Shows
Herbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and Botanicals2024 Wellness Trends: Exploring Alternative Delivery Formats for SupplementsGummies, 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 are faced with challenge of getting all your key ingredients that new format, you want to watch this:
2023-10-0315 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsSustainability is a Circular Process | Interview with Alexis Durham of AHPAIn 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.
Improving farming practices and sourcing practices.
Sustainability is not one size fits all, it’s specific to your business.
Creating sustainable principles in all your employee roles.
Collective buy-in to change is important to build...2023-09-1810 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsWorking with Indigenous Communities and Wildcrafters | Interview with Erin Smith of Bayan BotanicalsIn 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 production.
Working directly with indigenous populations and wildcrafters.
How wildcrafters provide information herbs that you may not otherwise get.
Sustainability requirements should be included in your company's job descriptions. Ask your people to brainstorm ideas on ways to lessen environmental impact.
In or...2023-08-2811 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and Botanicals2023 Herbs and Botanicals Trends | How Inflation, Labor Shortages and Weather are Impacting the Supply ChainAs 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 reaching out to your herbal partners to better understand how this will impact your company going forward...2023-08-1420 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsCompanies and People: It's Time to Ask How Do We Sustain Life on this Planet?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.
2:15: Companies need to know their impact. Companies need to identify the worst thing they do, what costs the company the most in terms of reputation, environmental impact, and costs.
3:02: In the herbal industry, most companies don’t kn...2023-08-0909 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsFrom Seed to Shelf: How to Actually Build a Sustainable Supply ChainIn 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 than we’re taking out of any one system.” Sustainability is holistic and it means taking care of the people, animals, plants, and everyone involved in the company’s supply chain.
...2023-08-0210 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsPart 1: From Wall Street to B Corp: A CEO's Mission for Environmental Stewardship | Beth LambertBeth 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 the continuous drive for improvement.
Beth's passion for sustainability and the company's dedication to being a force for positive change shine through as they continue to explore their path to transformative sustainability.2023-06-0518 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsPart 2: From Boxes to Benches: Herbalist and Alchemist's Commitment to Sustainability | Beth LambertBeth 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 core values and goals beyond B Corp certification and how it helps set objectives but should only drive part of the sustainability journey.
Wilson and Beth also touch upon the significance of supporting the...2023-05-3121 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsPart 2: Beyond the Calculator: Achieving Accurate and Actionable Sustainability Metrics | Julien GervreauWilson 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 different departments to track and analyze data. Tools and resources like Impact IQ, an ESG compliance and intelligence tool, are highlighted for companies to engage in transformational sustainability reporting and compliance. Emphasizing the importance of being good stewards across multiple areas, Julien o...2023-05-3116 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsPart 1: Driving Sustainable Change: Unveiling a Path to a Net Zero Carbon Emission Future | Julien GervreauIn 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 importance of transitioning companies into a more sustainable, zero-carbon emission future. From water scarcity and labor availability, to the impact of extreme weather conditions on crop quality, the conversation underscores the need for adaptive practices and responsible production.
2023-05-3119 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsPart 2: The Power of Adaptogens: Unlocking Their Potential for Better Health | David WinstonIntro/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 problem.
7:33: Treating people with chronic stress, the rise in in...2023-02-1517 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsPart 1: Adaptogens 101: What They Are, How They Work and Their Potential Benefits | David WinstonIntro/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: Classifying other herbs with adaptogenic properties.
7:46: Using adaptogens in ma...2023-02-0521 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsPart 2: Changing Climate, Changing Supply: How Regulation and Availability are Disrupting the Supply Chain. | Suzanne SheltonIn 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: Are Synthetic botanicals the future of our food?
16:38: Wildcrafting is becoming a thing of the past.
...2023-01-2026 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsPart 1: Changing Climate, Changing Supply: How Regulation and Availability are Disrupting the Supply Chain. | Suzanne SheltonIn 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 a way that is profitable and sustainable in the long term.
16:18: The i...2023-01-2021 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsPart 2: How The Herbal Industry Can Start to Address Climate Change | Dr. Holly JohnsonPart 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 supplier before it’s too late.
8:35: Growing location affects phytochemical profile.
