Commitment and Contributions to Environmental,
Educational, Legislative and Quality Control Initiatives
Planetary Formulas has always recognized that support for individual and environmental health is an integral part of natural health care. This has been exemplified internationally by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). This is an important part of our business model. In addition to avoiding toxic solvents in the preparation of our herbal extracts, Planetary Formulas does not trade in endangered plant species. As long as 17 years ago, Planetary Formulas refused to manufacture products containing the threatened Lady’s Slipper Orchid, Cypripedium spp. This eventually led to an almost industry-wide ban on its commerce, in order to protect dwindling populations.

Until very recently, Planetary Formulas refused to develop an echinacea-goldenseal liquid extract—even though this was the most popular herbal tincture on the market—due to concern over the supply of wild-harvested goldenseal. Planetary Formulas only began to offer this combination after a guaranteed supply of 100%-cultivated material could be obtained.

The Planetary Formulas philosophy also extends beyond its products. Since its inception, Planetary Formulas profits have been allocated to a variety of organizations that are committed to environmental, social, legislative, educational and quality control initiates. Beginning in 1982, a portion of Planetary Formulas sales were donated to Oxfam, an organization dedicated to ending world hunger. For several years, Planetary Formulas provided annual operating expenses for the American Herbalists Guild, an organization dedicated to the professional advancement of the herbalist community.

On the legislative front, Planetary Formulas played a key role in securing passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which guaranteed consumer access to dietary supplements and preserved the health food industry, including the coordination of the industry-wide Dietary Supplement Blackout Day during the heat of the DSHEA battles. Since 1994, Planetary Formulas has been a primary benefactor to the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia™. The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia™ is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to the production of authoritative botanical monographs, designed to establish industry-wide quality control standards and to disseminate accurate information about the health-promoting benefits and safety of botanical supplements. The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia™ is a also leader in the critical review of the scientific literature on herbal supplements. In supporting the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia™, Planetary Formulas is helping to build the foundation needed for a strong natural products industry for future generations.

Planetary Formulas has also historically or continues to support other organizations who are dedicated to improving health care through supplementation such as Vitamin Angels and the AIDS Nutrient Bank. These two organizations specifically help to make nutritional and herbal supplements available to individuals and communities with limited income who could normally not afford supplements but could benefit the most from them. Supporting organizations such as these and promoting community and international health care, are integral to the ongoing mission and vision of Planetary Formula.