An example is a screening of the following herbs:
(1). Coffea arabica (Gourmet coffee tree, from Ethiopian origin)
(2). Withania somnifera (Ashooganda root, common Nepalese Ayurvedic herb)
(3). Eleuthorococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng, common traditional Chinese herb)
Three active components of these herbs were identified as potentially useful:
panaxadiol (a group of ginsenosides) from ginseng,
withanolides from ashwaganda, and
trigonelline from coffee beans.
These herbs, used in traditional forms of medical practice in the populated countries of India, Nepal, China, Indonesia, Sumatra and Bangladesh make them widely traded in these markets. Coffee arabica has been sustainably traded by some of these countries for over 100 years. Unfortunately, sustainably-traded products are becoming more and more scarce in our rapidly expanding global marketplace.
Black markets within these countries have irresponsibly harvested these crops for commercial gain for decades and in their aftermath, continue to degrade the soil and bio-diversity of our world’s natural bounty–a natural disaster!
Black markets do not care about sustainability. Unfortunately, because these markets have already developed networks within our mainstream global markets, consumers must be extemely cautious that they are not contributing to the buying of products whose sources came from “non-sustainable” business practices.
At HTCC, we pride ourselves on our stewardship of Nepal’s natural resources and pay fair trade prices for all harvests as well as help continue sustainable, economic development within several village communities in Central Nepal.
