AHPA’s 40th anniversary celebrations continue with our showcase of the fifth of many beloved herbs at the heart of our robust industry and vibrant community.
No. 5: Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
A pollinator favorite, Echinacea purpurea is a North American classic that’s revered for a myriad of health benefits. From the petals, fuzzy leaves, and stem to the powerful root and iconic seed cone, all parts of this plant have something unique to offer us.
Unfortunately, the popularity of this herb has led to hybridization and adulteration for style over substance. As an herbal community, it’s imperative that we focus on health products sourced from heirloom, true-species, non-hybrid, non-GMO plants.
At Natural Factors, our commitment to preserving plant species is exemplified by the fields of Echinacea purpurea grown on our own beyond organic farms. This open-pollinated, hand-harvested echinacea is fresh-pressed to create our ECHINAMIDE®, the only herbal extract with standardized levels of alkylamides, cichoric acid, and polysaccharides. ECHINAMIDE has been the subject of phase 2 clinical trials demonstrating powerful immune support.
At Natural Factors, we’re proud to do our part to preserve powerful, true-species Echinacea purpurea for future generations.
Share the Love
Do you want to celebrate an herb you love with AHPA’s 40 Herbs We Love campaign for AHPA’s 40th anniversary? Contact Amber Bennett to learn more about sponsoring your favorite herb!
More Ways to Celebrate
In addition to AHPA’s 40 Herbs We Love, there are more fun and exciting ways to get involved with AHPA’s 40th anniversary celebration.
You can:
- Share your photos from the 80s! Pay homage to the 1980s (the decade AHPA was founded) by submitting photos of yourself and/or friends and colleagues in the herbal industry. The photos will be shared in the AHPA Report and on social media for members and followers to guess who is in the photo!
- Author a 40th anniversary letter or guest article for the AHPA Report! Share a favorite memory or lesson learned, comment on a historical or present issue, or address AHPA members and friends of the herbal and natural products industry with your own 40th anniversary message in the monthly AHPA Report.
- Join us for the 40th anniversary Founders Series fireside chats! Gather (virtually) with fellow AHPA founders and friends for a pre-recorded fireside chat to discuss topics celebrating AHPA history, achievements, and what sets us apart in the herbal community. Videos will be available to watch on-demand and shared in AHPA Updates, the AHPA Report, and on social media.
Click here to download more information on all the ways you can join us to celebrate 40 years of AHPA, and contact Melissa Do with any questions and to get started.