Are your herbs lab tested?

Yes. All herbs and formulas we carry are lab tested for identity, heavy metals, and microbial safety before being offered for sale.

Do you offer practitioner or wholesale pricing?

Yes. Herbalists, acupuncturists, and other qualified practitioners may qualify for wholesale or bulk pricing. Contact us or visit our wholesale information page for details.

Are your herbs sulfur-free?

Yes. Our herbs are sulfur-free unless clearly noted otherwise. We prioritize clean processing and traditional preparation methods.

Where do you ship from?

All orders are processed and shipped from our facility in Washington State, USA. We offer domestic shipping and select international options.

Do you provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs)?

Yes. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are available upon request for many of our herbs and formulas. Please contact us if you need documentation for a specific product batch.

Herbal Quality

Herbal Quality: Know What's in Your Herbs

Laboratory Testing | Botanical Identity | Transparent Quality Standards

98% Of Our Herbs Are Laboratory Tested

Quality you can verify. Transparency you can trust.

At 1st Chinese Herbs, we believe quality should be verified, not simply promised.

Since 1994, we've helped customers choose Chinese herbs with confidence. We clearly identify products that are not lab tested or do not meet our stated GMP criteria.

Questions about a particular herb? Contact us to confirm its laboratory testing and GMP status before purchasing.

The importance of botanical identity

What Goes Into Herbal Quality?

1. Botanical Identity

Is it the correct herb?

Proper identification helps confirm the correct botanical species and plant part.

Without verification: Similar-looking plants, incorrect species, or unwanted botanical material may go undetected.

2. Heavy Metal Testing

Checking invisible contaminants

Laboratory analysis can measure lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium.

Without testing: Elevated heavy metal levels may remain unknown, even when an herb looks and smells normal.

3. Pesticide Screening

Checking agricultural residues

Testing can detect selected pesticide residues and compare them with relevant specifications.

Without testing: Certain chemical residues may remain undetected. Washing cannot reliably remove every pesticide.

4. Microbial Testing

Bacteria, yeast, mold, and pathogens

Microbial testing evaluates specified microorganisms that may affect product quality.

Without testing: Some microbial contamination may be present without visible mold or an unusual odor.

5. GMP Manufacturing

Consistent manufacturing standards

Good Manufacturing Practices establish controls for sanitation, equipment, production records, packaging, and labeling.

Without adequate controls: Processing errors, cross-contact, and labeling mistakes may be harder to prevent or detect.

6. Traceability & Storage

Protecting quality after processing

Lot numbers, appropriate packaging, and proper storage help protect herbs and support traceability.

Without these controls: Moisture damage, deterioration, or difficulty tracing a batch may become concerns.

Lab Tested vs. Not Lab Tested: Why It Matters

An untested herb is not automatically unsafe. However, without appropriate testing, certain problems may remain undiscovered.

Potential Concern	With Appropriate Testing	Without Testing
Wrong Plant Species	Identity analysis may reveal substitutions.	Incorrect species may go unnoticed.
Lead or Mercury	Levels can be measured against specifications.	Elevated levels may remain unknown.
Arsenic or Cadmium	Specific analysis can measure these metals.	Contamination may not be identified.
Pesticide Residues	Selected chemicals can be screened.	Residues may go undetected.
Bacteria and Pathogens	Specified microorganisms can be evaluated.	Contamination may not be apparent.
Yeast and Mold	Microbial levels can be measured.	Some contamination may remain invisible.
Sulfur Dioxide Residues	Relevant residues can be measured.	Residue levels may remain unknown.

Important to understand: Laboratory testing does not guarantee that every possible contaminant is absent. Different herbs require different testing methods, and results apply to the characteristics actually evaluated.

Our Quality Commitment Since 1994

98% Laboratory Tested

The overwhelming majority of herbs we sell have undergone laboratory testing.

Clearly Marked Exceptions

We identify products that are not lab tested or do not meet our stated GMP criteria.

Why Are 2% of Our Herbs Not Lab Tested?

At 1st Chinese Herbs, we believe customers deserve complete transparency about the herbs they purchase.

98% of the herbs we sell are laboratory tested. The remaining 2% are products for which we do not have verified laboratory testing documentation.

This does not automatically mean these herbs are unsafe or of poor quality. It simply means that certain characteristics, such as heavy metal levels, pesticide residues, microbial contamination, or botanical identity, may not have been independently verified through laboratory testing.

We clearly identify herbs that are not lab tested or do not meet our stated GMP criteria, allowing you to make an informed purchasing decision.

Have questions about a particular herb? We encourage you to contact 1st Chinese Herbs before purchasing. We're happy to confirm its testing status, GMP information, and available quality documentation.

Our Promise: 98% Lab Tested. Clearly Marked Exceptions. Complete Transparency.

Independent Third-Party Testing

Independent laboratory analysis is an important part of our quality standards. Testing scope varies by product.

Personal Customer Support

Understanding Common Quality Terms

Third-Party Lab Tested

Testing performed by a laboratory independent of the manufacturer or seller.

Certified Organic

Certification under applicable organic production and handling standards. It does not replace contaminant testing.

Sulfur-Free / Unsulfured

Indicates sulfur fumigation was not used, according to applicable product verification.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A document reporting selected test results or specifications for a product or batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all your Chinese herbs lab tested?

No. 98% of the herbs we sell are laboratory tested. Products that are not tested are clearly identified.

Does an untested herb mean it's contaminated?

No. It means certain quality characteristics may not have been verified through laboratory analysis. An untested herb is not automatically unsafe.

Can I see heavy metals or pesticides on an herb?

Generally, no. Heavy metals and many pesticide residues cannot be reliably detected by appearance, smell, or taste.

Are all your products GMP compliant?

GMP status varies by product and manufacturer. Products that do not meet our stated GMP criteria are clearly marked.

Can I request quality documentation?

Yes. Contact us with the product name and lot number, if available. We can help determine what documentation is available.

How can I verify a particular herb?

Check its product description or contact 1st Chinese Herbs directly. We are happy to confirm its testing and GMP status.