Press Releases

Date	Subject
2nd June 2006	Herb Society Journal
May 2006	Herb Society Launch child-friendly, highly-educational web site with new competitions to win prizes for schools
28 April 2006	Herbal Medicine Awareness Week 19 - 26 May 2006
January 2005	Restoring Energy with Medicinal Herbs - at the Chelsea Physic Garden
June 2004	Herb Society Opens Second Garden
May 2004	Herb Society Appeals To Save Medicinal Plants
March 2004	Indulge your Senses Naturally
June 2003	National herb garden opens to the public
May 2003	Two silver medals for Herb Society
April 2003	A garden you can eat and the sexiest chef in England.
February 2003	Chelsea 2003 - A garden you can eat or drink!
30 August 2002	Enthusiastic support for herbs at the Southport Flower Show
12 August 2002	Herbs celebrated at Southport
18 May 2001	Chelsea 2001 - Herbs to delight the senses
May 2000	Chelsea 2000 - the Herb Society targets key herbs for the 21st century

Herb Society Journal

2nd June 2006

The latest issue of Herbs, the journal of The Herb Society which celebrate its 80th birthday next year, has been published today. It contains articles on borage, origanums and the history of the rose. Also a feature on the British East India Company's legacy in art together with book reviews, case notes, letters and a news round up.

This charitable society is dedicated to nurturing understanding of herbs. By definition these are any plants of which the leaves, seeds, flowers or roots can be safely used for their medicinal properties, flowers or scent. Many more herbs than people realise flourish in the UK and traditional herbal medicine is still used today by 80% of the world's people as a primary health care solution.

Interest in herbs, along with all things organic, is enjoying a renaissance across Europe as people re-discover not just their value as traditional health remedies but also their benefits in teas, as beauty aids and for cooking. The healing power of herbs, their fragrance, the essential oils for aromatherapy and their versatility in recipes quite aside from the pleasure they give to everyday gardening has been under-valued for generations. But this is fast changing.

Some of the shows the society will be attending this year include:

June 2nd-4th Holker Hall Garden Festival
June 14th-18th BBC Gardener's World Live
July 19th-23rd RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park

and full details of the next quarter's events programme are listed within the magazine.

The Herb Society's quarterly journal is mailed to all members. Contents of the lateset issue can be found on our Journal page. Details of how to join are available by calling the Herb Society on 01295 768899 or from the website at www.herbsociety.org.uk. Membership opens a new window on all things herbal and costs £20 a year. A gift membership makes a lasting present for family and friends too. Please call Jean Garon for any further information or if you would like us to set up a meeting for you.

With Compliments:
Jean Garon PR
T: 01628 483040
F: 01628 486796
E: jean@jeangaron.com

Herb Society Launch child-friendly, highly-educational web site with new competitions to win prizes for schools

May 2006

The Herb Society has developed a dedicated new website to cater for the growing interest of children in herbs, how to grow them and how they have been used over the centuries for health and for cooking. There are prizes to be won in two new competitions too.

Many children today are actively involved in green projects at school and are increasingly interested in helping their parents to grow vegetables and fruit at home. Herbs are an easy way for even the youngest of children to start producing a useful crop at home for family use.

The new website highlights how the children in two schools - a primary in Norfolk and a community school in Derbyshire - have created a simple herb garden and gives detailed instructions of how others can do the same.

Teachers are often too busy to help children use websites so particular care has been taken to make it easy to access. There are also several pages of instructional activities for children to undertake by themselves either at home or in the classroom with the minimum of support. The site also has information for teachers on national curriculum requirements.

The two competitions are:

For individual pupils to design a page in a children's herb book. Entries will be judged in three groups - Year 1&2, Year 3&4 and Year 5&6.
A group prize for Year 5&6 pupils working together in small groups to design a herb garden for their school.

The prizes for both competitions include plants, materials and tools for use by the school in creating a herbal resource and publicity for the winners in their local papers and the quarterly national magazine published by the Herb Society itself. This registered charity aims to increase the understanding, use and appreciation of herbs and their benefits to health.

To visit the new website go to www.herbsociety.org.uk/schools. The main site for the Herb Society can be viewed at www.herbsociety.org.uk.

