, in which researchers heated the ginger at 100 degrees Celsius for three hours, before then freeze-drying the ginger.

Results: Pressure technology fared better than hot water extract​

At the end of the study, rats supplemented with ginger extracted using high-hydrostatic pressure had lower body weight and white adipose mass compared to the rats fed only a high-fat diet.

In most of the evaluated outcomes, both ginger extracts were linked to an improvement, but rats supplemented with the high-hydrostatic pressure extract exhibited better improvements in gene activity and weight gain inhibition that the hot water extract group.

Study details​

The researchers evaluated levels of genes and proteins that are related to how the body stores fat and suffers inflammation, specifically after the body has gone through changes caused by following a high-fat diet.

Twenty-seven rats were used. They were divided into three groups (nine in each) and fed either a high-fat diet, a high-fat diet containing ginger extracted using hot water, or a high-fat diet containing ginger extracted with high-hydrostatic pressure.

This diet period lasted for 10 weeks, during which researchers measured body weight and food intake twice a week using a digital scale.

At the end of the study, rats were euthanized so that the researchers can look at serum, liver, and epididymal adipose tissue.

The exact mechanism is still unclear, so further studies are still needed, the researchers wrote.

Source:​ Nutrients​ Published online, doi:10.3390/nu10111567​​ “Ginger Extract Ameliorates Obesity and Inflammation via Regulating MicroRNA-21/132 Expression and AMPK Activation in White Adipose Tissue”​ Authors: Seunghae Kim, et al

Source: https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2018/10/29/Ginger-extract-may-inhibit-obesity-inflammation-suggests-study-on-rats-fed-a-high-fat-diet

[piscesknight12-blog]

American Botanical Council celebrates 30th anniversary

ABC’s 30th anniversary is a major milestone for the Austin, Texas-based organization and speaks to its enduring message about the benefits of herbal medicine and the science behind it that has resonated with thousands of members and supporters both locally and in more than 80 countries around the world.

In 1988, Founder and Executive Director Mark Blumenthal established ABC with internationally esteemed ethnobotanist James A. Duke, PhD, and Professor Norman R. Farnsworth, PhD, a renowned pharmacognosist and medicinal plant researcher. A few years later, Professor Varro E. Tyler, PhD, another eminent pharmacognosist and author, joined the Board of Trustees. They created the organization with the goal of providing accurate information to assist the public in making educated, responsible choices about herbal medicine in self-care and as an accepted part of conventional health care. Thirty years later, their vision still drives the nonprofit’s mission, publications, and programs. 

“My primary thought on reflecting on 30 years of ABC’s service to the medicinal plant community is one of profound gratitude and deep appreciation to all who have helped ABC reach this important milestone,” said Blumenthal. “This includes my gratitude to the late Jim Duke, Norman Farnsworth, and Varro Tyler for helping me establish ABC and for being the first members of the ABC Board of Trustees; gratitude to the many employees of ABC, past and present, who have worked to make the organization so successful; gratitude to the hundreds of Sponsor Members and thousands of other ABC individual, academic, and professional members who have supported ABC’s unique nonprofit research and educational mission; gratitude to the ABC Board of Trustees and Advisory Board for their many hours of volunteer service; and gratitude and appreciation for the plants, without which there would be no life on Earth and which provide us their amazing nutritional and healing energies.”

Publication milestones

In the summer of 1983, Blumenthal published the first issue of HerbalGram, then an eight-page, black-and-white newsletter with brief updates on medicinal plant research, community events, and regulatory news. In November 2018, ABC will publish the 120th issue of the magazine, now an 80-page, full-color, peer-reviewed journal that has become a leading publication in the field.

ABC celebrated a number of other publication milestones in 2018. In February, ABC’s monthly e-newsletter HerbalEGram began its 16th year; since 2004, ABC has published more than 160 issues of this digital companion to HerbalGram. HerbClip, a twice-monthly publication that provides summaries and critical reviews of medicinal plant-related clinical research, began its 26th year in 2018. ABC has now published almost 7,500 HerbClips. ABC’s newest online publication, Herbal News & Events, entered its seventh year in 2018. Launched in 2012, the weekly Herbal News & Events newsletter was created to keep ABC members and supporters up to date on relevant educational events and news articles.

