Purity Assessment
When testing plant material for purity, three tests are used to check for contaminants and to verify that all levels are well below our specification limits.
- Microbiological screening tests for pathogenic E. coli bacteria, salmonella, total aerobic bacteria, yeast and mold, threatening food borne bacteria and coliforms.
- Using a digital moisture analyzer and water activity meter, we test for moisture and water activity, respectively. This ensures there isn't too much water in our dried herbs If the water activity is low, microbial growth is limited or halted completely. Excessive moisture creates an environment for microbial activity, making the plant material susceptible to mold and bacterial growth which can create unhealthy toxins.
- With atomic absorption spectroscopy we test for heavy metals, including lead, cadmium and arsenic. Only raw materials with acceptable, low levels are approved.
- With GC-MS/MS testing to detect pesticides and residual solvents. Soil analysis is important, too. We test our soil for heavy metals and a whole assortment of soil components to ensure.
Internal testing expertise.
You can be assured that our scientists are well-qualified to conduct in-house testing. Our process and skills are kept sharp by participating in the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s This program validates our internal testing expertise and provides a method of continually looking for optimal ways to improve our processes.
Our partners in the lab.
We’ve enjoyed working with academic institutions in our community, such as National University of Natural Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University and Santa Clara University, on specified scientific studies and research. Expanding and sharing our technical knowledge about the medicinal properties of herbs with the science community is an important part of our mission.