12:53: Protecting wild populations from decline with CIT...2023-01-2030 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsPart 1: How The Herbal Industry Can Start to Address Climate Change | Dr. Holly JohnsonIn 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 – And It’s Affecting Your Herbal Supply Chain
2:10: How Gen Z and Younger Generations are Combating Climate Change
3:43: The Future - It’s Here Now
2023-01-0318 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsHerbal Explorations: Understanding Adaptogens w/ David WinstonIn 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 herbs with adaptogenic properties.
7:46: Using adaptogens in marketing messages.
9:00: The nine plants that are actually adaptogens.
11:12: Herbs and plants that are possible adaptogens, but more re...2022-07-0537 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsHerbal Explorations: Selecting the Right Herbal Consultant w/ Blake EbersoleIn 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.To learn more about herbalism, the sustinability, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.2022-07-0420 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsBotanical Research Furthers Evidenced-Based Naturopathic Medicine | Roy Upton of American Herbal Pharmacopoeia,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 classified as a drug, if it’s delivered at the proper levels and you use a claim that it helps treat scurvy. Is the Institute looking to...2022-06-3024 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsThe Importance of Herbal Identity Testing | Elan Sudberg CEO of Alkemist Labs,In order for brands and manufacturers to be able to meet regulatory compliance, and create safe and effective botanical products, herbal identity testing is critical. Confirming botanical genus, species, and plant parts is an art, as well as a science. Wilson talks to Elan Sudberg, CEO of Alkemist Labs, on how the process works.To learn more about herbalism, the sustinability, and sourcing, visit https://www.nuherbs.com.2022-06-2726 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsThe Important of Hybrid Events and Trade Shows | Jon Benninger of Informa MarketsJon Benninger of Informa, and Wilson Lau of Nuherbs will be discussing the importance of hybrid events and platforms such as SupplySide365 and Jon’s Morning Mingle are for the herbal supply chain.
In this episode, they discuss and explore how the herbal industry can use online platforms to supplement traditional trade shows to discover new suppliers, customers, and make new connections. Jon and Wilson look at how companies will do business in the dietary supplement industry using technology from 2022 and beyond.To learn more about herbalism, the sustinability, and so...2022-06-2426 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsSourcing Wildharvested Botanicals, Soil Health + Regenerative AgricultureIn this episode, Wilson and Ann discuss key areas of sustainability impacting the growth, cultivation and harvesting of herbs. Listen to their conversation to better understand:
Farming Practices - Soil Health: Choice of the crops, variety, seed, rotation, soil fertility, The temperature, soil, terrain, micro-climate and humidity all influence potency of the plant. For the plants to continue to thrive, the entire ecosystem must be protected.
Regenerative Farming: Regenerative farming practices have arrived at the front of the sustainability discussion. While the ideals of regenerative farming are great and...2022-06-1520 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsSourcing + The Herbal Industry: Does Just In Time Delivery Make Sense For Your Business?Does Just In Time Inventory Make Sense For the Global Supply Chain?
In this episode, Wilson Lau and Sam Joshi, talk about “Just in time inventory” and some trends that make “just in time herbal ingredients” harder to secure these last few years. The conversations provides an extensive overview of the stakeholders involved the global herbal supply chain including:
Government / Regulators
Farmers / Wildcrafters
Aggregators
Processors
Traders / Exporters
Logistic Providers
Importers
Manufacturers
Distributors
Brands
Marketers
Retailers /Platforms
Consumers
Wilson and Sam then discuss the trends that specifically related to sourcing ingredients in 2022 and how they have changed...2022-06-0819 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsClimate Change & Creating Sustainable Supply Chains: What It Will Take w/Josef BrinckmannClimate Change and Developing Sustainable Harvesting Practices
Wilson Lau, and Josef Brinckmann, Traditional Medicinals, Vice President of Sustainability talk about climate change, growing herbs, and building a sustainable supply chain. According to Josef, sustainability begins with evaluating and understanding what is needed most to sustain and improve your supply chain.
1:30: What do you consider to be a sustainable herbal supply chain? What goes into those considerations?
4:30: Sustainability is about not causing detriment to the places you operate in. It also means you’re paying fair wages and pe...2022-06-0127 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsConservations, ESG, and the Work of FairWild | Anastasiya Timoshyna and Wilson Lau, NuherbsConservation, Preservation, ESG, and the Work of FairWild
In this episode, Wilson talks to Anastasiya Timoshyna of FairWild. Anastasiya and Wilson talk about a specific conservation effort called TRAFFIC and how FairWild is working to ensure that the trade in wild species is not a threat to environmental conservation.
