Herbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and Botanicals

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 Background01:06 What are your (Jeff's) top takeaways from 2024?02:01 Attitudinal change in health among Chinese population and the opportunity that it presents06:26 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 China13:15 Cross-Border Commerce21:58 Odds of Increased Tariffs on Chinese Goods24:22 Strategies to address increased Tariffs 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.comHow we make Bespoke Extractshttps://nuherbs.com/resources/how-we-make-bespoke-extracts Understanding Amazon’s New Dietary Supplement Policy: What you Need to Knowhttps://nuherbs.com/resources/understanding-amazon-s-new-dietary-supplement-policy-what-you-need-to-knowHow to Comply with Amazon's Updated Dietary Supplement Policyhttps://nuherbs.com/resources/how-to-comply-with-amazon-s-updated-dietary-supplement-policy Conversation Overview00:00 Introduction and Lisa's Journey into the Health and Nutrition Industry04:00 Navigating the Initial Phase of Idea Generation and Conceptualization09:16 Formulating Products: Considerations and Challenges18:18 The Importance of Market Research and Intuition25:25 Tailoring the Approach to Product Formulation29:30 Ensuring Quality and Efficacy in Ingredient Sourcing32:48 The Crucial Role of Regulatory Compliance35:46 Building Partnerships with a Culture of Care and Passion38:09 New Herbs' Sourcing Process: Ensuring Purity and Compliance45:36 Success Stories: Scaling Products50:50 The Importance of Effective Packaging Design57:32 Developing Custom Ingredients01:05:35 Untapped Markets in the Herbal Product Industry01:10:07 Regulations and Policies Shaping the MarketLearn 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 Overview00:00 Introduction to Strengthening Organic Systems01:05 Top Three Changes in USDA Strengthening Organic Enforcement Regulations10:11 Exemptions and Certification Requirements for Different Entities12:01 Non-Retail Packaging and Labeling Requirements14:08 Import Certificates and Considerations for Businesses23:01 Exporting Organic Products and Special Paperwork25:01 Exporting Organic Products to Canada and Europe30:39 Conclusion and Contact InformationLearn more: https://nuherbs.com/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.comLearn more: https://nuherbs.com/

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 Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/

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/ Want to listen to episodes? Subscribe to our podcast on 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 You can also join over 10,367 herbal industry professionals, companies, and practitioners who subscribe to our monthly newsletters: https://go.nuherbs.com/emailpreferencesLearn more: https://nuherbs.com/

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 & AlchemistLearn more: https://nuherbs.com/

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 AssessmentsLearn more: https://nuherbs.com/

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. Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/

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.Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/

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.Learn more: https://nuherbs.com/

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 websiteLearn more: https://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. An 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 key learnings that you think we can adopt in the dietary supplement spaces with regards to dietary ingredients? Read the full transcript below and to learn more about about climate impact, supply chain, and herbalism, visit: https://nuherbs.com/resourcesLearn more: https://nuherbs.com/