New digital resources

ABC has now published more than 45 articles in its HerbalEGram Food as Medicine series, which explores the history, traditional uses, nutritional profile, and modern research of a different conventional food each month. The Food as Medicine series is based on work by interns in ABC’s dietetic internship program, led by ABC Education Coordinator Jenny Perez, and is produced in collaboration with HerbalGram Associate Editor Hannah Bauman and ABC Chief Science Officer Stefan Gafner, PhD. 

In 2016, ABC added a complete digital archive of HerbalGram issues dating back to 1983. Previously, only issues 85 and later were available online as PDFs. ABC also added a new Herbal MediaWatch feature to its website in 2016. Updated weekly, Herbal MediaWatch is a news feed that contains articles, press releases, and other online publications on a wide range of subjects of interest to ABC’s members and supporters.  

Onsite happenings 

ABC’s headquarters at the 165-year-old Case Mill Homestead in the heart of East Austin serves as an extension of the organization’s commitment to herbal education. Purchased in 1997, the property was renovated with the help of the nonprofit’s first capital campaign and updated with expansive medicinal plant gardens, a greenhouse, and annex that functions as home for ABC’s library and a community meeting space sometimes used by other Austin nonprofits. With guidance from ABC’s dedicated education department, the gardens are used as a tool for dietetic and pharmacy interns from local universities, who apply their research in hands-on medicine-making labs and presentations using herbs from the grounds.

The Case Mill Homestead also functions as the idyllic setting of ABC’s annual HerbDay event, where community members gather to celebrate the healing properties of plants. In March 2018, ABC hosted its 13th annual HerbDay celebration. 

In the past five years, ABC added two new features to its expansive, 2.5-acre grounds. In 2015, ABC completed work on a new garden space, which received official designation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, the largest wildlife conservation and education organization in the United States. Three years before that, in 2012, ABC introduced its Sacred Seeds garden, which is part of the United Plant Savers’ international network of garden sanctuaries intended to protect locally important and traditionally used plants. 

Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program

The nonprofit continues to expand the scope and reach of its Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) in collaboration with the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) and the National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR) at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi.

BAPP is an international consortium of nonprofit professional organizations, analytical laboratories, research centers, industry trade associations, industry members, and other parties with interest in herbs and medicinal plants. The program advises industry, laboratories, researchers, health professionals, government agencies, the media, and the public about the various challenges related to adulterated botanical ingredients sold in global commerce. Since 2011, more than 200 US and international parties have financially supported or otherwise endorsed the program. 

To date, the BAPP has released 45 extensively peer-reviewed publications, including detailed articles featured in HerbalGram, Botanical Adulterants Prevention Bulletins, Laboratory Guidance Documents, and Botanical Adulterants Monitor e-newsletters, all of which are available for free to the public on the program’s website.

What’s next for ABC? Enhanced focus on herb sustainability

Throughout its history, ABC has demonstrated a commitment to medicinal plant conservation. In 2018, ABC published an extensive feature on goldenseal conservation in HerbalGram issue 119 representing 21 years of additional research on this vitally relevant issue since ABC published a cover story on this same topic in HerbalGram issue 41 in 1997. Other conservation articles throughout the years include the impact of climate change on medicinal plants in HerbalGram issue 81 and an article on the sustainable harvest of wild plant population in issue 118. These articles, along with many more throughout the years, are the foundation for ABC’s involvement in the soon-to-be-announced new strategic endeavors on botanical supply chain sustainability.

Source: American Botanical Council

Source: https://www.newhope.com/news/american-botanical-council-celebrates-30th-anniversary

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Regulatory Framework for the Expanding US Cannabis Industry Proposed in HerbalGram Article

Regulatory Framework for the Expanding US Cannabis Industry Proposed in HerbalGram Article

Austin, TX (July 23, 2019). The current issue of the nonprofit American Botanical Council’s (ABC’s) peer-reviewed journal HerbalGram features a proposed state-federal regulatory framework for the US cannabis (Cannabis sativa) industry.1 The proposal suggests the removal of cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), thus allowing US stakeholders entry into the global market. The US…

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