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  Herbs in History: Yarrow & Tarragon

  August 28, 2024 Enjoying these herbal history lessons? Don't forget to share with your network using the buttons at the top of every entry!   In an effort to preserve and share the fascinating histories of medicinal plants and herbs that have been used around the world for ages, the AHPA Foundation for Education and Research on Botanicals (AHPA-ERB Foundation) is honored to partner with Alain Touwaide, Ph.D., and Emanuela Appetiti of the Institute for the Preservation of Medical Traditions to launch the Herbs in History project in 2022. The penultimate entries for the second year of this series delve into the histories of yarrow and tarragon. Preview the entries below and visit Herbs in History online to read more. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) As Strong as Iron? If there is a plant with an impeccable pedigree, it is yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) (Asteraceae). From Classical Antiquity to Native Americans and Canadian First Nations, it has enjoyed a special status. Its history allegedly goes as far back as Achilles, the most intrepid and courageous among the Greeks fighting Troy in the 13th century BCE, and its therapeutic uses made it one of the most important medicinal plants among the Indigenous populations of the Northern American Continent. | Read more...   Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) Dragons? Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) (Asteraceae), also known as French tarragon, wild tarragon, Russian tarragon, estragon, has a fantastic species name in its Linnean binomial designation: dracunculus in Latin, which evokes the medieval world of dragons and imaginary terrifying beasts. Its English and French names, Little Dragon Mugwort and Herbe au Dragon, respectively, bear witness to this connection with the medieval imaginary universe. | Read more...     About the Project Herbs in History is made possible by funding from the AHPA-ERB Foundation, as part of the nonprofit foundation's mission promote education and research on medicinal, therapeutic, and health-promoting herbs. Tune in monthly for thoughtfully detailed historical accounts of herbs you know and love, and learn more about the origins of medicinal plants that have stood the test of time.

  • Wednesday, August 28, 2024
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  In Memoriam: James Gormley

  August 20, 2024 James Gormley (1963-2024) The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is deeply saddened by the recent passing of natural products industry writer and author James Gormley.   An award-winning journalist and editor, James specialized in covering health, nutrition, dietary supplements, and related topics. During the course of his career, he served as editor-in-chief of Vitamin Retailer and Better Nutrition before going on to become a frequent contributor to the Vitamin Retailer magazine group as well as other trade publications.   Known also for his thought leadership and regulatory expertise in the natural products industry, James was a prominent advocate for health freedom. As president and senior policy advisor for Citizens for Health, James worked tirelessly in support of the freedom for all to make personal health choices. He regularly cohosted the Citizens for Health radio show and authored Health at Gunpoint: The FDA's Silent War Against Health Freedom.   “James was incredibly kind and funny, and passionate about preserving access to natural health options. He was a tireless advocate for Citizens for Health,” said Betsy E. Lehrfeld, secretary and treasurer of Citizens for Health and partner of the late, great Jim Turner, in sentiments shared with Vitamin Retailer. “James never ceased to help us pursue a broadened local and national dialogue on behalf of everyday citizens about natural health. Having known James for many years, I will forever miss him, both personally and professionally.”   “James has been a cornerstone voice of the natural products industry for as long as I remember,” added AHPA President Michael McGuffin. “He will be sorely missed, and our hearts go out to his loved ones at this difficult time.”   James is survived by his children, Natalia and Julian, and their mother, Juana. Those who wish to honor his lasting impact on the natural products industry may consider making a donation to the Citizens for Health Education Foundation.

  • Tuesday, August 20, 2024
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  Amazon removes "joint health" references from testing policy

  August 14, 2024 Product category added to policy inadvertently Amazon has removed references to “joint health” from its testing policy on dietary supplements. AHPA had reported on the addition of this product category to the policy in an earlier AHPA Update. Through communication with Amazon, AHPA has learned that this language was inadvertently included in the policy due to an internal miscommunication. Amazon continues to evaluate dietary supplement categories for inclusion under the policy based on available risk signals.   AHPA stays in close communication with Amazon staff responsible for dietary supplement products and policies; these staff have committed to communicating through AHPA and other dietary supplement trade associations, as well as directly to sellers, in advance of any future changes to the policy.

  • Wednesday, August 14, 2024
  • | Posted by AHPA
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  AHPA ERB Foundation issues request for grant proposals

  Deadline for submission for this proposal period is January 15, 2025   August 12, 2024 The American Herbal Product Association Foundation for Education and Research on Botanicals (AHPA ERB Foundation) is issuing a request for proposals to award grant funding to eligible applicants. The AHPA ERB Foundation supports a broad range of projects and efforts in the arena of botanical research and education on medicinal, therapeutic, and health-promoting herbs important to commerce in the United States.   Priority consideration for grants will be given to research in one of the following priority project types: Type 1: Research of any specific herb or botanical commodity with regard to harvest, collection, or general supply, as well as botanical supply chain factors or trends; Type 2: Research regarding applied technologies and methods of analysis, and analytical results particularly of extracts; Type 3: Projects designed to identify and disseminate key botanical industry information to stakeholders and consumers. Proposals must describe how the project will develop new information related to one of the three priority project types, defining clear objectives that this project will specifically address using well defined and sound methodology.   Applications should specifically explain what will be done to achieve the project objectives, and how tangible, measurable results will be collected and reported. Applications should describe the outreach plan (i.e., reporting of results) with clear deliverables and realistic expectations for reaching target beneficiaries of the research.   Proposals must include a timeline appropriate to the work and proposed outreach, describe applicant familiarity with related work, and include a sensible budget.   Applications should describe the key people involved in the project and their relevant experience, including their commitment, expertise, and ability to see the work through to its conclusion.   Refer to the AHPA ERB Foundation General Submission Guidelines for Research Grant Proposals for specific instructions on proposal content, organization, and submission.   The deadline for submission for this proposal period is January 15, 2025.

  • Monday, August 12, 2024
  • | Posted by AHPA