I haven’t been able to figure out definitively why my supplier (and several others) of Asian ginseng has been out of stock for months. There could be a number of reasons: poor harvest, increased global demand, unresolved price negotiations amongst parties involved, loss or damage of shipment from China, failed inspection of shipment—either leaving China, or entering the U.S. (The FDA inspects imported food products, including herbs.)

The herbal sales rep I spoke with wasn’t sure either. After all, he just works there. He simply cited the possibilities above. But I do understand that [continue reading…]