How to Test Herbals

Herbal supplements are tested in laboratories using liquids and gases to give readings on safety. The testing in labs ensures the potency of the supplements as well as the safety. A selection of pills or granules from each batch of supplements is tested for bacterial contaminants, pesticides and heavy metals. These tests require equipment that cannot be used at home. However knowledge of the process will help you select herbal supplement companies that have thorough testing processes.

Instructions

• 1

  Prepared herbs are boiled and mixed into formula according to their type. Herbal formulas in a number of cultures, the oldest being the Asian cultures, have specific preparation requirements that have been practiced for many years. (see note) Some herbs must be soaked then boiled slowly while others must only be added to a concoction at the end of the heating cycle. Manufacturers honor this preparation in a factory setting.

• 2

  Liquefied herbs are kept in a closed space to avoid cross-contamination. The liquid form of herbs is dried to create granules. Many herbal formulas are prescribed in granule form because the granulated form is more potent than a pill but more convenient for a patient than raw herbs.

  Most granulated herbs are pressed into tablets using corn or potato starch as binding agents.

• 3

  Granules and pills are sent to a laboratory for testing. Technicians test pills using microbial testing, high pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Testing with microbial components determines the presence of bacteria. Liquid tests check the potency of ingredients. Gas testing checks for pesticides, fungicides and herbicides that may not have been cleaned off the raw herbs during processing. The plasma-mass test looks for heavy metals, this test is very precise and not used by all manufacturers as it requires a company to send its products to an outside laboratory.

• 4

  Herbal supplements are packaged. Comprehensive tests have been performed on herbal supplements prior to them ending up at your home. If you are still unsure about a supplement contact the manufacturer. Do not continue to take supplements that make you ill. Inform your doctor if symptoms persist. Some side affects may be the result of an allergy to a specific ingredient.