Paul Lee

Paul Lee, Catalyst of American Herbal Movement, Dies at 91
By Hannah Bauman
Professor Paul Lee, PhD, former executive director of the Herb Trade Association, died in October 2022. Lee, an early advocate of psychedelic therapy and environmentalism, was instrumental in organizing the nascent US herb industry in the mid-1970s. His legacy continues in the foundation of the American Herbalists Guild, and early figures in the US botanical industry reflect on his methodical, thoughtful nature and his passion for environmental conservation and outreach. Read more >>

Arctium lappa
©2022 Steven Foster Group

Food as Medicine Update: Burdock (Arctium lappa, Asteraceae)
By Hannah Bauman and Bethany Diaz
Burdock root is rich in prebiotic fiber and beneficial phytochemicals that have made it a staple in traditional medicine practices around the world as a supportive ingredient for chronic inflammatory conditions and as a diuretic. In addition to the root, the leaves and seeds of burdock also hold promise for alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis, gastric ulcers, and topical skin conditions. Currently, early research into the ability of burdock extracts to modulate blood glucose levels offers insight into the possibility of burdock as a supportive therapy for patients with diabetes. Read more >>

ABC Names Volunteer of the Year for 2022
By Connor Yearsley
The American Botanical Council (ABC) recognizes Lisa Lachs as its 2022 volunteer of the year. Almost every Monday since September 2021, Lachs has come to ABC’s headquarters in East Austin to work in the organization’s gardens. Lachs, who is a mother of three daughters and has significant gardening experience, is one of ABC’s first volunteers since the COVID-19 pandemic began. For Lachs, volunteering at ABC has reminded her of how much she loves gardening, which she finds therapeutic and rewarding, and she plans to continue to volunteer at ABC for as long as she can. Read more >>