As part of this work, Nuherbs has been supporting the development and the growth of the FairWild Standard and the FairWild initiative. FairWild’s standard is that it brings a rigorous and thorough framework to sustainability of wildcrafted plants, in particular, Medicinal and Ar...2022-05-2319 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsHerbal Explorations: Practitioner vs. Product Claims | Asa Waldstein of Regulatory Compliance and Supplement Advisory GroupIn this episode, Wilson and Asa Waldstein, the principal of the Regulatory Compliance and Supplement Advisory Group and the creator of the #WarningLetterWednesday. Asa and Wilson discuss how herbalists, TCM practitioners, naturopaths, and functional medicine doctors should make claims.
Making Claims
Claims you make as a practitioner are different from claims you make products, as product claims move out the practice scope and more into the realm of marketing (and regulation comes in). It's really important to remember which hat you're wearing when you're doing what. Just because a practitioner or doctor ma...2022-05-1623 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsThe Importance of APHA's Tonnage Study | Holly Johnson of the American Herbal Products AssociationHolly Johnson of the American Herbal Products Association discusses the AHPA’s Tonnage Surveys. These reports present the findings of surveys APHA conducts to quantify annual harvests of certain North American herbs in commerce. In this episode, Holly discusses:
How the AHPA conducts their surveys, and shares their research methodology, how their studies are conducted, how they take the data from their surveys, and share it with the herbal community.
Land stewardship and conservation, and sustainable wild harvesting practices.
A case study on the goldenseal and how the demand for the 45 different species of it grew has developed si...2022-05-0901 minHerbal Explorations: The Business of Herbs and BotanicalsHow the Institute for Botanical Research Furthers Evidenced-Based Naturopathic Medicine | Bill Chioffi of Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical ResearchIn 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. A example of this is Vitamin C can be classified as a drug, if it’s delivered at the proper levels and you use a claim that it helps treat scurvy.
...2022-05-0301 min
What We Want To EatSourcing, Supply Chain Disruptions, and Developing Functional Foods | Wilson Lau | SIAL AmericaIn this episode, we speak with Wilson Lau, Vice President of Nuherbs, a company that offers bull availability of single ingredient herbs and botanicals from around the world to food brands and manufacturers. In addition to over 300+ single ingredient herbs, they also offer bespoke and customized extracts and formulations. Show Notes0:33 - Meet Wilson1:42 - 3 Biggest Supply Chain Issues4:30 - Stabilizing Your Supply Chain6:23 - International Farm Relationships & Ingredient Availability8:08 - Developing Functional Foods10:53 - Formulating with Western and Eastern Herbs11:452021-11-0321 min
Qiological Podcast176 Learning by Heart • Barry DanielianBarry Danielian is one of the most in demand trumpeters and arrangers in NYC, having recorded on over 400 CD’s. Barry’s music is used throughout the television and media industry.His touring and recording credits include diverse artists such as: Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, Jay-Z, Tony Bennett, Sting, Tower of Power, Queen Latifah, Eddie Palmieri, Blood, Sweat & Tears, KRS One, Branford Marsalis, Paul Simon, Tito Puente, James Taylor, Billy Joel, McCoy Tyner, Illinois Jacquet, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, & The Roots. In 2016, Barry was accepted in the MSTOM program at PCOM-NY, maintaining a 3.70 GPA while conti...2020-12-011h 13
Healthy INSIDER PodcastLooking at the ‘long game’ when it comes to COVID-19Wilson Lau talks about how his toddler is teaching him how to approach life again "with a renewed curiosity.” He said Nuherbs has adopted all the measures, but at the same time cut back on OT to keep employee mental health a priority. He also explains his three reasons his company was fortunate with the outbreak - number one, being organic and lab-tested means you contract out with farmers and wild collectors well in advance. Lots more too about supply chains and adulteration concerns.2020-05-2200 min
Healthy INSIDER PodcastLooking at the ‘long game’ when it comes to COVID-19Wilson Lau talks about how his toddler is teaching him how to approach life again "with a renewed curiosity.” He said Nuherbs has adopted all the measures, but at the same time cut back on OT to keep employee mental health a priority. He also explains his three reasons his company was fortunate with the outbreak - number one, being organic and lab-tested means you contract out with farmers and wild collectors well in advance. Lots more too about supply chains and adulteration concerns.2020-05-2131 min