With Compliments: Jean Garon PR
T: 01628 483040 F: 01628 486796 E:
jean@jeangaron.com

The Herb Society Invites new members to join

28 April 2006

Herbal Medicine Awareness Week 19 - 26 May 2006

The Herb Society will celebrate its 80th birthday next year and invites new members to join and enjoy a wide range of special events and talks planned by this established charitable foundation, started by practising herbalist Hilda Leyel. The Society is dedicated to nurturing understanding of herbs. By definition these are any plants of which the leaves, seeds, flowers or roots can be safely used for their medicinal properties, flowers or scent. Many more than people realise flourish in the UK and traditional herbal medicine is still used today by 80% of the world's people as a primary health care solution.

May 19th - 26th is Herbal Medicines Awareness Week and the theme this year is Coping with Stress the Herbal Way. More information on the National Institute of Medical Herbalists website or by email. The Herb Society can also confirm that interest in herbs, along with all things organic, is enjoying a renaissance though across Europe as people re-discover not just their value as traditional health remedies but also their benefits in teas, as beauty aids and for cooking.

Increasingly people want to know more, which is why the Herb Society is expanding its work dedicated to fostering understanding and knowledge of these versatile plants which contribute so vitally to many aspects of everyday living. The healing power of herbs, their fragrance, the essential oils for aromatherapy and their versatility in recipes quite aside from the pleasure they give to everyday gardening has been under-valued for generations. But this is fast changing.

Membership of the Herb Society opens a new window of interest in all things herbal. A quarterly magazine, published for members, is full of informative articles. The Society, a registered charity based at Sulgrave Manor in Northamptonshire, holds meetings and events throughout the UK hosted by experts. These are detailed in the quarterly magazine or can be viewed on our diary page. Membership is £20 a year. Call 01295 768899 for a joining pack and leaflet or click here. Membership also makes a very good present for family and friends.

With Compliments
Jean Garon PR

T: 01628 483040
F: 01628 486796
E: jean@jeangaron.com

Background information for Editors

The oldest botanical garden in Britain was founded in Oxford in 1621 followed by Edinburgh in 1670 and the Chelsea Physic Garden in 1673. Physic gardens were established to grow medicinal plants for physicians to use. The word 'physic' meaning 'art of healing'.

In the 17th century almost all of the medicines in use came from plants and both apothecaries and physicians identified, cultivated and harvested them. By the 19th century with the industrial revolution many more people lived in cities than the country. Traditional herbal medicine, no longer centre stage, was removed from the medical syllabus in 1895. Four years later the Society of Apothecaries gave up the Chelsea Physic Garden though it has continued to this day as a botanical teaching and agricultural institution run by a charity.

The renaissance for herbs began in the 1990s, international trade in herbs increased by 20% a year. Aside from a hunger for knowledge about all things natural - which the Herb Society seeks to fulfil - the humble herb is now courted as a potential source of new phytomedicines, for plant based cosmetics, for nutraceuticals [functional or therapeutic foods containing herbal extracts] and for all manner of culinary delights.

For anyone who wants to know more about how to grow and use herbs with special therapeutic uses, or just enjoy them as plants, membership of the Herb Society provides a dedicated and illuminating insight into all things herbal. Membership makes a wonderful present.

Restoring Energy with Medicinal Herbs - at the Chelsea Physic Garden

January 2005

It is often forgotten how the body has amazing powers to heal itself, given the right guidance. And medical herbalist, Penelope Ody, will be exploring this theme in an afternoon course to be held at the Chelsea Physic Garden on Tuesday, 5th July. Her course will show how modern herbal medicine draws on traditional skills practised by our ancestors in cultures around the globe, to restore vital energy and work with the body to repair itself, rather than just overcoming symptoms.

Penelope will demonstrate how to use herbs safely to make simple home remedies. She will also look at the effect of legal restrictions on commercially available herbal medicines.

This well respected herbalist studied herbal medicine at the School of Phytotherapy, Sussex and at the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Guangzhou, China, having read chemistry at Bristol University. She has written 18 books on herbal topics, including The Complete Medicinal Herbal, published by Dorling Kindersley, which has sold more than a million copies worldwide.

During the afternoon there will also be an opportunity to look round the historic Chelsea Physic Garden, with its extensive collection of herb and medicinal plants. Founded in 1673 with the purpose of training apprentice apothecaries in identifying plants, it currently includes a Garden of World Medicine, featuring plants from many systems of traditional medicine, a Pharmaceutical Garden and Perfumery and Aromatherapy borders.

This event is organised by the Herb Society, in association with herbal suppliers Culpeper, and runs from 1.30-5 pm at a cost of £27 for members and £29.50 for non-members, with tea or coffee and biscuits included.

For bookings and information on other Herb Society events contact: Nicky Westwood, the Herb Society, Sulgrave Manor, Sulgrave, Banbury, OX17 2SD. Tel: 01295 768899

For further information, contact the Herb Society, Tel 01295 768899 or Email info@herbsociety.org.uk

There are many other workshops taking place. Please contact us for further details. Sulgrave Manor Sulgrave Banbury OX17 2SD

Tel 01295 768899 - Fax 01295 768069

www.herbsociety.org.uk

Herb Society Opens Second Garden

June 2004

The Herb Society in an effort to increase the appreciation of herbs nationwide has opened a second herb garden, within easy reach of London and the Home Counties, just off the M25/M11 intersection.

The theme of the new garden is diversity, displaying nearly eighty different kids of herbs used for culinary, cosmetic or medicinal purposes. Aside from well known species such as various varieties of rosemary and mint, the garden features some lesser known plants like English Mace, the rare Penny Royal (used as insect repellent) and Soapwort (still used these days by the National Trust to wash their most delicate ancient fabrics). Just to dispel the perception of herbs as puny plants, a huge display of Weld (used as a natural yellow dye) grows over 7 feet tall and crowns one of the beds. With most of the specimens now in bloom, the garden is also a dazzling display of colours and fragrances, as well as harbouring a rich variety of insects that in turn attract birds and other wildlife.

The new Herb Garden is part of the BBC Essex Garden, a unique venue developed by Ken Crowther in 1987, 16 years ago.

The Herb Society is one of the leading horticultural societies represented within the BBC Garden. Listeners of BBC radio Essex can also follow the development of the garden in the regular Saturday broadcast by Ken.

The garden will be officially opened on Saturday July 3rd by Roger Tabor, Chairman of the Herb Society and Ken Crowther.

For further information, contact the Herb Society, Tel 01295 768899 or Email info@herbsociety.org.uk

Or Crowther's Nursery on 01708 688 581

Picture of Roger Tabor talking to guests at the opening event

Roger Tabor, Herb Society Chairman (in the centre of the picture) opens the garden

Roger Tabor with Ken Crowther

Roger Tabor (left) with Ken Crowther

Herb Society Appeals To Save Medicinal Plants

May 2004

The Herb Society of Great Britain is appealing to the public at large to help in saving medicinal plant species from extinction.

The increased popularity of herbal remedies has put pressure on the supply chain with at least 30% of all commercially available remedies containing herbs that are wild-collected. This figure is even higher in other EU countries, where it can be as much as 60%.

Sue Minter, Horticultural Director of the Eden Project and an Advisor to the Herb Society explains: "The media has given little emphasis to plants and more to animal parts used in traditional medicine, where poaching and breaking of trade regulations make compelling headlines. However, to people directly dependent on herbs as a local resource, scarcity and extinction caused by over-collection are a real threat. And those of us who use scarcer products run the risk of consuming adulterants substituted for the real thing - and possibly being poisoned by unscrupulous traders."

The Herb Society appeals to the public to ask their supplier about the provenance of the herbs used in remedies and to lobby for the global conservation of endangered medicinal plant species.

Indulge your Senses Naturally

March 2004

The Herb Society is hosting a one day event at their headquarters in Sulgrave Manor on Thursday 15th April during which visitors will learn how to make entirely natural cosmetics including grains, toners, facial treatment oils, lip balms, facial steams and masks. A talk on herbs will be included in the program, as well as a guided walk of the National Garden of the Herb Society - a unique venue on indigenous and rare herbs.

The event is being run by the Celtic Herbal Company from Pembroke. They are a well known cosmetics company producing their products from only the best natural sources.

There is a modest charge to cover for lunch and tea; a delicious selection of dishes with a tantalising combination of herbal flavours. Everyone is welcome to come and join in.

For further information, contact the Herb Society, Tel 01295 768899 or Email info@herbsociety.org.uk

There are many other workshops taking place. Please contact us for further details.

Sulgrave Manor Sulgrave Banbury OX17 2SD

Tel 01295 768899 - Fax 01295 768069

www.herbsociety.org.uk

National herb garden opens to the public

June 2003

In a show of Tudor pageantry that befitted the settings of Sulgrave Manor, the Earl of Clanwilliam, Herb Society's Patron, welcomed Jessica Fellows, the Royal Herb Strewer to officially open the society's National Garden, on Friday 6th June 2003. She cut a ribbon, then strewed herbs onto the entrance steps down to the garden.

When the Herb Society moved to Sulgrave Manor, near Banbury, their dream of developing a national herb garden became a possibility. Volunteers from the Society worked assiduously to lay the foundations of the new garden for over twelve months. The recently opened grounds represent the first phase in a major development that will focus on British herbs, with emphasis on rare and indigenous species.

Roger Tabor, the Chairman of The Herb Society designed the garden so that its focal point features herbs that were carried to the New World by the Pilgrim Fathers, grown in a circular bed that recalls the journey across the globe by the early settlers. The herbs they took were not just to make stored food palatable, but were also vital medicines to keep them alive. This concept is in keeping with the location, as Sulgrave is the ancestral manor of the Washington family.

Other beds feature plants used for culinary and medicinal purposes. So far, over 100 different species of herbs, from lavender to the lesser-known and endangered pennyroyal, have been planted in the National Garden of the Herb Society. Later on, herbs used for cosmetic purposes will also be added. The planned three-fold expansion will eventually turn the National Garden of the Herb Society into one of the leading international venues of its kind.

Roger Tabor with one of Sulgrave Manor's hosts wearing period costumes

Roger Tabor (r) Chairman of the Herb Society, with one of Sulgrave Manor's hosts wearing period costumes recalling the brave ancestors of George Washington who set forth with their herbs for the New World.

Two silver medals for Herb Society

May 2003

The 'Feast of Herbs' garden and the Society's display of British Wild Herbs in the Lifelong Learning zone, both won a silver medal at this year's Chelsea Flower Show.

In what was described by almost all RHS judges as a show of the 'highest standards ever' (and possibly also the wettest one ever), the Herb Society scooped two of these prestigious awards. This feat is even more remarkable considering that both exhibits were prepared entirely by volunteers, with only modest sponsorship and using as much as possible recycled plants and materials.

The garden featured over 60 different species of herbs and was one of the most photographed courtyard gardens. The 'Feast of Herbs' garden was officially opened by Anthea Turner, whose radiant and elegant presence provided a welcome contrast to an otherwise dismally wet Monday morning.

Cheryl Waller, the Society's garden designer was elated, but was already looking at the future saying "We won a bronze medal last year, and two silver in 2003, we are definitely moving in the right direction."

At the end of the show, every element of the Chelsea exhibits will be dismantled and transported to the society's headquarters at Sulgrave, where the materials will be recycled and plants carefully replanted in the National Garden of the Herb Society to open this summer.

For further information, contact the Herb Society, Tel 01295 768899 or Email info@herbsociety.co.uk

A press preview of the National Garden of the Herb Society at Sulgrave Manor, Banbury, will take place on Friday 6th June at 2pm. Please contact us for further details.

Sulgrave Manor, Sulgrave, Banbury OX17 2SD

Tel 01295 768899, Fax 01295 768069

A garden you can eat and the sexiest chef in England

April 2003

Jean Christophe Novelli, one of the stars of French haute cuisine and voted several times as one of the sexiest men in the world, will be at the Herb Society's garden at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, talking to the press about the various culinary uses of herbs.

The Herb Society is the leading educational organisation on herbs in Britain. Their garden at Chelsea will feature a variety of herbs, from well-loved ones to more exotic specimens, all of which can be used in the kitchen to create exciting dishes. The garden will be laid out in an organic theme and will also offer visitors to the show a haven of peace and tranquillity.

Jean Cristophe Novelli, who has won several international accolades and who has said that "eating and making love are two activities in which we use all five senses" is without a doubt one of the top chefs in the UK and perhaps in the world. Jean Christophe has a keen love of herbs in cooking and in natural medicine. His passion for cooking started at the age of 14 and in 1998 he was nominated Chef of the Year by the AA. He has since achieved 5 AA rosettes and Michelin stars on four separate occasions. He is now the Chef Patron of the exclusive Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall, in Welwyn, near Hertfordshire.

