Dr. Thomas Avery Garran brings his unique background researching, growing, farming, and processing herbal medicine in China to this discussion of considerations for cultivation and processing of Chinese herbs in North America . Dr Garran is one of a handful of individuals involved with spearheading research in the domestic production of Chinese Herbal medicine, and he discusses challenges of scaling herbal production, the importance of growing conditions, and the need for research into the chemistry of domestically grown herbs, along with the significance of Daodi practices and the potential for domestic herbal medicine to thrive with the right resources and community involvement.

You’ll learn about the history and conditions of herbal cultivation and processing in China, the challenges of replicating those conditions here in the states, and what considerations must be accounted for when considering how to scale domestic herbal production. Dr Garran explains the similarity of cultivating medicinal herbs to painstakingly producing a fine wine, and the importance of terroir. You’ll learn why it’s not easy to just throw some seeds in the ground and produce consistent herbal medicine. Dr Garran even shares some surprising examples of unique knowledge necessary for processing each species.

This interview not only highlights the potential strategies for growing Chinese Herbs in the States, but also takes the listener on Dr Garran’s journey from clinician and student to researcher, farmer, and teacher, aligning his life through the decades with the plant kingdom.  It is impossible to complete listening to this interview without gaining some insight and shared reverence for the awesomeness of plants.

Learn more about Thomas Avery Garran PhD:

https://herb-whisperer.com/about/thomas_avery_garran

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