Endangered Medicinal Herbs

Native medicinal herbs and plants are a treasure trove, and not just for health reasons. They also contribute to natural biodiversity. Unfortunately, many medicinal herbs and plants in North America are endangered or in decline.

Causes

• Interest in medicinal herbs is growing, and with it grows the market. This has led to the over-harvesting of some wild herbs from their native habitats. Development and human activity wreak havoc on their ranges. These factors decrease the odds of the long-term sustainability of these plants.

What Herbs Are Endangered?

• The three herbs most often cited as being endangered in their native ranges are ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia). Better terminology might be to call them "at-risk" plants. A non-profit organization called United Plant Savers has a complete list of at-risk herbs on their website.

What Is Being Done?

• There are efforts being made to protect native herbs. The harvesting of certain wild plants is often regulated in national and state forests. Individual states can and do enact laws to protect these plants. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, better known as CITES, monitors and licenses international trade in selected species. Also, non-profit organizations like United Plant Savers do research, educate the public and protect these herbs with targeted programs.

How To Help

• A simple step anyone can take is to refrain from picking or removing wild flowers or plants from their habitats. You can grow appropriate native herbs yourself, or identify and protect those that may already be growing on your property. United Plant Savers also encourages starting plant sanctuaries. Information about this can be found on their website.

Research Your Herbal Purchases

• Some suppliers of medicinal herbs work harder than others to offer sustainable products. Research will lead you to suppliers who not only provide good-quality herbs now, but help ensure they will still be available for future generations.