HerbDay 2012 Set for Saturday, May 5th

Seventh annual international event commemorates the importance of herbs and botanicals

AUSTIN, Texas, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Herbs are essential components of everything from dietary supplements to incredible cuisine, beautiful gardens, effective personal care, and vital nutrients. To honor the myriad ways herbs enhance the lives of people everywhere, the 7th annual international HerbDay is scheduled for Saturday, May 5th, 2012.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100430/DC95601LOGO )

HerbDay is a coordinated series of independently produced, public, educational events that celebrate the importance of herbs and herbalism. HerbDay activities are held at retail stores, schools, farms, botanical gardens, garden centers, and public parks worldwide, on and during the weeks preceding and following May 5. Events include lectures and workshops, herb walks, in-store cooking demonstrations, presentations by herbal product companies, and herbal-themed children's activities. More events are being planned and added to the HerbDay website, www.herbday.org.

HerbDay was conceived of in 2006 by the HerbDay Coalition, five nonprofit organizations that have interest in these areas, to raise awareness of the significance of herbs and the many ways they can be used safely and creatively for health, beauty, and culinary enjoyment. The HerbDay Coalition is comprised of the American Botanical Council, American Herbalists Guild, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, American Herbal Products Association, and United Plant Savers.

"Herbs are an important health option for many people in America and around the world. Whether a simple tea or a sophisticated extract, these products continue a long tradition of self care, and HerbDay celebrates the value of botanicals," said Michael McGuffin, president of the American Herbal Products Association.

"HerbDay events will enable many people to discover reliable herbal resources in their own communities, including herbalists and other experts who can help in making informed choices to improve and maintain their health," said Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council.

All are invited to participate actively in HerbDay 2012, either by attending or hosting an event or providing sponsorship in the form of financial support. Past HerbDay corporate sponsors have included, GNC, Vitamin World, and Nature's Resource. It's not too early to start developing ideas for local HerbDay activities so that every community is part of the celebration.

For more information about HerbDay activities, resources, and sponsorship opportunities; to find teachers and experts; and to register and promote events, visit www.herbday.org. Follow HerbDay on Twitter and "like" HerbDay on Facebook to share your ideas and keep current on the latest news and announcements.

About the American Botanical Council

Founded in 1988, the American Botanical Council is a leading international nonprofit organization addressing research and educational issues regarding herbs and medicinal plants. ABC's members include academic researchers and educators; libraries; health professionals and medical institutions; government agencies; members of the herb, dietary supplement, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries; journalists; consumers; and others in more than 80 countries. The organization occupies a historic 2.5-acre site in Austin, Texas, where it publishes the quarterly journal HerbalGram, the monthly e-publication HerbalEGram, HerbClips (summaries of scientific and clinical publications), reference books, and other educational materials. ABC also hosts HerbMedPro, a powerful herbal database, covering scientific and clinical publications on more than 240 herbs. ABC also co-produces the "Herbal Insights" segment for Healing Quest, a television series on PBS.

ABC is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. Information: Contact ABC at P.O. Box 144345, Austin, TX 78714-4345, Phone: 512-926-4900. Website: www.herbalgram.org

Available Topic Expert: For information on the listed expert, click appropriate link.
Mark Blumenthal -- http://www.profnetconnect.com/mark_blumenthal

American Botanical Council

P.O. Box 144345, Austin, TX 78714-4345
Phone: 512-926-4900 x121; Fax: 512-926-2345
Contact: Lucy Bruno [email protected]

SOURCE American Botanical Council