Opinion: Ewa Macur
Ewa Macur, superintendent pharmacist at Nelsons, reflects on the stories, values and people that shape a brand after visiting Herb Pharm’s regenerative organic farm in Oregon.
When it comes to sourcing suppliers, passion matters. I really love what I do. And that love stretches back to when I first studied to be a pharmacist in Poland. One of the classes I really enjoyed was pharmacognosy, which involved making herbal tinctures. That was where it all started. I was absolutely fascinated, and began to use them myself. Suddenly, I was on a more holistic journey, and I never ended up working at a conventional pharmacy.
I’ve been so fortunate to work for Nelsons for almost a decade, where I’ve been superintendent pharmacist since 2024. It’s such a well-recognised pharmacy that’s been operating since 1861 – the very first homeopathic pharmacy in Europe. We have a Royal Warrant, which is an enormous privilege and a proud reflection of Nelsons’ heritage and our ongoing commitment to the quality and sustainability of Nelsons’ products.
All through my career I’ve been fascinated with researching brands. I’ve only ever wanted to stock products of the highest quality, and now I feel like I almost have an intuition about it.
That’s why meeting the people behind the brands is so important to me. I can really see when the founders of a company have a passion that matches mine. It’s always a good sign because that love is often reflected in the products. By meeting people face-to-face, I can ask questions and hear their story. Many of the brands we stock start with a fantastic story.
Earlier in the year this passion led me to Herb Pharm’s certified regenerative organic farm in Oregon – providing an opportunity to get to know their plants, products and people.
I first met Daniel Marple, the premium organic supplement brand’s ceo, at a trade show. I’d seen the products across health stores in the US and got really excited when I heard they were planning to come to Europe.
“By meeting people face-to-face, I can ask questions and hear their story. Many of the brands we stock start with a fantastic story”. ”
Visiting the farm – where they produce the majority of the ingredients for products – brought their ethos to life. I could see how they really practise what they preach. For example, their approach to regenerative farming doesn’t just cover commitments to be pesticide-free and preserve nature. It also ensures workers are treated fairly. They make sure that everyone in the supply chain is looked after – and you can see that level of care comes from their passion for herbs.
Herb Pharm’s farm manager Mark Disharoon, who has been with the brand for 30 years, was kind enough to share his extensive knowledge about regenerative farming, soil health and the wider farming process.
This was probably one of the highlights of the trip for me. It was fascinating listening to his stories and learning from his expert experience. I remember how he cut a bloodroot in half, and how it looked like it was bleeding, vividly revealing the origin of its name.
Sarah Hasler, head of botanical affairs, also explained the tincture-making process at a site which is only a short distance from the farm, thereby reducing transport emissions. Speaking to people who are experts in their field is always an amazing experience.
People need effective herbal products that they can trust more than ever. And that has to come from a place of love and respect: for people, the planet and the ethical pioneers that have come before us.
By Ewa Macur, superintendent pharmacist, Nelsons