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...

In the episode “The Rise of Personalized Herbal Solutions: Meeting Consumer Demand,” Wilson Lau and Graham Rigby delve into the future of customized health products. They explore how traditional herbal practices are enhanced by modern technologies like AI and 3D printing, offering tailored health solutions that meet individual needs. The discussion highlights how these technologies not only improv...

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 t...

In the premiere episode of Season 3, titled “The Green Path: Journey of a Herb and the Impact of Ethical Sourcing,” Wilson Lau and Erin Smith explore the vital role of ethical sourcing in the herbal industry. This discussion covers the definitions and importance of ethical harvesting and sourcing, detailing their impact on environmental sustainability and community welfare. They also link these pr...

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...

In this episode, Wilson Lau delivers an update on the herbal industry, touching on significant trends like the rise of functional beverages and mushrooms, and the critical focus on sustainability. He unpacks the challenges posed by climate change, geopolitical events, and new organic regulations impacting the supply chain. Wilson underscores the importance of staying updated and proactive in the i...

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...

In this episode, Alexis Durham, Director of Education at AHPA, talks with Wilson Lau on her unique perspective on #sustainability. They cover:  Our relationship with land, soil, pollinators and people. Quality of life is a requirement for everyone that’s involved in the supply chain. Can we give back to what we take; how do we build more circular processes. Net positive vs. negative. Improvin...

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 produ...

As we cross the halfway point of the year, this is my update From The Fields as I fly to visit our partners. Always, I address the hot button issues and give my best advice for managing them as you look forward. The price of almost all Chinese herbs are up this year due to a variety of factors. On the low end, prices are up 10-15% and at the other extreme, prices are up 300-400%. I suggest reachin...

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:...

In this episode of Herbal Explorations, Wilson Lau speaks to Bill Chioffi , Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at NAMMEX, a company that specializes in medicinal mushroom extracts. In this episode, Wilson and Bill discuss all things sustainability: 0:47: There are many different definitions of sustainability, it varies by sector. 1:07: Sustainability should mean that “We’re giving back more tha...

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 t...

Beth Lambert, CEO of Herbalist and Alchemist, shares their experience and top learnings from the recent move of their business, highlighting their commitment to sustainability throughout the process. She discusses how they recycled moving materials and repurposed them into park benches, showcasing their everyday practices aligned with their environmental values. Beth emphasizes the importance of c...

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 differen...

In this episode of Herbal Explorations, Wilson welcomes Julien Gervreau, the Sustainability Director of Sensiba San Filippo. With his extensive experience in accounting, agriculture, and a passion for sustainability, Julien shares valuable insights on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices into businesses. Julien emphasizes the need for companies to understand the import...

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 prob...

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: 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: Classi...

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: &nbsp...

In this episode, Suzanne Shelton of the Shelton Group interviews Wilson Lau on his thoughts about sustainability.  In this episode, they discuss: 2:04:  Five macro themes that impact the future of our food supply chain. 4:09: How do we avoid global famines? 7:10:  Proof that climate change is real. 9:48:  Extreme weather impacts the cost of business. 14:09: We have to invest in...

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 supplie...

In this episode, Wilson speaks to Dr. Holly Johnson, the Chief Science Officer of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).  Last season, Holly and Wilson discussed the importance of AHPA’s Tonnage Study . They are back to start season two with the conversations that happened around sustainability at AHPA’s 10th Botanical Congress . In this episode: 0:52:  Climate Change is Real –...

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 her...

In this episode, Blake Ebersole, founder of NaturPro Scientific, and Willson discuss herbal product development and formulation. They also discuss FDA compliance work, quality control and supply chain issues. Listen and learn more about what’s happening in R&D in 2022. Learn 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 cla...