Herb Pharm

9 Simple Tips to Get Kids on a Better Bedtime Routine

Lina Watanabe — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:00:52 +0000

9 Simple Tips to Get Kids on a Better Bedtime Routine

You’re tired, you close your eyes, you fall asleep. Seems easy enough, right? With kids, not so much! What should be a simple biological response becomes as complicated as rocket science. Sleep for kids is especially important as their bodies and brains are rapidly developing, and they need enough time resting to support their growth processes. Children can be taught how to go to sleep with a little help from a bedtime (and naptime) routine. This routine ensures your children know what to expect and when, while it prepares their minds and bodies to settle down. Aim to keep the nighttime routine to within 30 minutes of bedtime (and even less for naps). Read on for our expert advice on how to set your kids up for a good night’s sleep. These tips will help create positive sleep associations and a solid bedtime routine, giving you those precious extra minutes of alone time that you so desperately need.

Start with a Warm Bath

Nothing gets an adult in the mood to snooze like a good soak in a nice hot bath. The same applies for kids (with a cooler adjustment to the water temperature)! The water can be calming and soothing, but there are also changes happening in our bodies behind the scenes. At the beginning of falling asleep, our body naturally decreases its temperature. A warm bath lowers the core temperature of the body that helps the process move along, which get us to dreamland faster .¹

Try a Light Massage

Just before bedtime, try massaging their skin lightly, while applying a kid-friendly lotion. (Bonus if it has a relaxing scent!) Gently working the muscles is another technique that is relaxing and can aid in the process of settling down. The nurturing touch is also a great way to strengthen your bond with them. This step can also be a good time to finish any hygiene tasks necessary before bed, like brushing their teeth.

Dim the Lights

Nothing is worse when you are sleepy than a bright overhead light to kill your drowsy vibe. Try to make getting ready for bed as conducive to sleep as possible. Dim the lights down low or use a lamp with a soft low-wattage light when doing most of your routine, especially if you have LED lightbulbs. This simple step can trick little brains to move toward the natural sleep cycle and may improve the quality of their sleep (and yours).²

Give Them Choices

Kids don’t have much control over their lives, so give them options anytime you can if they are able to voice their opinion with a nod, point or verbal cue. This could include a choice of bedtime story, which pajamas they want to wear or the pacifier to accompany them. But you don’t want to overwhelm them, so only give two options. If offering a choice, make sure to give it consistently every night, as it can become confusing to them if some nights you offer a choice at story time and other times you don’t.

Read a Bedtime Story

Or two! Children love stories, and books at bedtime give them a chance to physically slow down, stop moving and focus. Stick to the same number of books each time. Naptime can have less books than at nighttime. (So, one book for naptime and two books for bedtime.) Toddlers may try to push boundaries because everything is decided and planned out for them, (see tip 4), so hold your ground!

Sing a Lullaby

Children love when you sing to them! Sing them a song or lullaby of your choice. If you don’t have the best singing voice, we’ve created a dreamy Kids Sleep Playlist to get their night started right. Play it during your bedtime routine, or if they like to nod off to soft music, leave it on for them at a barely-there volume as you are leaving the room. (Psst, we know you might need some help too, so we’ve also created a playlist for parents! Check out our Adults Sleep Playlist on Spotify.)

Start a Bedtime Tradition

Traditions can be something that kids latch onto and recall with fond memories when older. Like the popular book, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, creating a nightly ritual with your children saying goodnight to things in their room can help them feel safe. Or have them say “I love you” to their stuffed animals or thank their favorite toys for playing with them that day. To make them feel comforted and cherished, you can list out some of the people who love them, such as their grandparents or other relatives, caretakers, friends or teachers. This step signals you’re nearing the end of the routine and is especially helpful for older babies and toddlers.

An “I Love You” Ritual

Pick a phrase that you will say at every nap and evening just before turning off the light and leaving the room. This will be the last cue to your children that now’s the time to doze off to dreamland. Something like, “I’ll be back to check on you, goodnight” or a kiss on the cheek and an “I love you” works great. Make it short and sweet!

Herbs for Extra Support*

Some nights, you try everything in your arsenal and all your efforts are futile. For the times when you need a little extra support, have our Certified Organic Kids Fast Asleep at the ready. With time-tested, kid-friendly botanicals like Passionflower, California Poppy, Lemon Balm and Chamomile, you can rest easy knowing that you have the nap and nighttime support you and your children need.* As always, our Kids line is crafted by herbalists and formulated for efficacy with a great taste that has the kid seal of approval. A bedtime routine is a great way to reconnect with your little one at the end of the day, especially if you’ve been at work during the day. This time is focused on them to refill their emotional cup with lots of love and attention. Whatever options you choose, it’s important to stick to the same routine for every sleep session as much as possible. Children crave consistency to make them feel safe and secure. Repeating the same routine for naps and bedtime (or overnight wake-ups) is key to signal their brains that it’s time for bed and their bodies will soon follow. CTA: Be ready with our Kids Fast Asleep. Stock up now. References

Whitworth-Turner C, Di Michele R, Muir I, et al. A shower before bedtime may improve the sleep onset latency of youth soccer players. Eur J Sport S.2017 Oct;17(9):1119-1128.
Akacem L, Wright K, LeBourgeois, M. Bedtime and evening light exposure influence circadian timing in preschool-age children: A field study. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms. 2016 Nov;1(2):27-31.
Sleep Drive and Your Body Clock. Sleepfoundation.org. Published January 29, 2021. Accessed January 24, 2022. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm/sleep-drive-and-your-body-clock
Safe Sleep for Babies. cdc.gov. Published January 9, 2018. Accessed January 24, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/safesleep/index.html
About SIDS and Safe Infant Sleep. nih.gov. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Accessed January 24, 2022. https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/safesleepbasics/about

Bedtime Checklist for Sleep Success

Set your children up for sleepy time success with the 10 tips and tools below:

Physical activity. Have they had enough movement during the day to create sleep drive (the need for sleep)?³

Pacifier or security object. A pacifier for a baby or a security object, like a lovey, for kids over 1 year old, can help with self-soothing to sleep or if they wake up in the night.

