Why did I start the journey in nutraceuticals?

It starts with intention.

After graduation, I was seeking something that speaks to me. So I took time to think about the essence of work and kept my eye wide open to find something valuable.

The world is changing fast, but some things are eternal - we all want to be loved, be healthy, and be free.

After a while, I thought working in the field of Health or Education would be really meaningful. And given my own skill set and interest, I started to work in the nutraceutical field with the intention of enhancing human health.

It’s always fun to look back sometimes, to contemplate, and give a little kindness and compassion to who you were. For me, it was a girl who started to take little steps forward regardless of the uncertainty and the possibility of survival in business.?

Growing up in China, I am aware that “ food as medicine” is missing in Europe. While in China, no matter whom you talk to, anyone can tell you one thing or two about what are the typical “ warm” and “cold” food served for different seasons and how to prepare special food to treat certain conditions(e.g., cough, hangover, period pain, etc.). We are just very mindful of the function and nature of food. And our body would tell the truth, whether it works or not!?

That’s where I find the space for value creation. In Europe, people can also benefit from the concept(which I call lifestyle) of “food as medicine”! And you will find the truth in your body too!

Date back to the early times, the widespread use of spices, tea, coffee, and the rising popularity of yoga and meditation in modern times is a fruitful progress when the West and the East intertwined. People were curious about something new and keen to learn and experiment.?

Minds are like parachutes—they function only when they are open.?

When it comes to Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), it is by far one of the most complex and sophisticated subjects, if not the one, for me. And I am absolutely amazed by its healing power, through my own experience, as well as others.??

Not surprisingly, some foreigners become TCM practitioners(e.g., acupuncturists, herbalists) and even speak quite good Chinese(in order to learn and master), which I have great respect for. Nowadays, even in a small country like the Netherlands, you can find a few TCM study programs (normally take 1-4 years) across the country.?

Yes, TCM is still quite a myth for most European people. Because the modern scientific approach of reductionism may not be able to comprehend the complex TCM system. Similarly as, there is no one-pill-fits-all, we’d better not to look at things through only one (inappropriate) lens. Keep being open-minded and let your body show and guide you to the truth. If it serves you, then welcome it with an o p e n heart.?

Now I am been working in the nutraceutical field for over 3 years. It has been a fun, yet challenging ride.?

The work requires great dedication when it comes to botanicals, due to the nature of the category, being very fragmented. For the well-established categories such as vitamins, and minerals, it’s rather straightforward business, big in volume and value.? Whereas botanicals are still being educated to the market and have certain challenges(e.g., adulterations, regulation restriction) that hinder the whole development.?

I have talked to and visited some botanical manufacturers in China and I believe the future is bright. They have been professionalized fast over the years, equipped with great resources(e.g., high-end equipment, skilled workers, decades of experience), have genuine work ethics and most importantly, walk the talk, putting quality as the priority for everything they strive for.?

In reality, most contract manufacturers in Europe, unfortunately, don’t have the resources to control the full supply chain and are not able to test the raw material for every batch. As a consequence, the quality of food supplements varies greatly from brand to brand. When the authority periodically tests products, recall of products may occur for various reasons(e.g., contamination, mismatching labels). So the raw material manufacturers and distributors are really the backbones to safeguard the consumers (in the first place).?

If we go the extra mile, regenerative agriculture deserves our attention. Supporting organic products is a step forward towards a more sustainable world. We are what we eat, so the food and products we consume deserve great care in the right hands.

The future path is always uncertain, but what is certain is that working with great people, doing the right thing and letting things unfold at their own pace is the way to go.?

May the beauty of plants and the wonder of nature be our endless inspiration. To continue exploring the beautiful world, welcome all the possibilities, harness the healing power of nature, and always be connected with nature, after all, we are part of nature.?

May you be cared and loved!