Daniel Gagnon, medical herbalist, MS, RH (AHG), is a French-Canadian originally from Northern Ontario, Canada, who relocated to Santa Fe, NM in 1979. As a child, he suffered from eczema, asthma and allergies. His quest to overcome these health challenges led him to study nutrition, herbal medicine and other natural healing modalities, and he has been a practicing medical herbalist since 1976. When he arrived in Santa Fe, he started to work for the herbalist Michael Moore and then bought the company in 1982. He has been the owner of Herbs, Etc., an herbal medicine manufacturing facility and retail store, for 40 years. Gagnon is the author of The Practical Guide to Herbal Medicines, a book designed to provide herbal health care options. With Amadea Morningstar, he is also the co-author of Breathe Free, a book on healing the respiratory system. He regularly teaches herbal therapeutics both nationally and internationally.

Question: Herbs, Etc. recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Please discuss the longevity of the company, its successes and challenges, and what you are hoping for its future.

Answer: Through the years, Herbs, Etc. has maintained a fierce determination to serve its customers, whatever challenges they encountered. In doing so, we have overcome significant obstacles and, in the process, developed a strong following. It’s not surprising that, according to SPINS Data, five of our products—Allergy ReLeaf System, ChlorOxygen chlorophyll concentrate, Deep Sleep, Mouth Tonic and Singer’s Saving Grace—are No. 1 sellers in the natural/health food markets and have been for more than 10 years. Our retailers are constantly sharing with us success stories their customers have experienced when using Herbs, Etc.’s products. This loyalty is something we are very grateful for and is never taken for granted. The COVID-19 pandemic was a major challenge and disruption to our lives. It was heartwarming to witness the affirmation that herbal medicine has an important place in health care, is here to stay, and that consumers continue to turn to it to get answers to their health challenges.

Question: Over the past couple of years, herbal products have seen strong sales growth. Why is there a sudden increased interest in this category?

Answer: When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, many consumers reconsidered their priorities in life and, for many, staying healthy was at the top of their list. They stocked up on herbs as one way to do so. Others stocked up on herbal products in the hope of avoiding the virus and to have the medicinal tools in case they did get sick. It was their way to assume responsibility for their health and to put all the chances on their side. Now that the fear of the pandemic is waning, consumers are tackling other health challenges like sleep issues, stress, allergies, sore throat, gut issues and the like with herbal products. Additionally, as Boomers, Gen X and Millennials age, many are feeling the effects of getting older and are reaching out to herbal medicine to support their well-being and to address their health challenges.

Question: The future of the herbal market may depend on sustainable work. What is your commitment and approach to sustainability?

Answer: At Herbs, Etc., we believe that sustainability starts with the herbs we use. As climate changes continue to create greater challenges and test our ability to adapt, the same is happening to plants. One area where Herbs, Etc. has and continues to devote its attention, time and funds is in researching the sustainability of herbs. Specifically, we have been focusing on Osha (Ligusticum porteri). This project started in 2000 and since 2010 we have partnered with the American Herbal Products Association and The University of Kansas, Kansas Biological Survey to do so. We participate in field surveys and fund research projects to better understand the growth patterns of this herb, its reproduction and its sustainability when harvested. Research results have been encouraging and affirm the resilience of Osha. We are also involved in supporting research on other plants like Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). As an industry, it is critical that manufacturers of herbal products become part of the solution and ensure that the plants we use will be there for many generations to come.

Question: What is your advice to retailers for selling and advising about herbal products?

Answer: Over the years, we have found that successful retailers practice basic principles that are tried and true: 1. They focus on quality products. Without quality and effective products, consumers won’t come back; 2. They know the importance of partnering with manufacturers and suppliers who deliver quality products and support them in their efforts to reach consumers; and 3. They strive to educate themselves and share truthful and helpful information about herbs, supplements and food with their customers. As they do, they earn the trust of consumers who come back for additional help. For 50 years, Herbs, Etc. has had the privilege and honor to partner with natural/health food retailers to reach health-seeking consumers, share the story of herbal medicine and make a significant difference in American health care.