"Ann Armbrecht is a brilliant writer, and her book and her work with the Sustainable Herbs Initiative is now beginning to receive the attention it deserves. Following the Herbal Harvest is one of the most important and readable books on the subject of herbs available today. Ann's story of her journey and the amazing message her book conveys moved me to tears. Hers is the most visionary work happening in the herbal world right now, work that matters for everyone, not just those working in the 'business of herbs.' Thank you, Ann, for listening to the plants as deeply as you have, for pointing the way forward, and having the courage to lead us there."-Rosemary Gladstar, internationally renowned herbalist and author; director of The Science and Art of Herbalism home study course
"Ann Armbrecht brings readers along on a wholly engaging exploration of her questions and hard learnings about whether the healing power of plants can truly make it into the factory-sealed supplement bottles on our grocery shelves."-Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet
"Ann Armbrecht establishes herself as a gifted storyteller, weaving the practical aspects of the global botanical industry with the lesser explored and more nuanced threads that make up the tapestry of sourcing, producing, and selling herbal products. The result is a riveting journey, one that tackles hard questions not explored by most. For those who loved Braiding Sweetgrass, this book is a perfect opportunity to go deeper into understanding the complex and co-evolutionary journey of plants and people in creating the herbal products we love."-Angela McElwee, president and CEO of Gaia Herbs
"The quality of the technical information is lovingly translated with practical examples into interesting and relevant guidance for small growers and herb users. And beyond the technical narrative, the author poses philosophical questions about the ethics, authenticity, and sustainability of the modern herb market."-Cindy Angerhofer, executive fellow of Botanical Research, Aveda Corporation
"I read this brilliant book from cover to cover like a story I couldn't tear myself away from. Like herbs themselves, [it] is rich in colors, scents, and flavors and is rooted in the earth-exquisite and messy, beautiful and dirty all at the same time."-Anne McIntyre, MAPA, MCPP, fellow of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, author of Dispensing with Tradition and The Ayurveda Bible
"The high-quality organic herbs in your teacup, tincture, or supplement did not materialize out of thin air. More than fifty years ago, the seeds of an industry were planted by a few unique and talented individuals-farmers, herbalists, and entrepreneurs who have dedicated their lives to improving planetary, human, and animal well-being. This well-researched and fascinating book tells their stories and lays out a clear path for a healthier sustainable future."-David Winston, RH (AHG), dean of David Winston's Center for Herbal Studies; founder of Herbal Therapeutics Research Library
"Ann Armbrecht acknowledges the racist, imperialist roots of the international trade in botanicals and examines the impressive progress being made to transform this legacy of economic oppression. The evolving supply chain acknowledges the ecology of issues beyond profit. Armbrecht introduces these holistic, ecological perspectives as a sign of great hope for the future and celebrates the rich diversity of people and backgrounds that make the planet's herbal abundance accessible to the West."-David Hoffmann, RH (AHG), fellow of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, chief formulator for Traditional Medicinals
"Ann Armbrecht has looked under the bonnet and found that the engine of herbal healing is in need of repair. Even well-intentioned conflicts of interest in this industry too often get in the way of quality and sustainability. Ann concludes that the answer here, as ever, is about nurturing relationships and supporting the interests of everyone in the herbal web. Everyone who loves herbs needs to read this book!"-Simon Mills, herbal clinician and elder, author of Out of the Earth, coauthor of Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy
"A thoroughly engaging, must-read book for all herbalists, herbal medicine makers, herb growers, and anyone who turns to herbs for their health. I was immediately drawn into the story of botanical medicines and the complexities within each bottle of herbal tincture on store shelves."-Rosalee de la Foret, herbalist and author of Alchemy of Herbs, coauthor of Wild Remedies
"Ann Armbrecht's engaging book provides perceptive and important insights into what is too often an invisible trade despite its immense importance to the livelihoods, traditions, and interests of a great many people around the world."-Steven Broad, executive director of TRAFFIC and member of the Board of the FairWild Foundation