Eco-Friendly Farming of Medicinal Herbs for Pharmaceuticals in Australasia and Asia
Mohamed Khadeer Ahamed Basheer 1
Australian Herbal Insight 4(1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/ahi.4121064
Submitted: 21 May 2021 Revised: 04 January 2021 Published: 07 April 2021
Abstract
The increasing demand for medicinal herbs in Australasia and Asia highlights the need for sustainable cultivation practices. Unregulated harvesting of valuable botanical resources has raised environmental concerns, emphasizing the urgency of eco-friendly approaches. Traditional medicine systems have long valued medicinal herbs, but overexploitation poses a threat. Sustainable cultivation, employing techniques like organic farming and agroforestry, is crucial to protect biodiversity and ensure a stable herb supply. Integrating traditional knowledge into modern practices, fostering collaborations, and establishing fair value chains contribute to the sustainability of medicinal herb production. Certification systems like FairWild and organic certifications guide consumers toward ecologically responsible choices. Sustainable methods benefit the environment, local communities, the pharmaceutical industry, and overall human well-being. So, growing medicinal herbs sustainably across Australasia and Asia is crucial to meet rising demand and preserving ecosystems and cultural traditions. This review emphasizes the importance of supporting ethical supply chains, preserving traditional knowledge, and adopting modern farming techniques for a reliable and environmentally friendly supply of medicinal herbs, benefiting local communities, the global pharmaceutical industry, and human welfare.
Keywords: Sustainable Cultivation, Medicinal Herbs, Traditional Knowledge, Pharmaceutical Supply
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