Blackout curtains. They can be your best investment to create a dark room that encourages them to sleep and stay asleep. There’s a reason why hotels all have them!

White noise. Soft music or a constant white noise from a fan or sound machine can work as a sleep cue if used during all nap and nighttime sleep.

Temperature. Check the thermostat and adjust appropriately for comfort, knowing that babies like it slightly warmer than adults.

Clothing. Are they wearing appropriate clothing or layers? For younger kids, aim for one more layer than you would be comfortable sleeping in, in the same environment. Use a swaddle (until babies can roll over) or a sleep sack as a blanket while they’re still in a crib.

Safe Sleep. The CDC and National Institutes of Health recommend creating a safe sleeping environment for infants by putting them down on their backs with nothing in the crib other than a hard mattress with a tight-fitting sheet.^{4, 5}

Sunlight. Exposure to sunlight in the late morning and late afternoon helps regulate their sleep-wake cycles.

Screen time. If your kids have access to screen time, the light can affect their circadian rhythm so put it away at least an hour before bed.

Herbs. Since you can’t run out at bedtime to the store, make sure to have our Kids Fast Asleep compound on hand, just in case your kids need some extra sleep support.*

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Ask an Herbalist: What Can We Do to Protect Overharvested Herbs?

Lina Watanabe — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 23:21:46 +0000

We love talking about herbs and herbalism, and we especially love answering your questions about those topics. That’s why we brought in our team of herbal experts to respond to some of the most common questions and concerns we hear. Our herbalists have decades of combined experience working with herbs — and the people who take them. They answer your most pressing questions, in our regular column “Ask an Herbalist.” The wild populations of certain herbs — including Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) — are at risk, and they need our help to ensure they continue to grow and thrive for future generations. But what can we do to help the most vulnerable species of herbs? Thankfully, small choices can have a big impact — without requiring much time or effort. We’ve put together an easy list of what each of us can do to source, use and buy any herb in a more sustainable way. Doing any one of these can make a big impact overall. 1. Buy from growers (or grow your own). When farmers or gardeners (maybe even you!) grow herbs local to their area, it helps keep native plant species alive and thriving. It also nurtures the pollinators that help protect all plants. If you go the DIY route, you’ll be learning the invaluable ins and outs of how plants grow, from seed to harvest. Developing a relationship with plants – both at-risk species or more commonly cultivated culinary herbs — can enrich your life and help you feel connected to the Earth. 2. Learn about plants that grow around you. Visit a local plant sanctuary or nursery to find out what plants are native to your area. Native plants grow best in your specific climate, require little maintenance and combat climate change. They also preserve biodiversity by providing nectar and creating habitats for birds, insects and other animals. 3. Buy from reputable sources. When buying herbal products, do a little research into the company’s business practices. Do they grow at-risk herbs — or source them from their native habitats? Do they use more sustainable alternatives or have a plan in place to avoid overharvesting? Do your best to support companies and individuals who value sustainability and the environment. At Herb Pharm, we are committed to both sustainable sourcing and nurturing our farmland. 4. Give back and stay connected. Supporting a local Native Plant Society or other nonprofits that focus on plant conservation can help protect them for years to come. Here are a few we know and support:

United Plant Savers The UpS mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come.
Sustainable Herbs Project The SHP mission is to create a movement supporting high quality herbal products, sustainable and ethical sourcing and greater overall transparency in how herbs reach end users. They seek to outline steps to support sustainable practices underpinned by regenerative systems which recognize the interconnectivity of all life.
FairWild FairWild’s mission is to enable transformation of resource management and business practices to be ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable throughout the supply chain of wild-collected products. These include plants, fungi and lichen — wild resources under enormous pressure worldwide.
North American Native Plant Society The key purpose of NANPS is to provide information and inspire an appreciation of native plants with an aim to restoring healthy ecosystems across the continent.
Center for Plant Conservation The mission of CPC is to conserve and restore the imperiled native plants of the United States to secure them from extinction. The center is dedicated solely to preventing the extinction of U.S. native plants.
Millennium Seed Bank The MSB hides an underground collection of over 2.4 billion seeds from around the world, which is the most diverse wild plant species genetic resource on Earth – a global insurance policy to store and conserve seeds from common, rare or endangered useful plants.

If you’re not in a position to support a group financially, follow them on social media, sign up for email newsletters and share important updates with friends and family. 5. Look before you pick. Before heading out to wildcraft plants, make sure you’ve brushed up on proper permitting and plant identification techniques. Many plants have look-a-likes and you want to be absolutely sure you have the correct species. If you aren’t up to date, find an internship or take a class with a local wildcrafter. They’ll know the ins and outs and can fill you can on the etiquette and overall sustainability of harvesting specific herbs in your area.

