Three Generations of Sourcing Botanicals from China: A Conversation with Wilson Lau

In this webinar, Ann Armbrecht speaks with Wilson Lau, vice president of NuHerbs, about current issues and challenges in sourcing botanicals from China. NuHerbs is a third-generation family business that began when Lau’s parents began sourcing herbs from China for Lau’s grandmother’s TCM practice in Oakland’s Chinatown. He talks about how this legacy informs the values of the company today, some of the changes Lau has observed over his 20 years of sourcing herbs from China, as well as issues that are specific to the Chinese market today. This includes the idea of freshness, the importance of multi-year commitments in implementing sustainability practices on the ground, and the limits and opportunities of certifications in China.
Our mission is to provide education using science-based and traditional information to promote responsible use of herbal medicine - serving the public, researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, industry and media.
Since 1988, the American Botanical Council (ABC) has been educating consumers, healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, industry and the media on the safe and effective use of herbs and medicinal plants. ABC is an independent, nonprofit organization supported by thousands of members around the world.
From its headquarters in Austin, TX, ABC publishes HerbalGram, a peer-reviewed quarterly journal; HerbClip, a twice-monthly series of summaries and critical reviews of recently published herbal literature; and HerbalEGram, a monthly electronic publication. ABC is also the publisher of four books, including The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs, a continuing education and reference book, which contains monographs on the safety and efficacy of 30 popular herbs.