HerbDay is a coordinated series of independently produced public educational events celebrating the importance of herbs and herbalism. HerbDay was conceived of by five nonprofit organizations with interests in herbs and herbalism (the HerbDay Coalition)[1], to raise public awareness about the significance of herbs in our lives and the many ways herbs can be used safely and creatively for health, beauty care, and culinary enjoyment. Greater familiarity with herbs will increase informed use of herbal products and build public support for maintaining personal choice in the use of botanicals.

The first HerbDay was held on Saturday, October 14, 2006; the second annual HerbDay is Saturday, October 13. Future HerbDay celebrations will be the second Saturday in October. Participants in HerbDay included individuals, businesses, and organizations that share a love and passion for herbs and herbal medicine. These include herbalists and health care providers using herbs in their practice; authors, teachers and lecturers with expertise in herbs; herbal product manufacturers and marketers; retailers and distributors of herbal goods; botanical gardens, parks, and schools — and most importantly, the people and families who love to use herbs!

On HerbDay 2006 numerous harmonized, independent activities occurred on October 14th, and during the week leading up to that date, at locations such as retail stores, botanical gardens and parks throughout North America. HerbDay is decentralized in that hosting venues will have significant autonomy in developing activities and will design their own site-specific event(s). Events included lectures and workshops by locally and nationally known herbalists; book signings and talks by renowned herbalist-authors; herb walks guided by experienced botanists familiar with the regional habitat; in-store cooking demonstrations featuring fresh and dried herbs and spices; seasonal herbal handcrafts; in-store beauty product demonstrations; etc. Events hosted at retail venues also included presentations by herb company representatives, and all hosting venues may also choose to include activities with herbal themes for children.

The HerbDay Coalition produced a national “keynote” event specifically designed to draw media attention at the U. S. Botanic Garden.

Key industry members and the herbal community joined together to present a nationwide message that is cohesive, honest, and positive about herbs and herbalism. The vision of HerbDay was realized when thousands of Americans had access to this message.

HerbDay will continue to grow and spread (like any good, healthy plant!):
HerbDay 2007 will be on Saturday, October 13.

Start your plans now!

[1] American Botanical Council (ABC); American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP); American Herbal Products Association (AHPA); American Herbalists Guild (AHG); and United Plant Savers (UpS).

HerbDay Coalition Profiles