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Honoring 3 Traditional Approaches to Herbalism

Lina Watanabe — Thu, 06 May 2021 17:55:45 +0000

Since 1979, the year our company was founded, the herbal landscape has changed tremendously, not only in the United States but globally. When Sara Katz and Ed Smith began making liquid herbal extracts here in Williams, Oregon, consumer demands were significantly different than they are today. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Turmeric and Kava – counted among our top sellers in the 21st century – were not yet on the radar in the US, despite their deep, rich histories of use in the areas where they originate. But as the internet began to bring us all closer together, and far-off places came within reach, those herbs started to gain popularity here in the West. Now you can buy fresh Turmeric at supermarkets and pick up an Ashwagandha latte from a local coffee shop. Talking about those herbs without also explaining their history and context overlooks and even erases centuries and sometimes millennia of traditional use in other cultures. Western companies didn’t “discover” these herbs; we learned about them through travel or study of other forms of herbalism. With that nod to history and a deep appreciation for acknowledging the origin stories of the herbs that give us so much, we’re looking at three traditional approaches to herbalism: Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Herbalism and Traditional Western Herbalism.

The Deep Roots of Herbalism

Most every culture around the world has a history of using herbs to support health and well-being.* We all have plants in our background and in our lives. Maybe you remember sipping warm bone broth with Astragalus or chicken noodle soup with Rosemary and Thyme on days when you stayed home from school, how your grandmother always carried Peppermints in her handbag or your mom’s homemade Haldi Doodh (golden Turmeric milk). We are all inherently herbalists, if even in a small way. Many of the herbs we produce have been used for centuries, with some evidentiary use dating back more than 5,000 years. And, there’s even proof that humans consumed herbs as far back as the Paleolithic era. For much of human history, herbalism was passed down orally between generations, but today we have access to that wealth of knowledge in more diverse mediums. Herbal traditions were revered, even sacred, and cultures shared them carefully, to avoid dilution or disrespect. Since those in power were in charge of formally writing down and sharing knowledge, sometimes the true history was erased or co-opted. (Other times, certain herbs simply fell out of favor for a lack of efficacy.) That is especially true for women, the Black and Indigenous communities and other marginalized groups. Their roles within herbalism cannot be overstated. Within herbalism there are different schools of thought. These systems of observations inform a perspective, and they are influenced by geography and culture. They have developed over time and through practical experiences, as a way to order and classify what we know about herbs, the natural world and our own well-being. Each system has a unique history of use and development. Here, we’re looking at three common systems of herbalism. Those who use and trust our products sometimes ask about our background and expertise, and we also get questions about the different types of herbalism that are practiced around the world today. We hope you find this introduction to be both fascinating and helpful.

Maintaining Balance with Nature

Each modality is rich and unique, yet at their core they seek to maintain a connection to and balance with nature. Herbalism practices view the body as a whole (holistically). These different types of herbalism can help us understand that we are connected to the elements and all that surrounds us. Many of the herbs we use, such as Echinacea purpurea, came to us from Native American herbalism. Native Americans have a rich herbal history, and we are grateful for their knowledge and wisdom.

Traditional Western Herbalism

Here at Herb Pharm, we base our extraction processes and formulations on Traditional Western Herbalism, which traces its roots back more than 5,000 years. Modern herbalists draw on a rich lineage from Egypt, Europe, Africa, ancient Greece, the Romans and Arabia, as well as Black, Native American and other Indigenous cultures. Over time, herbalism’s influences have deepened and spread since, as humans migrated, so did knowledge. As a result, there is a diverse catalog of “Western” herbs, some of which are native to other cultures and continents. The Western herbal catalog expanded as European nations colonized other continents. Herbalism’s use ebbed and flowed over the centuries. Throughout the 1700s, folk and traditional herbalism — including the use of traditional Native American herbs and influence from Black herbalists — was prevalent in the US. In the 1800s, schools began to formalize herbal education, notably the Thomsonian and later the Eclectic herbalists, who responded holistically to the health trends of their day. By Ed and Sara’s generation, the use of herbalism had significantly decreased. That’s largely because, as our understanding of science grew, there was a societal shift away from nature toward new advances in technology and pharmacology. During the herbal renaissance of the last few decades, herbalists brought the practice firmly into the modern era, writing books, creating curriculum and spurring the demand for evidence-based research of herbs. This led to clinical trials and scientific research on plants. At Herb Pharm, we process and extract whole plants or their carefully selected parts, which, thanks to modern science, backs up long-held traditions. A broad-spectrum extract or whole herb extract is one where the entire desired plant part is extracted, and the final product represents this whole herb and a diverse range of constituents/phytochemicals. American herbalism has diverse influences, and we appreciate and honor all those who have shared their wisdom and traditions. Many of the herbs we grow on our Regenerative Organic Certified farms — including Echinacea, Black Cohosh and Goldenseal — have rich histories within Native American herbalism. Black Elderberry and Chamomile are commonly used in European traditions, while Maca and Cat’s Claw hail from South America. We grow Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Bacopa and Holy Basil, along with herbs from Traditional Chinese Herbalism like Bitter Melon, Burdock and Hemp. We source and extract herbs based on Traditional Western Herbalism, which can differ from their traditional use. Our herbalists are highly trained and constantly learning about plants, but we are not experts in Traditional Chinese Herbalism and Ayurveda, each of which is richly diverse and intricate. What we’re sharing here is a brief introduction intended only for educational purposes. If you’re interested in learning more, seek out an herbalist with personal and educational connections to these modalities. Black Elderberry is an herb that’s widely used in Traditional Western Herbalism. Sambucus nigra traces its roots to Europe, and that’s where we source the Certified Organic fruit used in our products.