Roger Tabor, Chairman of the Herb Society, says "We are absolutely thrilled to have Jean Cristophe as our guest at Chelsea and we hope his presence will assist us in our quest to create public awareness on herbs and in particular on the many uses of herbs in the kitchen".

Jean Cristophe Novelli will be able to meet members of the press on Monday 19th May at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Herb Society's Garden, from 11.30am.

For further information, please contact: The Herb Society Sulgrave Manor, Sulgrave, Banbury, OX17 2SD Tel: 01295 768 899

Click here to download the press release as a pdf file.

Chelsea 2003 - A garden you can eat or drink!

February 2003

The Herb Society will be present at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show with a garden that plays to your senses of taste and smell – a veritable feast of herbs!

A striking fresh pallet of soft and variegated greens, bronzes and creams created not only by familiar herbs such as parsley, rosemary and thyme, but also the more unusual varieties such as shisho perilla and red orach will greet visitors to the garden.

This imaginative garden has been laid out in an organic theme to reflect the diverse role of herbs in gastronomy, while at the same time providing a haven of tranquillity and a source of inspiration to visitors.

Cheryl Waller, Director of the Herb Society and garden designer says, ‘We will be using recycled materials throughout and we will be featuring an alternative way of feeding your plants. The garden will be full of surprises and we hope it will generate much interest on herbs and inspire people to use them more imaginatively.’

At the end of the show the garden will be dismantled, the materials will be recycled yet again and the herbs will be given a new home in the society’s herb garden at their headquarters in Sulgrave Manor.

Enthusiastic support for herbs at the Southport Flower Show

30 August 2002

The Herb Society celebrated its 75th anniversary in style, receiving an enthusiastic public support at this year's Southport Flower Show.

The Herb Society's stand was located within the 'HERBoretum'; a special feature dedicated to herbs that proved an extremely popular attraction. The talks in the HERBoretum's theatre were a huge draw, with speakers including David Bellamy, Stefan Buczacki, Roddy Llewellyn, Mike Cullen and Roger Tabor, the Herb Society's Chairman. Professor Bellamy said: "The world is making a welcome return to using sustainable medicinal herbs, as is best demonstrated by this remarkable HERBoretum at the wonderful Southport Flower Show".

Roger Tabor, Chairman of the Herb Society, was plainly delighted with the public interest on herbs and on the Society in particular, adding: "Southport Flower Show are to be really congratulated for taking the initiative in staging a new special marquee section of their show, the HERBoretum. This new feature had its focus entirely on herbs, and featured the activities of The Herb Society. Visitors repeatedly expressed their delight in having a range of herbal interest under one tent, especially in view of the massively growing awareness of herbs. I was particularly taken not just by the clear demand for information on herbs, but also by the warmth and friendliness of the local visitors. Southport is a friendly place."

The society's stand was enormously popular, and as part of the anniversary celebrations on the 23rd of August, Mike Cullen became a true culinary star in the HERBoretum theatre with fast repartee (perfected in panto!) spiced with herbal wisdom. In his talks Roger Tabor spoke of herbal remedies to plants and people, and posed the question "What is a herb?" He said, "When it is realised that in herbal medicine both oak and willow trees are viewed as herbs, it challenges us to realise that herbs are not just mint, sage and the other culinary herbs. They are powerful, active plants!" Roger Tabor also talked of wilder herbs, saying: "Most herbs, unlike many garden plants, are still fundamentally 'wild', captive rather than cultivated. They contain many active ingredients. This event is a celebration of their effectiveness".

Celebrations to mark the Herb Society's 75th Anniversary will continue with events organised in other parts of the country, culminating with the official opening of the herb garden at the Society's headquarters in Sulgrave Manor early next year.

For further information please contact: Nicky Westwood, Administrator, on 01295 768899

Herbs celebrated at Southport

12 August 2002

The Herb Society will mark the occasion of its 75th anniversary at the celebrated Southport Flower Show in August with a gala event to include a demonstration on herbal cooking and a presentation by the world-renowned botanist and biologist, Roger Tabor.

The Gala presentation will take place on Friday 23rd August at 8pm, in the Herboretum, a specially designed area of the show wholly dedicated to herbal things.

