Mu Xiang again

[Guest guest]

I was watching the thread on Mu Xiang but feel like I may have missed

something. Mu Xiang - Saussurea lappa or S. costus (species either

the same or used interchangeably) is listed on the CITES I,

critically endangered list. I just called the USDA and it should be

illegal to import it, though they weren't willing to say much more

except that they would put an inspector on it if I desired. I've

looked at the labels on my Gui Pi Tang and Curing Pills, and there it

is as Aucklandia lappa (chinese herbal pharmacies don't seem

particularly concerned with updated botanical nomenclature). They

don't seem to be using Chuan Mu Xiang - they are using the endangered

plant. How are they getting it? Do they even know it's illegal?

 

Susan G. Wynn, DVM, RH(AHG)

Acworth, GA

[Guest guest]

, " swynndvm " <swynndvm@b...> wrote:

> I was watching the thread on Mu Xiang but feel like I may have missed

> something. Mu Xiang - Saussurea lappa or S. costus (species either

> the same or used interchangeably) is listed on the CITES I,

> critically endangered list. How are they getting it? Do they even know

it's illegal?

 

 

It is exempt from CITES if certification of cultivation can be provided. Only

the wild

saussurea is protected by CITES.

 

[Guest guest]

Todd said:

 

>>It is exempt from CITES if certification of cultivation can be provided. Only

the wild

saussurea is protected by CITES.<<

 

Thanks - I should have been more clear. I called one of my suppliers and the

person who should have known didn't even know about whether *their* suppliers

sent cultivated vs wild crafted supplies.

 

I've been lecturing on endangered herbs recently, trying to raise awareness, and

I suppose I was surprised by a lack of awareness among even the suppliers. This

has been an interesting experience!

 

Susan Wynn

Woodstock GA