Traditional Chinese Herbalism

What we know as Traditional Chinese Herbalism developed in China around 2,500 years ago, with roots that date back to 3000 B.C. According to this modality, your body is a version of the universe at large; the goal is to maintain balance, in part by holding steady the opposing forces of yin and yang. That balance is defined by the elements (fire, earth, wood, metal and water) and environmental factors (wind, cold, damp, dry and heat). It examines organ systems (both the body’s actual organs and energetic systems) and vitality (known as chi or Qi, which circulates through channels called meridians). Other applications of this practice are acupuncture, dietary guidelines, tai chi and qi gong. Herbs such as Schisandra, Rehmannia and Astragalus are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Herbalism. Though we cultivate Certified Organic Astragalus mongholicus plants on our farms here in southern Oregon, this herb is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Herbalism.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda — translated as “science of life” — developed in India around 5,000 years ago as a guideline for living a healthy, balanced life with optimal vitality. It is based on the concept of bringing balance (homeostasis) within the body by examining the 20 inherent qualities known as gunas. These gunas include attributes in opposing or balanced pairs like cold and hot or dry and wet. Ayurveda additionally categorizes these associated elements and qualities into three major classifications known as doshas (vata, pitta and kapha). You may hear these referred to as “constitutions” or “personality types.” Ayurveda teaches you how to stay balanced through your daily routine, by examining the qualities of your food, emotions and environment. Beyond herbs, Ayurveda includes practices like yoga, meditation and breathwork (pranayama), massage and dietary guidelines. Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Holy Basil are herbs associated with Ayurveda. Holy Basil is quite popular in the West, but Ocimum tenuiflorum – also known as Tulsi – came to us through Ayurveda, where it is widely used and revered.

How does this relate to our products?

So how does this relate to us, and to you? Examining these diverse schools of thought helps us all learn more about herbs. It also helps us learn about the world at large and helps us appreciate rather than appropriate information that is new to us. Take the herb Cinnamon for example. It has been used in all three systems in markedly different ways. It shows that, as different as we are, once you scratch the surface, you begin to see how much we all have in common and that we’re all inextricably connected to nature — and each other. Now and in the future, we are committed to honoring the origin stories of herbs and the diverse cultures that allow us to reap their benefits.

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Pharm Harvest: Hemp

Justine Middleton — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 15:00:28 +0000

To get the best quality Hemp, we start with the best quality soil. Nature takes it from there. This video walks you through the process of harvesting our first Hemp crop, in the fall of 2019. One field alone contained 8,000 or so Certified Organic Hemp plants, each of which was harvested by hand over a two-week period. We started each day early, just after the fog had burned off. We had to wait until just the right time, when the cannabinoid-rich female flowering tops are at their peak. During maturation, the pistils (the prominent morphological feature of female flower anatomy) will often change from white to pink to red. And the trichomes, glandular secretions that concentrate around each budding flower, will change from translucent or clear to a golden amber. After the flowering top are collected, the rest of the plant gets turned back into the soil, where it decomposes and helps to feed and nourish soil micro-organisms. After harvest, we prepped the Hemp for extraction by drying it slowly and at low temperatures over four to six days. This approach helps preserve the terpenes. Each day, we had to check on the Hemp and turn it so it dried evenly. Once dry, this Hemp was tested and then extracted. With Hemp (Cannabis sativa), as with all herbs we grow, we use nature as our guide and do only what is necessary — with no extra steps but plenty of careful attention along the way. Watch the whole process.

HERB AT A GLANCE

Botanical name: Cannabis sativa Common name(s): Hemp Plant Family: Cannabaceae Native habitat: central Asia Parts used: female flowering tops Botanical description: Female flowers are typically green (can also be red or purple) and are covered with resinate glandular trichomes (small but visible “hairs”).

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Pharm Education: Hemp

Justine Middleton — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 15:00:24 +0000

Hemp, or Cannabis sativa, has been used by humans since antiquity. A member of the Cannabaceae family, Hemp is also related to Hops and Hackberries. Hemp and Hops are the most economically important members of the family. The first recorded use of Hemp in herbalism was in 2737 BC, by Chinese Emperor Shen Nung. In ancient China, every part of the plant was used — and today the uses are quite similar. The stem was used for rope, paper and textiles, while the seed became food and oil. The leaf, flower, resin and roots were used to support physical and spiritual health and wellness.* Botanically speaking, Hemp is a beautiful and distinct plant with an unusual fragrance. Its leaves are palmately compound, typically with five to 11 individual leaflets. The longest leaflet is most often in the middle. Female flowers are typically green, although they can be red or purple. They are covered with resinous glandular trichomes; little “hairs” that are small but still visible if you look closely. These trichomes, which are mostly found on the upper leaves and unfertilized female flowering tops, are filled with cannabinoids. The flowering tops of female plants are most commonly used in herbalism today. Hemp is a durable material, as evidenced by the earliest known Cannabis artifact. A Hemp rope from 26900 BC was found in the Czech Republic in 1997! The earliest evidence of Hemp farming dates back 12,000 years, meaning it’s one of the oldest cultivated crops. The early medical journals and King James Bibles were reportedly printed on Hemp paper. It was a simple alternative to pricey silk and heavy clay tablets. Cannabis was first included in the fifth revision of the U.S. Pharmacopeia in 1860, and back then it was often planted as a companion to Tobacco. Hemp was used in what is now Iran, India, China and ancient Greece. Despite a long, rich history of use, our understanding of how Hemp works in the body was limited until recently. That was, until 1988, when the endocannabinoid system was discovered. While the science on the system is new and growing, we do know that it appeared early in the evolutionary timeline. The recent discovery of this new-yet-old body system allowed us the unique opportunity to apply a modern scientific lens to Hemp, an ancient herb that has evolved with humans for thousands of years. Watch as Alexis, one of our herbalists, guides us through our Hemp fields.

