Medicinal forest herbs: conservation and economic development in the Appalachian Mountains

Abstract

The medicinal plant industry, and the people of Appalachia, have relied on the rich natural resources of the Appalachian Mountains for centuries, collecting plants for food, medicine, and livelihood. By the 1700s, Appalachia had become a major supplier of medicinal plants and was recognized internationally as a source of American ginseng. Today, the value of these products is substantial, with more than $11 billion in 2020 U.S. sales. There is a growing concern, however, that many medicinal herbs are disappearing. We review current research on wild harvesting, forest cultivation, and efforts to create markets for sustainably-sourced Appalachian medicinal herbs. There is a critical need for ecologically sound management and sustainable economies in Appalachia, to support our natural resources and communities. Keywords: