Improved Botanicals

Understanding the extensive effects of our dietary choices on land and water resources, emissions, and local economies has heightened our awareness of sustainable food practices. However, when it comes to natural supplements and botanical items, we often overlook applying these same critical evaluations.

Botanicals—such as adaptogens blended into smoothies, herbal teas for sleep enhancement, or elderberry syrups for colds—are derived from plants and fungi meant for health benefits rather than culinary enjoyment. Since most of these products reach us as powders, capsules, or tinctures, we may forget their source—cultivated or wild-harvested entities from the earth, tended to by individuals.

With nearly 40% of known plant species facing extinction and the international market for botanical ingredients in the billions and expanding, mindful purchasing practices are essential.

Inquire More

We should approach our supplement purchases with the same curiosity as our food choices: Where was it sourced? Was it grown using organic or regenerative methods? Are the growers and workers fairly compensated?

Certification: Labels like Certified Organic and Fairtrade can provide assurance, but digging deeper through research or inquiries can yield more valuable insights.

Caitlin Vliet, founder of Bonobo Botanicals, suggests, “Cultivate curiosity regarding the conservation status and sourcing of the plants or products you’re purchasing, especially the trendy ones or those sourced from afar. Don’t hesitate to pose questions to companies about their ethics and sourcing strategies. While perfection isn’t necessary, there should still be transparency and consideration.”

The Wild Aspect

Between 60% to 90% of medicinal and aromatic plants are gathered from the wild rather than cultivated, making inquiries about the sustainability of these harvesting methods crucial. The long-term health of ecosystems depends on the species and specific conditions. For instance, dandelion and nettle are resilient enough to withstand collection, while American ginseng faces threats from overharvesting.

Certification: Logos like Forest Grown Verified and FairWild signify adherence to sustainable practices in harvesting.

Human Considerations

The demand for botanicals can create a complex scenario—while it can provide ethical income opportunities for knowledgeable wildcrafters, it can also encourage practices that prioritize short-term benefits over environmental health. There are entire communities dependent on the collection, growth, processing, or packaging of these remedies, or that reside in biodiverse areas.

Those working at the ground level often come from disenfranchised groups and may be subjected to unfair wages. Yet, with the right ethical support and sustainable employment, countless individuals can earn a livelihood through wild collection while contributing valuable ecological knowledge.

Aiding Your Choices

Making informed decisions about supplements can seem overwhelming. However, a conscientious botanical supplier like Vliet often does the groundwork for consumers.

“I invest time understanding the cultivation practices and sustainability of the herbs I wish to use. If I identify any risks or ethical concerns, I opt for alternatives,” Vliet explains.

Additionally, reputable retailers typically have staff knowledgeable about supplier vetting, relieving consumers of some burdens. Amanda Rajsigl from Amaranth Whole Foods in Calgary remarks, “We aim to partner with leading players in the natural products sector who emphasize sustainable sourcing. For every new supplement we consider, including botanicals, we have established criteria regarding ingredient sourcing.”

Connecting the Dots

There are choices available. As we seek health through natural supplementation and botanicals, it is crucial to bear in mind that much of our well-being is intertwined with the integrity of our ecosystems and the welfare of others. The health of individuals and the planet are inextricably linked.