Indeed, today it is easier and more cost-effective to cultivate medicinal plants on farms using fertilizers and agricultural practices. However, it is difficult to speak confidently about the therapeutic effectiveness of such plants.
Harvesting from wild plants is an environmentally friendly way of sourcing raw materials, provided a number of rules are followed. First, the habitats of wild plants are not exposed to external impact, which means plants grown in their natural environment do not contain harmful chemicals.
Second, to avoid overharvesting and loss of habitats, collection takes place in specific seasons and in volumes that allow plants to recover in time. This process is closely monitored by the relevant forestry and wildlife authorities of Brazil and Peru; without their permits, legal import of raw materials is impossible.