Product Quality Assurance

Our quality control program begins with the herbs themselves. We hand select the finest wild picked or organically grown herbs whenever possible. Health Concerns uses only the most potent part of the plant. Careful attention is paid to the correct timing and method of harvesting. We do not use herbs that are endangered, sprayed or fumigated. <%ob end photoLeft %>

Trained herbalists evaluate our herbs for quality on the basis of smell, taste and appearance. Samples are sent to independent labs to screen for pesticides, sulfites and bacterial contamination. Our labs use the latest technology, including Capillary Electrophoresis, High Pressure Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, and Thin Layer Chromatography, which provide detailed compositional analysis of the molecular level.

Once the herbs have passed inspection, they are processed according to tradition to maximize potency and eliminate undesired effects. Raw herbs may be steamed, baked, alcohol-soaked or ginger processed. The selection of each herb is double checked and quantities are weighed twice so that formulas are uniform from batch to batch. Herbs are granulated and cooked as a decoction to improve bioavailability.

We devote meticulous attention to each individual component of a formula. Roots are cooked over low temperature overnight. Flowers are prepared by infusion. Alkaloid-containing herbs are soaked in alcohol and aromatic extracts are added last to preserve their volatile components. A small amount of acacia gum and cellulose are used to bind the ingredients together, while magnesium aids the tableting process.

Once the herbs are compressed into tablets, they are coated to ease swallowing and preserve freshness. To make sure they can be absorbed, they are tested for dissolving times. During the final stage they are packaged into bottles, inner and outer safety seals are applied, and each bottle is stamped with a lot number and expiration date. A sample of each batch is sent to an outside lab to ensure the accuracy, purity and potency of the finished formula.