HERB AT A GLANCE

Botanical name: Cannabis sativa Common name(s): Hemp Plant family: Cannabaceae Native habitat: central Asia Parts used: female flowering tops Botanical description: Female flowers are typically green (can also be red or purple) and are covered with resinate glandular trichomes (small but visible “hairs”).

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Hemp’s Role in History and Commerce

Lina Watanabe — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 14:00:32 +0000

Hemp is enjoying a surge in popularity, but this storied plant has a long and rich past that crosses centuries and cultures. Beyond its use in herbalism, Hemp’s various plant parts have been used for millennia for everything from yarn and rope to paints and soaps. Much more recently, Hemp has even been made into bioplastics. The plant is remarkably versatile — the seeds, stems, leaves, flowers and resin all have diverse uses.

Deep roots

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) has roots that date back 10,000 years. The oldest existing woven fabric is a piece of Hemp dating back to the eighth millennium, according to the book The Columbia History of the World. Hemp fabric is similar to linen, which is made from Flax, and Hemp rope is known for being incredibly strong and durable. The plant was used in herbalism in ancient Iran, India, China and Greece, and in some cultures Hemp also was used spiritually. The plant originally came from central Asia, where it was cultivated for its strong fibers, then it spread across the Mediterranean region and into Europe during the Middle Ages. France has cultivated Hemp for over 700 years, and Russia was a major supplier for centuries. Japan has also cultivated Hemp for fiber and paper for thousands of years. The Hemp we are growing on our Certified Organic farms in southern Oregon will be used to make high-quality, full-spectrum Hemp extracts.

Hemp and the economy

In the 1500s, the Spanish brought Hemp to Central and South America. At that time in history, Hemp was enormously important economically, since it was used to make both canvas sails and ropes used on ships. In fact, the word “canvas” stems from Hemp’s genus name, Cannabis. Oakum, a tarred fiber used to fill in and seal gaps on ships, also came from Hemp. Countries with major naval presences, like Spain and Portugal, relied on their colonies to support demand for Hemp. Hemp arrived in North America in the 1600s, where it quickly became a cash crop. In the early 1600s, settlers in Virginia were ordered to plant Hemp and Flax. The first American flag sewn by Betsy Ross was made from Hemp, and both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew the plant. Cannabis was added to the U.S. Pharmacopoeia in 1860, with separate entries for American-grown Hemp and a variety grown in India. By the seventh revision in 1890, only the Indian-grown plant remained, and Cannabis was last listed in the 11th revision of the Pharmacopoeia in 1930. Hemp was also included in the Eclectic text King’s American Dispensatory. The female flowering tops of high-cannabinoid Hemp (grown on our farms) will be extracted in Certified Organic alcohol and MCT Coconut fruit oil.

The decline (and resurgence) of Hemp

In 1937, Congress passed legislation that stiffened regulations surrounding Hemp use, beginning the plant’s decline. During World War II, farmers were encouraged to grow Hemp as a way to support the war effort, but the industry withered away once the war ended. During the 1970s, Cannabis was outlawed in the United States and in most countries in Europe. Since Hemp was not considered to be distinct from Marijuana, all forms of the Cannabis plant were illegal. However, the Farm Bills of 2014 and 2018 began resuming the federal legalization of Hemp, by defining Hemp as distinct from Marijuana and removing it from the Controlled Substances Act.

Hemp as food and more

Beyond its commercial use, Hemp has also been a valuable food source. The edible seeds are a source of protein, fiber, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. Shelled, they are known as Hemp “hearts” and can be eaten raw. Hemp seeds can also be made into nondairy milk. The seeds can be pressed for oil, which is used for cooking and to make soap, paint and varnishes.

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Hemp FAQs

Lina Watanabe — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 14:00:18 +0000

Hemp is a storied plant with a rich history that crosses cultures and centuries. This article will answer the most commonly asked questions we hear about Hemp, its uses and our line of products.

About Herb Pharm’s Hemp line

What is the THC content? Our Hemp products are guaranteed to contain less than 0.3% total THC — and they’ve passed the same series of rigorous quality checks as our other products. You can view the Certificates of Analysis here. Can I buy your Hemp products online? Yes, all of our Hemp products are available online and can be shipped to all states where we have determined Hemp supplements are allowed. Many state laws remain unclear, and our shipping list will continue to be amended as new information becomes available. We encourage you to investigate the legality of these products in the jurisdiction where you live. Where is your Hemp grown? Our Certified Organic Hemp is grown in southern Oregon. What type of solvents or menstruum do you use? We extract our Hemp using Certified Organic alcohol and MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) coconut fruit oil (never industrial chemical solvents). Why do you extract Hemp using alcohol and MCT oil? We extract our Hemp using Certified Organic alcohol (ethanol) and MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) coconut fruit oil — never industrial chemical solvents. Both cannabinoids and terpenes are lipophilic and especially soluble in oils and alcohol. This makes ethanol and MCT oil very conducive to extracting these important constituents. You may see misinformation that classifies alcohol as a “synthetic solvent.” However, the alcohol we use is the same food-grade ethanol found in wine. It is prepared from the natural fermentation of sugarcane and is Certified Organic. We never use synthetic alcohols. More than 150 years ago, ethanol was the traditional solvent of choice for herbal tinctures and extracts, including Hemp. The alcohol used to prepare our liquid extracts serves four specific functions.

