ABC’s Sustainable Herbs Program Launches Updated Sustainability and Regenerative Practices Toolkit 2.0
By ABC Staff
For companies that are committed to more sustainable operations, ensuring the long-term supply of the medicinal and aromatic plants on which they depend is crucial to their success. To aid in this goal, the American Botanical Council’s Sustainable Herbs Program (SHP) has launched the SHP Sustainability and Regenerative Practices Toolkit 2.0, an updated, expansive collection of resources. The purpose of the toolkit is to generate awareness and engage leaders in the global botanical industry in implementing ecologically and socially responsible practices. The toolkit is user-friendly, freely accessible, and greatly expanded and revised from the initial version released in 2021. Read more >>

Peter Gorman

Remembering Peter Gorman: 1951-2022
By Connor Yearsley
Peter Gorman, a prolific journalist, adventurer, psychonaut, and more, died in April 2022, shortly after his last trip to the Amazon. A longtime writer for High Times magazine, he is known for his work on psychoactive substances, including the Amazonian vine ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi, Malpighiaceae) and sapo, or the skin secretions of the giant monkey frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor). In 1998, he began offering Amazonian jungle expeditions, which involved ayahuasca and which many of his guests described as transcendental. In this tribute, some of his friends and colleagues remember Gorman’s adventurousness, curiosity, and passion and his contributions to the psychedelic scene. Read more >>

Calendula and honey bee

Israeli Company Uses Novel Approach to Create Proprietary Herbal Honeys
By Karen Raterman
Honey has been used for medicinal purposes for approximately 8,000 years and has been studied since the 19th century for its antibacterial qualities. However, inspired by the unique antioxidant and antibacterial profile of manuka honey, Israeli company Zuf Globus is researching how to increase the medicinal qualities of honey with its proprietary MEL^® line of honey supplements. MEL honeys are created by feeding bees a formulated nectar that contains extracts of medicinal plants with the idea that these beneficial compounds will be translated to the honey these bees produce. Early studies indicate that the immune and respiratory health formulas may be effective in improving quality of life during chemotherapy and reducing upper respiratory tract infections. Further research to confirm these results and elucidate a mechanism of action may herald an innovation in the ancient healing tradition of honey. Read more >>