Roger Tabor explains: "Herbs are incredibly diverse. While for a chef there are the culinary herbs, then there are the herbs that can also be used at home to make beauty and household products, others can help the gardener deter pests, and most importantly the widest range of herbs are those that can be used medicinally. Herbs like peppermint have long been used to calm indigestion, and also to bring a much loved flavour to some foods. Making a tea of sage leaves has been used to ward off sore throats for centuries, but also sage in cooking helps the digestion of fatty foods, and brings a distinctive flavour. Of course, as gardeners know, herbs like these bring wonderful colours, scents and textures to the garden, and many bring a fabulous range of flowers. It is this very diversity of roles that the Herb Society is celebrating at its 75th Anniversary Gala Evening at The Southport Flower Show."

The Herb Society will offer advice and information to visitors coming to its stand during the festival, with further opportunities to chat to one of the authorities in this field.

The Herb Society is the leading organisation in this field in the UK. The Society is actively involved in disseminating information and educating the public and growers on herbs. Interest on herbs for therapeutic, gardening or culinary purposes has increased greatly in recent years and the Herb Society plays a pivotal role in maintaining a knowledge bank on this fascinating aspect of horticulture.

For further information please contact Nicky Westwood on 01295 768899

Chelsea 2001 - Herbs to delight the senses

18 May 2001

Many herbs have relaxing and aphrodisiac qualities which also literally invite you to delight your senses by using them in their fresh and dried forms. Herbs have been used traditionally for relaxation for centuries, enabling the release of tensions and stresses which inhibit us from feeling well and/or enjoying life to the fullest. Many herbs have also been valued for their aphrodisiac properties. The Herb Society's stand at the forthcoming Chelsea Flower Show focuses on these herbs, providing the public with examples of the fresh plants and also showing them in their final product forms, including capsule, oil and other states. Visitors to the stand will be invited to touch, smell and sample these herbs, and enjoy the sensuous aspect of the plants in their wonderful natural forms. A medical herbalist will be on hand to answer any questions.

You will find below a few of the recipes highlighting key relaxation herbs which will be available during the show.

The Herb Society was established in 1927 and is a recognised voice in its field as an educational body with a forward vision concerning all things herbal. The Society has always been actively involved in all aspects of herbal legislation, produces a respected journal entitled HERBS and has a worldwide membership. The Society has exhibited at Chelsea almost since its inception, and in the previous two years gained two Bronze Medals for its Educational stand.

For more information please contact Nicky Westwood, Administrator, on 01295 692 000.

Recipes for relaxation

Raspberry and Rosemary Tea

From the Herb Society's Home Herbal by Penelope Ody MNIMH

Certain herbs have a specific reputation as aphrodisiacs, and sexual energies can generally be improved with nourishing, stimulating herbs. Nettle is rich in minerals and vitamins, rosemary is stimulating, and raspberry leaves help to relax the reproductive organs.

Ingredients 40g dried raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus) 20g dried stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) 15g dried rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 15g dried chaste-tree berries (Vitex agnus-castus) 10g dried peppermint (Mentha piperita)

How to make Mix the herbs and store in an airtight, dark jar. Place 2 teaspoons of the mixture in a tisane cup or small teapot. Add a cup of freshly boiled water and infuse for 10 minutes. Strain.

Dosage: drink a teacup 2 or 3 times a day.

Parfait Amour

Adapted by Christopher Hedley FNIMH

The warming effect of cinnamon is used to good effect in this traditional French aphrodisiac liqueur.

15cm/6 inches cinnamon stick 1 tablespoon fresh or dried thyme ¼ vanilla pod (bean) 1 teaspoon coriander seed ½ teaspoon mace, powdered or crushed Peel of 1 small lemon 600ml/1pint vodka, or your favourite spirit 225g/8oz good honey (acacia, heather and 'mountain' honeys are best) 300ml/ ½ pint water

Crush the dry ingredients together as finely as possible, macerate in the spirit for 15 days and filter. Dissolve the honey in the water over gentle heat. Allow to cool and mix with the spiced spirit. Bottle and label.

Dosage: drink 50ml/2 floz before bed.