Alcohol is an edible solvent that will extract and preserve many of the naturally occurring herb constituents that are poorly soluble in water, such as essential oils, resins, balsams and cannabinoids.
It is an excellent natural preservative, which maximizes the shelf life of extracts.
Alcohol is a great carrying agent, which facilitates the absorption of an herb’s constituents into the bloodstream.
Alcohol also allows us to blend full-spectrum Hemp with other herbal extracts.

Our Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is grown in southern Oregon. We extract it using Certified Organic alcohol and MCT Coconut fruit oil. What does “full-spectrum” Hemp mean? We only make full-spectrum Certified Organic Hemp extracts (never chemical isolates) from the female flowering tops of high-cannabinoid Hemp grown in southern Oregon. As with all of our products, we extract Hemp as nature intended (we don’t isolate specific phytochemicals). A “full-spectrum” Hemp extract means a crude Hemp extract that contains a broad complement of phytochemicals and has not had anything removed. Why do you say you use “female” flowering tops? Cannabis sativa is an annual, dioecious plant, meaning that males and females occur as distinct plants. The females are associated with far higher levels of cannabinoids, and we grow only female plants so that pollination cannot take place. (Pollination initiates seed development and the end of active flowering.) We go to great lengths to ensure we only grow female plants. During cultivation, we inspect our fields regularly for male plants. (If we find any, those plants are promptly removed.) We selectively harvest our plants when nature tells us it’s time. Hemp plants have numerous flowers that grow at different rates, and the plants themselves also grow at different rates. Why do you add Holy Basil essential oil to your Hemp extract? We add Certified Organic, food-grade Holy Basil essential oil in appropriate amounts for flavor and added terpenes. We go to great lengths to ensure we use only the female flowering tops (shown here) of high-cannabinoid Hemp. Male plants are promptly removed during regular inspections of our Hemp fields.

Checking Hemp quality

What are cannabinoids vs. cannabidiol? Hemp contains more than 400 types of phytochemicals, including a group of compounds called cannabinoids. At least 80 cannabinoids are found in Hemp. Cannabidiol (also known as CBD) is among those cannabinoids. What is MCT oil? MCT stands for “medium-chain triglycerides,” a group of midlength fatty acids found in plants like Coconut. The process of turning Coconut fruit oil into MCT oil yields a product that is liquid at room temperature. What are terpenes? Terpenes, or terpenoids, are a group of very common phytochemicals. These fragrant constituents are responsible for the essential oil and aroma of numerous well-known plants, including Rosemary, Lavender, Clove, Mint, Citrus, Pine, Eucalyptus, Holy Basil and Cannabis sativa. What’s the difference between a Hemp isolate and full-spectrum Hemp? Hemp “isolate” means that one or more phytochemicals from the plant (such as cannabidiol or CBD) has been isolated from the other constituents of the plant. “Full-spectrum” Hemp has been extracted using the desired plant part (the entire flowering top), so that the best representation of phytochemicals naturally found in the plant are present in the final product. What does “decarboxylated” mean? Basically, the decarboxylation process unlocks more of the Hemp plant’s desired phytochemicals through a heat process. Here’s the more detailed, scientific explanation: Cannabis sativa produces the bulk of its cannabinoids in an acidic form, by the addition of a carboxylic acid group on each cannabinoid molecule. Removal of that carboxylic acid group is called decarboxylation and is used to convert less active cannibinoid acids into more active cannabinoids. Our Hemp is always cultivated outdoors — under natural sunlight and in the ground, using organic and regenerative methods — then carefully harvested and extracted.

General questions about Hemp

How is Hemp legal? The Farm Bill of 2018 began the federal legalization of Hemp, by reclassifying it as different from Marijuana. This change in law extended to the Controlled Substances Act, so that any part of Cannabis sativa with less than 0.3% total THC was removed from the list. Is Hemp legal where I live? This depends on the laws of your state. The federal law does not pre-empt state law, and some states chose to criminalize Hemp. Be sure to verify the legal status of Hemp in your state. What do I need to know about drug testing? Herb Pharm’s full-spectrum Hemp contains less than 0.3% total THC. However, all Hemp naturally contains trace amounts of THC – with the exception of washed seed used for oil and food. Therefore, anyone subject to drug testing should avoid the use of Hemp. What is the entourage effect? The “entourage effect” means that the sum of the effect of constituent phytochemicals is greater than their individual effects. This is also known as synergy. The combined phytochemicals (such as cannabinoids and terpenes) in a full-spectrum Hemp extract work together synergistically. What is the endocannabinoid system? The endocannabinoid system exists in mammals (including humans), birds, reptiles, fish and other creatures. It was first discovered in 1988 but is believed to have evolved as far back as 500 million years ago. The endocannabinoid system is a part of the nervous system that regulates the flow of cellular signals to maintain homeostasis (balance) within the body. Endocannabinoids are produced by the body, while exocannabinoids come from an external source. Both can interact with the endocannabinoid system. From the time our Hemp is planted until you take one of our products, we are committed to its quality. Our Hemp line has passed the same series of rigorous quality checks as our other products. Is Hemp the same as Cannabis? What about Marijuana? Hemp and Marijuana are two phytochemically distinct types of the plant known as Cannabis sativa. These two forms have long been bred for different purposes, and they contain different ratios of phytochemicals. As of 2018, Hemp and Marijuana are legally classified as different substances. Cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% of the psychoactive component THC is classified as Hemp, while Cannabis sativa with greater than 0.3% total THC is classified as Marijuana. (While Cannabis is the genus name for both Hemp and Marijuana, it is used colloquially to describe Marijuana, especially in reference to its legal use.) What’s the difference between Hemp and CBD? CBD (cannabidiol) is among the many cannabinoids found in Hemp. Most products labeled as CBD actually contain Hemp-derived cannabinoids but are labeled as a single phytochemical. Calling full-spectrum Hemp “CBD” is like calling coffee “caffeine.” What’s the difference between CBD and THC? CBD is cannabidiol; THC is tetrahydrocannabinol. They are two of the at least 80 types of cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa. THC is known for its psychoactive response, which CBD does not have. Marijuana is bred to be high in THC and thus subsequently lower in CBD. The inverse happens in strains of Hemp cultivated to be high in CBD (their THC levels are lower). Federal regulations define Hemp as Cannabis sativa with less than 0.3% total THC. Herb Pharm Hemp products deliver under 0.3% total THC. We achieve this through meticulous seed selection, cultivation and harvesting — not by removing THC via other means. (Other companies may remove THC through the use of chemical processes or industrial solvents.)

