SupHerbs Medicinal Plants is a contract herb-growing farm located in the north of Israel, near Nazareth, within the agricultural community of Zippori. The company has been growing medicinal plants for the industry in Israel since 1990. Presently, approximately 15 hectars (40 acres) are used for the production of medicinal plants, and additional land is in rotation.

SupHerbs is certified for production, import and packaging by the Ministry of Health in Israel. Almost all of the production is certified as Organic ("Bio").  SupHerbs is certified by the Israel Bio-Organic Agriculture Association (I.B.O.A.A.), the Israeli association of farmers, manufacturers and distributors of organic produce in Israel. I.B.O.A.A. is a member of IFOAM, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture. The organic production is supervised by AgriOr, an inspection company rndorsed by the IBOAA, and the Plant Protection Inspection Service of the Ministry Of Agriculture in Israel (PPIS).

The produce is sold to wholesale dealers and directly to the phyto-medicinal industry in Israel and abroad. Among our customers are botanical extracts producers, formulators and consumer-product companies. Over the years, a major part of the production has also been exported to Europe and North America, through our clients. Some of the main crops cultivated by SupHerbs include Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), Echinacea purpurea, Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) and others.

QUALITY CONTROL

SupHerbs performs custom growing of herbs, using modern techniques of cultivation, but without the utilization of chemical pesticides. The raw plant material is treated with maximum care, beginning with obtaining of seeds from the best sources. For our principal products, quality is assured with the support of local or international laboratories. Tests are performed for marker-compounds, according to accepted standards. The timing and technique utilized for harvest and drying are determined with reference to laboratory analysis, in order to achieve optimal results. Oven or under-shade drying is used, depending on specific requirements.

FIELD RESEARCH

SupHerbs maintains an “open line” with academy and research institutes in Israel, on the selection of proper genetic material, agro-technology etc. Small-scale experiments are carried out frequently. Their results are implemented on the farm.

AL ALIM

In 1998, SupHerbs added a new area of activity, and formed Al Alim – Information Center on Herbs. The center’s activities include organization of conferences, seminars and workshops, publishing an electronic newsletter and distributing literature in the area of medicinal plants. Herbalists and students of alternative medicine from various schools in the country visit the center, and enjoy the opportunity to become familiar with the medicinal herb production. Al-Alim can also provide research services and consultancies to interested companies, in Israel or abroad.

BIBLE PLANTS

Located in the Lower Galilee, and only appr. 5 km from the city of Nazareth, SupHerbs cultivates some of the aromatic plants which have been used in this area for generations. We grow the “Ezov” (Marjorana syriaca), which is mentioned in the Bible several times and is used widely today in the Land of Israel, both as a culinary herb (Zaatar), and as a folk medicine. We also grow the “White Zota” ( Micromeria fruticosa), a relative plant to the Zaatar and named in Arabic "tea zaatar". The Zota is an endemic plant to Israel, and adds a wonderful lemon-mint flavor to your herb tea.

CONSERVATION

By cultivating local herbs, we contribute to the conservation of these species, some are declared “protected species” by the Israel Nature Reserve Authority. We also practice ethical, controlled collection of various herbs or tree seeds from the wild, such as the local nettle (Urtica urens), chicory (Cichorium pulinum), Hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus), Pomegranate (Punica granatum) and others.

See a list of the company's products.  Additional products and services in the area of herb production, processing and marketing are available.

Consultancies for growers and producers are offered to customers outside of Israel.

Contact SupHerbs Medicinal Plants