Chelsea - the Herb Society targets key herbs for the 21st century

May 2000

The recent media coverage concerning the possible dangers of using St John's wort with some prescribed medicines has once again brought the issue of the use of herbal remedies as an alternative or complementary medicine into the headlines. The Herb Society's 'Herbs for the 21st Century Campaign' seeks to clarify the mis-information that may arise in the reporting of such issues and to provide honest and reliable information on herbs and their uses.

The Herbs in the 21st Century Campaign kicks off at this year's Chelsea Flower Show by spotlighting 13 herbs, some well known in this country and others which will be new to most people. These herbs for the 21st Century will be featured on The Herb Society's stand, What's the Alternative? Plants featured will be:

St John's wort red clover Chinese angelica (dang gui) evening primrose ginkgo milk thistle gotu kola ashwaghanda starflower (better known as borage) aloe vera tea tree echinacea saw palmetto

Visit The Herb Society's stand on Press Day on Monday 22 May to learn more about these exciting herbs and the work of The Herb Society. Deni Bown, Chairman, and other members of the Council will be delighted to meet you and answer your queries. Susan Clark, health columnist of The Sunday Times, Health Journalist of the Year and an outspoken advocate of herbal healing, will also be on the stand on Monday.

Herbal medicine is the primary health care for 80% of the world's population and has become an important alternative for the remaining 20% who live in the First World. Not only have plants been used in traditional medicines for thousands of years but they are the source, directly or through chemical synthesis, of over half of the top 25 current best-selling prescription drugs. Medicinal herbs and the people who depend on them could be put at risk if this valuable source is not used in a sustainable and ethical way.

Over the past 19 months the government has attempted to bring UK legislation in line with the EU regarding the regulation of herbal medicines. Initially it aimed to enforce the same standards of safety and efficacy on herbal remedies as on pharmaceutical drugs. This would have impacted seriously on the availability of herbal products and on the practice of medical herbalism in this country. The Herb Society has been involved from the beginning in consultations with the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and is an associate member of the Parliamentary Group for Alternative and Complementary Medicine (PGACM). Through the efforts of The Herb Society and other like-minded organisations - including professional practitioner registers, herbal manufacturers and retailers - the government has modified its approach and shown willing to listen. Informal and consultative discussions about the possible creation of a 'Third Way' have been underway for the past year. The 'Third Way' would be a new licensing procedure by which herbal remedies would be evaluated for safety and efficacy by criteria relevant to medical plants - not by the prohibitively expensive and scientifically inappropriate system of randomised double-blind clinical trials currently required for licensing drugs.

The Herb Society believes that:

Herbal remedies should be freely available to the consumer as safe and efficacious, over-the counter (OTC) products. Clear and concise information should be provided in the labelling of each product.

Medical plants should come from proven sustainable sources.

Increased cultivation of medicinal plants should be encouraged.

Qualified herbal practitioners should be allowed to continue their centuries old practice within the UK. That right must be enshrined within EU law. The national dimension to herbal medicine should not be outlawed or compromised.

'Well established use' and 'traditional medicinal products' should be accepted as important concepts that must be included in new licensing regulations for medicinal plants. The criteria for herbal medicine cannot be the same as for chemical medicine (drugs) although it too must have enforceable standards of safety, efficacy and quality.

Herbalists, parmacognosists and other experts in herbal products should be represented on the licensing authority.

Herbs, which many consumers have found extremely helpful in a variety of circumstances, should not be withdrawn from sale without compelling reasons.

Legislation needs to be written so that indications, and perhaps more importantly, contraindications may be included in product labelling.

Herbalists and doctors need to work more closely with one another, especially when it comes to treating patients with severe illness. Herbal medicine can often be complementary to orthodox medicine. An open exchange of information between the branches of medicine is imperative.

Notes to Editors

1. The Herb Society is an educational charity that provides sound information on herbs and promotes the use and enjoyment of herbs for health and well being.

2. The Herb Society is holding an important debate on St John's wort on Saturday 8 July at the Geffrye Museum in London. The aim of this special event is to clarify when and how to use 'nature's Prozac' safely. Andrew Chevallier FNIMH and author of Hypericum: The Natural Anti-Dessant and More will talk briefly about the herb and then moderate what will certainly be a lively debate.

3. Visit The Herb Society Online for more information: www.herbsociety.co.uk

4. For press enquiries, debate tickets and further information, please ring Nicky Westwood, Administrator, at The Herb Society offices on 01295 692 000.