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Ask an Herbalist: Where Can I Find More Info about Choosing Sustainably Sourced Herbs?

Lina Watanabe — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 18:40:20 +0000

United Plant Savers

United Plant Savers’ mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come. Situated on their Botanical Sanctuary in Ohio, United Plant Savers began in 1994. The nonprofit organization aims to educate, research and conserve native plants used in herbalism, as well as their habitats. UpS publishes the Journal of Medicinal Plant Conservation and various other education publications. They also offer many facets of education, including an internship and programs based at The Center For Medicinal Plant Conservation. Their most well-known tool is their At-Risk and To-Watch lists, informing all connected to herbs, from harvester to manufacturer to retailer and consumer alike, which species are the most sensitive.

CITES

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Formed in the 1960s, this international organization relies on voluntary adherence to a framework of regulations that assign varying levels of protection to myriad species of animals and plants. CITES was drafted when there became a need for dialogue between countries on regulations for wildlife trade and conservation to protect certain species from over-exploitation across international borders. The trade ranges from live animals and plants, to products made from wildlife such as medicine and supplements, leather goods, trinkets, instruments, wood and food. In modern times, it safeguards over 37,000 species of plants and animals, including dried herbs, live animals or furs.

IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was founded in 1964 and is known for the creating the most comprehensive list of risk statuses for plant, animal and fungal species on a global level, called the Red List of Threatened Species. Each item on the IUCN Red List reports on range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats and conservation data to avoid extinction. Information from the Red List is used around the world by the government, policy makers, departments of wildlife, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), educators, students, and scientists for conservation support and to minimize environmental impact.

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How secondary metabolites help plants — and why that matters to humans

Lina Watanabe — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 16:00:53 +0000

When most people talk about plants, we often discuss what they do for us — including their roles in herbalism, nutrition and more. We might think, for example, about how an oak tree drops acorns in our yard each fall, or how it shades our home in summer. We might consider how Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) can support the immune system, or how a tomato tastes when we put it in a salad.* But plants don’t exist to serve humans. They have their own not-so-secret lives, and sometimes what draws us to a plant is an important function that’s crucial to their survival and well-being. This blog post will discuss some of the compounds in plants that serve the plant as well as us. By now, you may have learned about phytochemicals, one of the terms in our herbal glossary. (You may also have learned about plant immune systems from our recent blog post.) “Phyto-” means “plant,” and “phytochemicals” are chemicals produced by plants.

Primary and secondary metabolites

When we extract phytochemicals from an herb, we work to maintain their balance as they exist in the plant. These chemical compounds or constituents are formed by a plant’s normal metabolic processes. Phytochemicals are often referred to as primary or secondary metabolites, depending on their purpose in the plant. Primary metabolites are compounds in a plant that are necessary for normal growth and development. They include nutrients like amino acids (the building blocks of protein), lipids (fats), carbohydrates and fiber (cellulose), as well as nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Fatty oils, waxes and starches are also primary metabolites. Secondary metabolites are the compounds in a plant that are needed for survival but don’t impact growth and development. They are generally considered the active components that make herbs desirable to herbalists. However, that’s not why plants produce them. Releasing these compounds is an evolutionary development to dissuade predators. Plants release secondary metabolites for a few other reasons:

to fight off infections, like needle blight on evergreen trees or rust on Garlic (Allium sativum) plants.
to fight off competing plants, called allelopathy, like how no other plants grow under Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) or Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) trees.
to warn the other nearby plants when they are under attack, such as when a hornworm gnaws on your Green Zebras or a deer snacks on your Zinnias.
to attract pollinators with scent or colors for seed dispersal.

When we ingest those secondary metabolites, they affect our cells and body systems, offering the support and properties associated with a particular plant. Certain groups of those secondary metabolites serve specific purposes as reported in scientific literature:

Alkaloids deter predators because of the bitter taste they produce when fed on, like berberine in Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).
Flavonoids serve as UV protectors to the plant surface and antioxidants to remove free radicals, like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in Green Tea (Camellia sinensis).
Resins are secreted to help “plug” up wounds in the plant epidermis, like oleo-gum-resins or “tears” from Boswellia (Boswellia serrata).
Tannins tighten cellular tissue within the plant, helping with structure and to repair wounds, like gallotannins in Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).
Terpenes, among other roles, attract pollinators with certain scents and colors specific to pollinator to ultimately aid in seed dispersal, like nepetalactone in Catnip (Nepeta cataria).

