USDA Certified Organic

An organic herb refers to a plant that is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic herbs are cultivated using natural and sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. They are typically grown using methods like composting, crop rotation, and integrated pest management to maintain the health of the plants and the surrounding ecosystem.

Certified organic herbs are those that have been inspected and approved by an accredited certification body, confirming that they meet specific organic farming standards. These standards vary by country or region but generally include criteria that ensure the herbs are grown in a way that promotes sustainability, reduces the impact on the environment, and minimizes exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

WHY ARE ORGANIC HERBS IMPORTANT?

Using organic herbs offers several advantages, both in terms of health and environmental sustainability. Some of the key benefits include:

Reduced Chemical Exposure: Organic herbs are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. This reduces your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and residues, promoting better health for you and your family.

Nutrient-Rich: Organically grown herbs often have higher nutrient content than conventionally grown ones. Healthy soil enriched with organic matter produces plants with increased levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Better Taste and Aroma: Many people find that organic herbs have a more robust flavor and aroma compared to conventionally grown herbs. This is because the plants develop their natural essential oils and compounds in response to their environment.

Environmental Protection: Organic farming practices prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. By avoiding synthetic chemicals, organic herb farming helps protect pollinators, wildlife, and waterways from the negative impacts of conventional agriculture.

Soil Health: Organic farming focuses on building and maintaining healthy soil through practices like composting, cover cropping, and crop rotation. This results in soil that retains moisture better, supports beneficial microorganisms,

Wildcrafted

A wildcrafted herb, also known as a wild-harvested herb, refers to a plant that has been collected from its natural habitat or the wild, rather than being cultivated on a farm. Wildcrafting involves gathering herbs, plants, or other botanical materials from their native ecosystems for various purposes, such as medicinal, culinary, or cosmetic use.

Wildcrafted herbs are often prized for their potential authenticity, unique properties, and the connection they provide to the natural environment. However, there are several important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to wildcrafting:

Sustainability: Wildcrafting should be done responsibly and sustainably to avoid overharvesting and damaging natural ecosystems. Over-collecting can lead to the depletion of plant populations and disrupt the balance of local ecosystems.

Legal and Ethical Considerations: It's crucial to understand and follow local regulations and laws related to wildcrafting. Some areas may have restrictions on harvesting certain plants, particularly those that are endangered or protected.

Identification: Proper plant identification is essential to avoid collecting the wrong species, as well as to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the harvested herbs.

Environmental Impact: Wildcrafting should be conducted with minimal impact on the environment. Practitioners should avoid damaging plants, disturbing wildlife, and disrupting ecosystems.

Cultural Respect: Many traditional cultures have long-standing relationships with certain wildcrafted herbs. It's important to respect the cultural significance of these plants and the knowledge held by indigenous and local communities.

Alternatives: In cases where wildcrafting may be harmful to ecosystems or where certain species are at risk, it may be more responsible to seek out cultivated or sustainably sourced alternatives.

Certification: Some companies and practitioners may choose to obtain certifications that demonstrate their commitment to ethical and sustainable wildcrafting practices.

Wildcrafted herbs can offer unique and potent qualities due to the specific conditions in which they grow. However, the responsible and ethical practice of wildcrafting is essential to ensure the preservation of plant populations and the integrity of natural environments.

 

Lab-Tested
Lab-Tested herbs are herbs that have been subject to laboratory testing to ensure their quality. This means testing to ensure the herbs is the precise botanical strain of the herb, but also for safety purposes as well. Lab tested herbs are checked for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbacteria like salmonella and mold. Lab-tested herbs are herbs you can be confident in the quality and safety of. If you are ever curious about this testing, you can request a Certificate of Analysis so show what kinds of tests were run.

A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for herbs is a document that provides detailed information about the quality, purity, and safety of a specific batch of herbal or botanical material. It is typically issued by a reputable third-party laboratory or testing facility and serves as a means of verifying the authenticity and quality of the herbs.

The Certificate of Analysis typically includes the following information:

Identity of the Herb: The CoA should confirm the correct botanical identification of the herb, ensuring that the material being tested is indeed the intended plant species.

Purity and Quality: The CoA may include information about the herb's physical appearance, such as color, texture, and odor. It may also mention any signs of contamination, adulteration, or foreign matter.

Chemical Composition: The CoA often provides details about the herb's chemical composition, including the presence and levels of specific compounds, active constituents, and potential contaminants.

Microbial Testing: This section of the CoA may detail the results of tests for microbial contaminants such as bacteria, yeast, mold, and pathogens.

Heavy Metals: It may include information about the levels of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, which can be harmful if present in excessive amounts.

Pesticide Residues: If applicable, the CoA might report the presence of pesticide residues and whether they are within acceptable limits.

Allergens and Irritants: Information about allergens or potential irritants present in the herb may be included.

Solvent Residues: For herbs that have been extracted using solvents, the CoA may indicate the presence of solvent residues and whether they are within safe levels.

Packaging and Storage Recommendations: Some CoAs might provide guidelines for proper storage and handling of the herbal material to maintain its quality.

Testing Methods: The CoA typically lists the testing methods used to analyze the herb, which helps ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results.

A Certificate of Analysis is an important tool for herbal manufacturers, distributors, and consumers to verify the quality and safety of herbal products. It provides transparency and assurance that the herbs meet specific quality standards and have undergone rigorous testing. When purchasing herbs or herbal products, especially for consumption or medicinal use, it's a good practice to request and review the accompanying Certificate of Analysis to ensure you're getting a product of high quality and safety.

Geo-Authenticated
Herbs that labeled as Geo-Authentic are herbs that are grown in the lands they are native to. In traditional Chinese medicine, this is an important aspect as the nature of the environment an herb is grown in impacts its properties. Anytime you see this label, it means the herb was grown where herb typically comes from and was not grown outside its native home.