ADVERTORIAL
Herbal Farming and Manufacturing Update
by Warren Morey | Herbalist and Manager of the Pharmaceutical Plant Company ( PPC Herbs )
Manufacturing The Pharmaceutical Plant Company has been fortunate throughout the Covid 19 pandemic . As a TGA licenced pharmaceutical manufacturer we are an essential service and have continued to operate with a Covid Safe Plan in place . However , we are very aware it has been a difficult time for many Health Care Practitioners . Here in Melbourne with over 200 days of lockdown it has severely affected consultations . Most have resorted to Tele-health consults and Zoom calls . Many of my Practitioner friends have told me their consults have evolved and often include supporting the mental wellbeing of the patients to a far greater extent .
Our challenges at PPC seem a little mundane in comparison , but in some ways just as important in continuing the supply of your favorite herbal medicines . World supply chains and shipping are still under enormous pressure . Many herbs are in short supply and the current Northern hemisphere harvest is more anticipated than usual . We are eagerly awaiting new supplies of Arnica flowers , Golden Rod and Valerian Root . From North America Saw Palmetto Berries are currently being harvested , yield is down , and we look to secure supply while its available .
We have also been busy expanding production capacity . All new equipment has been sourced from Australia ’ s best engineering and manufacturing companies . Our new Stainless-Steel percolators arrived from our Melbourne fabricator and have been busy ever since . Our new automated Liquid Filling line was made in Sydney . Luckily everything with restrictions and travel bans fell in place and the new line was installed without a hiccup .
Planning is more critical than ever , just in time is a thing of the past . We now work 4-6 months in advance to ensure the availability of raw materials and in some cases 12 months . Be assured PPC is working hard to minimize any out of stocks .
Flowering primrose in Tasmanian weather
Handharvest of burdock roots
Farming In our southern hemisphere winter , it ’ s a time for farmers to plan the coming crop , clean collected seed for planting and maintain equipment . Shortly the green house at Marleen Herbs will be a hive of activity , as new seedlings are propagated for planting .
Dormant perennials are lifted and divided to increased planting material and refresh older plantings . Cutting are taken from some of the woody herbs and trees .
Spring is just around the corner and we cant wait .
If you have further questions , please email me at warren . morey @ ppcherbs . com . au Photo Credits : Warren Morey , PPC Herbs
The lifting of echi angustifolia root
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 .
174 | vol27 | no3 | JATMS