Those are some of the very phytochemicals we extract from herbs. They exist to keep plants strong and healthy, boosting their chances of survival. And they’re what we seek to extract when we process herbs. So, the next time you take an extract or gaze at your favorite garden bed, pause to consider all the secondary metabolites that plant contains! References Hadacek F. Secondary Metabolites as Plant Traits: Current Assessment and Future Perspectives. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences. 21: 4, 273-322, 2002. Kennedy D, Wightman E. Herbal Extracts and Phytochemicals: Plant Secondary Metabolites and the Enhancement of Human Brain Function. Adv. Nutr. 2: 32–50, 2011.

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Recipe: Sparkling Cherry Immune Builder

Samantha Priester — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 20:12:10 +0000

The bright fruity flavor of tart cherry juice and the fizziness of sparkling water can brighten up Daily Immune Builder™. You can still taste the flavor of the herbs, but this is a fun way to take this formula. Add taste to your tincture™!

INGREDIENTS

Serves 1

2 ounces organic tart cherry juice

4 ounces sparkling water

0.7 ml Herb Pharm Daily Immune Builder™†

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix cherry juice and water. Add 1 full squeeze of the dropper bulb (1 serving) of Daily Immune Builder™.

†One full squeeze of the dropper equals 0.7 ml; provides approximately 1 serving of Herb Pharm Daily Immune Builder™ liquid herbal extract.

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Plants have immune systems, too

Lina Watanabe — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 17:57:07 +0000

The more time we spend with plants, the more we learn — and the more amazed we become. Did you know that, like us, plants actually have an immune system? It’s true. While our systems are different in many ways, there are also many similarities. Understanding how a plant’s immune system functions might help you better understand how your own immune system works. It could also foster a deeper connection to plants — from the herbs in your favorite products to the trees in your backyard.

This time of year, you can look around and see leaves and petals falling from trees and flowers on a regular basis. That process is actually a chance to observe a plant’s immune system in action. Every petal that, for example, an Echinacea flower sheds leaves behind a tiny wound or opening in the plant. (While not a perfect analogy, think of what happens when you get a paper cut.)

That tiny little opening must be quickly resealed to keep the plant strong and healthy. This process happens incredibly fast, so it’s invisible to the naked eye. But right under our gaze, that Echinacea plant’s immune system is hard at work.

As with your own immune system, a plant’s natural defenses help it cope and react to natural processes, like aging or losing petals toward the end of its flowering cycle, as well as invaders that threaten its well-being. In fact, for every threat that a plant faces — like a black spot fungus on a Rose plant or the hornworms on a Tomato plant — it has a response to defend against it. That means that plants can detect specific threats, then react accordingly. Your body does the same.

Some familiar aspects of plants are actually related to immune function, including:

Thorns or barbs on a plant deter predators. Think about Stinging Nettle hairs, prickles on Red Raspberry or Rose bushes or thorns on Devil’s Claw or Cat’s Claw.
Resins and latex help seal wounds in a plant. You might know Myrrh or Boswellia oleo-gum-resin or Dragon’s Blood sap. And when you pick a Dandelion or California Poppy flower, the sticky, opaque substance (latex) is exuded to protect the stem and roots you leave behind.
The thick, waxy leaves of Rhodiola and other plants that grow in extremely harsh climates are evidence of how they adapted to survive amid the elements.

A plant’s immune responses work together, forming a defense network or innate immune system. This includes responses to predators as well as disease and environmental issues, like changes in pH or soil nutrients, droughts and floods. Plants use strength in numbers to resist changes or adapt to them. This is how they bounce back when deer eat your Hostas or cabbage worms annihilate your Kale.

Unlike humans and other vertebrates, plants do not have an adaptive immune system. Your adaptive immune system contains specific immune cells and is acquired, while the innate immune system is built-in. Plants can, however, launch non-specific, self-tolerant immune responses and establish immune memory.

This means if your Rose bush gets black spot fungus this year, it’ll know how to respond in future years. That doesn’t mean a little human intervention wouldn’t be welcomed, just that the plant does recognize the fungus and have a capacity to fight back. (Similar to your own body.)

By better understanding how a plant’s immune system works, we can make it more resistant to drought, disease and more. On our Regenerative Organic Certified farm, this means bigger, more resilient crops of herbs grown with fewer resources.

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Recipe: Astragalus Miso Mug

Justine Middleton — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 21:58:49 +0000

The rich saltiness of miso, a fermented paste made from soybeans that is traditionally eaten in Japan, pairs well with Astragalus (Astragalus mongholicus). This small addition gives you a savory way to take your herbs. Add taste to your tincture™!

INGREDIENTS

Serves 1 1 teaspoon miso paste 4 ounces hot (not boiling) water 0.7 ml Herb Pharm Astragalus extract†

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the miso to a mug, then whisk miso and water together until blended. Add 1 full squeeze of the dropper bulb of Astragalus liquid extract. Optional: Add 0.7 ml Reishi liquid extract for additional immune support* †One full squeeze of the dropper equals 0.7 ml; provides approximately 1 serving of Herb Pharm Astragalus (or Reishi) liquid herbal extract.

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