The Multibillion-dollar Herbal Products Industry
By Shannon E. Bell, Professor of Sociology, Virginia Tech
Each year, the herbal products industry sells more than 12 billion dollars’ worth of dietary supplements in the United States alone, and a large share of the roots, herbs, berries, seeds, and barks used in these supplements were harvested from or cultivated in Appalachian forests. In fact, 50% of the botanicals sold into the North American herbal supplement supply chain are native to the region!
Unfortunately, many of the most widely consumed forest botanicals are at-risk species, including slippery elm, black cohosh, and goldenseal. Protecting forest habitat, increasing the number of people who are growing these species on forest farms or in forest gardens, using substitutes that are not at-risk plants, harvesting sustainably, and helping wild populations expand by planting seeds and dividing and replanting roots are important strategies to help these valuable natural medicines survive and thrive into the future.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal contains berberine, which is an antimicrobial chemical. People use goldenseal to treat a variety of conditions, including the common cold, eye infections, diarrhea, canker sores, wounds, and urinary tract infections.
Black Cohosh
(Actaea racemosa)
Black cohosh is a popular herbal supplement for treating menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, and irritability.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
Slippery elm is used in teas, throat lozenges, and cough syrups. The inner bark is mucilaginous, which means that it produces a gel-like substance when added to water. When consumed, this substance coats and soothes sore throats and can also help relieve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.