Responsible herb Suppliers

I want to make a brief comment regarding the Suppliers of herbs. As the popularity of Ayurveda and natural medicine grows, along with the massive increase in global population, the burden on nature increases. This is because many herbs are still harvested from the wild and there is such a financial pressure on many wild collectors to over harvest that this is disrupting traditional practices on sustainable harvesting.

In order to be responsible when using herbs, firstly ensure that your supplier or herbal practitioner has a policy on only purchasing material from sustainable sources and is aware of the national and international laws regulating the trade of certain species. Secondly, become aware yourself of the species that are endangered, under pressure and that should not be used. Organically certified herbs that are wild crafted have to be collected under strict guidelines that ensure the sustainability of indigenous populations. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) lists the flora and fauna that are regulated for trade. It divides the species into three categories:

* Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

* Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.

* Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade.

The list of Herbs available are given here. Please contact us at info@jeevanayurveda.com for any of your requirements.