Ann Armbrecht Books

Using herbs for healing is an ancient practice, yet in the twenty-first century, it has evolved into a significant global industry, with consumers spending over $9 billion on herbal supplements in 2019. The author shares her travels to herb collection sites, farms, and factories across North America, Europe, and India, highlighting the stories behind herbal products found in stores. She investigates whether the essence of medicinal herbs and values of environmental respect and care can be maintained as production scales up. While she encounters troubling indifference toward product quality and worker treatment, she also finds passionate individuals in herbal businesses dedicated to ethical practices. For instance, Pukka Herbs works to protect endangered great hornbills in India by promoting the market for bibhitaki tree fruit, and Runo in Poland adheres to the FairWild Foundation's standards, benefiting both the environment and wild collectors’ wages. These companies aspire to inspire the industry to enact positive change. The author emphasizes that fostering relationships with producers, farmers, and collectors is crucial for ensuring high-quality products and responsible care for people and plants. This resource encourages readers to seek ethically sourced products and recognizes that conscious capitalism is just the first step in addressing the broader social and ecological impacts of our lifestyles.