Working with the environment and utilizing sustainable practices is essential today. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is deeply connected to the environment, farming, and agriculture, especially regarding manufacturing herbal formulas.
Using herbal formulas that have been sustainably sourced and manufactured safely to avoid contaminants allows for the best treatment results. Herbal formulas are crafted from a blend of herbs, which promote health and balance in different ways. Western pharmaceuticals often involve environmental impact reports, but some negative results show up later and may be more damaging than expected. Using properly sourced herbal formulas can help both the patient and the planet.
Pharmaceuticals and the Environment
Pharmaceuticals end up in the environment through various means, including processed residue and improper disposal. Pharmaceutical compounds are designed with specific purposes, either to interact with receptors in humans and animals for therapeutic effects or to exhibit toxicity against infectious organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites. However, it’s essential to consider that these pharmaceuticals may have more subtle effects on aquatic and terrestrial organisms that might not be immediately evident in standard studies.
The continuous release of human medicines into the environment leads to prolonged exposure for wildlife organisms compared to those used in standard tests. As a result, researchers have started investigating the potential subtle effects arising from long-term, low-level exposure to pharmaceuticals. Various subtle impacts have already been reported as a consequence.
Contraceptive steroids, for instance, are strongly suspected to influence the fertility and development of fish, reptiles, and aquatic invertebrates. Similarly, antibiotics derived from both human and veterinary use have affected soil microbes and algae. These findings highlight the importance of considering the broader ecological consequences of pharmaceutical presence in the environment.
Sustainable Farming And Ingredients
While TCM and herbal formulas are not guaranteed to work within sustainable boundaries, supporting those that do helps the environment and the consumer. As traditional Chinese medicine gains popularity, there are more opportunities to use formulas that won’t return harmful toxins to the environment and support beneficial farming practices.
The increasing demand for Chinese herbs has brought about both challenges and opportunities. While large-scale farms may have shifted their harvesting methods, many small-scale family farms remain steadfast in preserving tradition and authenticity. The growing demand has motivated these farmers to adopt more sustainable practices and cultivate a diverse range of produce, all while upholding their time-honored farming methods. As a result, the quality of herbs has improved, and these initiatives have positively impacted the environment.
At KPC, our commitment to making a difference starts at the grassroots level. We collaborate with farmers to cultivate some of the botanical ingredients we use. In selecting our suppliers, we uphold rigorous standards, seeking partners who are transparent in their processes and share values and beliefs that align with ours. KPC works to promote sustainable and ethical practices in cultivating Chinese herbs.
Protecting the Environment and Health
By utilizing cultivated herbs, we actively preserve wild herb populations and support smaller and family farms. Embracing sustainable practices and stringent quality control, cultivated herbs offer the same benefits as their wild counterparts while boasting additional environmental advantages.
When incorporating wild ingredients, we collaborate closely with CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) to avoid endangered species. We do not use any ingredients that threaten wild herb populations or wildlife. In cases where an ingredient is deemed at-risk or potentially endangered, KPC adopts sustainable alternatives that provide comparable health benefits.
Herbal Formulas Safety
While often herbal formulas are crafted using all-natural ingredients, benefiting the planet in terms of sustainability and reducing the likelihood of negative impacts when trace amounts return to the environment, the source of herbal formulas has to be carefully considered. Due to the current state of the environment, sourcing herbs must be a delicate and deliberate process to protect against unwanted substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and more.
At KPC, our rigorous species identification process guarantees the presence of the correct ingredients in our formulas and ensures none are endangered. We work to promote and support the environment while also providing the highest quality products that pose no additional risks to consumers.
Promoting Long-Term Health
At KPC, we firmly believe that building a healthier world begins with investing in the health and well-being of our planet. Individuals can make a significant impact, and ethical businesses can play a pivotal role in effecting positive change.
Sustaining a positive environmental and social impact remains central to the mission at KPC. Maintaining positive practices for the local farming communities and creating beneficial herbal formulas work in tandem. Discover more about KPC and the focus on sustainable manufacturing through our website.
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*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
