Herbal Allies: How We Work With Others to Protect Plants and People

At Traditional Medicinals, we believe that meaningful partnerships are vital to advancing the fields of herbal wellness and sustainable herbal sourcing. As part of our ongoing mission, we’ve forged deep relationships with a wide range of organizations that share our dedication to responsible sourcing, community well-being, and the protection of medicinal plants. Through corporate sponsorships, employee volunteer efforts, and in-kind donations, we actively support initiatives that drive botanical research, conservation, and industry standards.

Traditional Medicinals has long-standing relationships with organizations like the American Botanical Council (ABC) and the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP)—both of which play critical roles in advancing botanical research and education. For decades, we’ve been a sponsor member of ABC, with employees volunteering to write for its journal, HerbalGram, and contributing their expertise to its advisory boards.

Similarly, several of our team members co-author sections of AHP monographs, supporting the development of high-quality botanical standards.

Our commitment extends to the United Plant Savers (UpS), an organization co-founded by our own Rosemary Gladstar in 1994. UpS is dedicated to the conservation of at-risk native medicinal plants, ensuring their survival for future generations. As a member of the UpS Botanical Sanctuary Network, we help protect these plants and their habitats through sustainable sourcing practices.

Traditional Medicinals has also been at the forefront of establishing industry standards for sustainability. In the early 1980s, we became a founding member of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA). Several of our employees continue to serve on AHPA committees, shaping the regulatory landscape for herbal products. Additionally, we were part of the team that helped develop the International Standard for Sustainable Wild Collection of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (ISSC-MAP), in collaboration with global conservation groups and government agencies.

Our dedication to sustainability and ethical sourcing is further exemplified by our partnership with the FairWild Foundation (FWF), a Swiss-based NGO that works to conserve wild plant species and ensure fair compensation for harvesters. Several Traditional Medicinals employees serve on FWF’s board and advisory panels, and we provide financial and in-kind support for their conservation initiatives.

Employee involvement is central to our partnerships. Beyond corporate memberships, many Traditional Medicinals employees volunteer their time and expertise across various organizations, such as the United States Pharmacopoeial Convention (USP) and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Their participation in committee work, board memberships, and hands-on volunteer efforts demonstrates our employees’ dedication to advancing the values of sustainable herbal sourcing and botanical wellness.

As we continue our 50-year journey, Traditional Medicinals remains deeply committed to fostering partnerships that align with our mission of sustainability, wellness, and respect for nature. By supporting these organizations and engaging our employees, we contribute to a future where both people and plants thrive in harmony. Together with our partners, we are making strides toward a more sustainable, ethical, and healthy world.