ADVERTORIAL
Herbal farming and manufacturing update
by Warren Morey | Herbalist and Manager of the Pharmaceutical Plant Company
Manufacturing For our extensive range of Herbal extracts PPC sources herbs from all over the world , and like so many other industries we are directly affected by supply chain interruptions , port delays and Quarantine delays . PPC invested significantly in inventory to account for these longer lead times .
We were very happy to receive Arnica flowers from Italy recently , these had been in short supply . We had to wait to the end of the European summer and then be patient as shipping times from Europe have extended out to 3 months . Italy also supplies us with Calendula Flowers , Passionflower Herb , Lemon Balm Herb , Olive Leaves and Valerian Root .
From America , we are awaiting the new Saw Palmetto Berries , these are more expensive than before due to a poor season .
I spent a weekend on the walnut farm in Northeast Victoria in January and in the last few days our Green Hulls of Black Walnut arrived for processing . Our 1:1 extract of Black Walnut is a PPC speciality . We think of it like our very own “ Grange ”. It ’ s the backbone of our Anti-parasitic formulation TriPlex and available to Healthcare Practitioners to create your own specialised formulations .
In talking to practitioners via this column , I am interested in what you would like to know about Herbal Manufacturing . Next time I hope to devote the article to answering your Questions . Please ask anything you like at warren . morey @ ppcherbs . com . au
Farming ( updateby Ronald van de Winckel )
Running a farm that produces medicinal herbs is quite different from any other farm business . Of course , some basic rules or constraints apply to all farms , at least those which grow outdoor crops . For medicinal crops the difference is that there are so many crops to attend , at Marleen Herbs more than 100 , and that you have to farm not only annual crops but all types of biannual , perennial , tress and even water plants . To the visitor , which we have had a few lately , camping via “ Hipcamp ”, it all looks rather busy and without a clear plan
Another difference from broadacre farming is that harvest-time is spread over an extended period , starting with dandelion in early spring to valerian root in late autumn . Nice for spreading the labour peak although it often feels like the peak is the whole season . So it probably takes a special mindset to be a herb farmer . This week Echinacea purpurea was harvested for making FPT and the remainder dried . Echinacea is part of the group of large plantings together with Lavender , Rosemary , Thyme and haymaking , which need our constant focus for 1 to 3 weeks . Smaller crops then must wait . In between , other jobs must be fitted in . At this moment , irrigating the root herbs like burdock root and astragalus , picking Calendula flowers for infused oil and ploughing in green manure crops , a mix of faba beans , oats and sunflower , saving a patch for Marleen ’ s farmgate sales of sunflower bunches .
Regardless , this growing season has been one of our nicest since arriving here in 2010 . A mix of Dutch rainfall patterns ( regularly a bit of rain ) and warm to hot Tasmanian days . I would not mind the same for next season .
If you have further questions , please email me at warren . morey @ ppcherbs . com . au
Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed in these advertorials are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ATMS or its Directors .
54 | vol28 | no1 | JATMS