Before I opened my practice, I spent weeks researching herbal companies to examine how they sourced their herbs, what they measured to ensure quality, what they tested to ensure safety and whether or not their herb facility was checked by a third party to ensure quality control and cleanliness.
Since I work with patients who have eczema, TSW, psoriasis, acne and other conditions where the skin barrier is highly compromised leading to great external and often, internal sensitivities, it is paramount to work with a company that provides authentic, premium and safe herbs.
At the time, I felt strongly, and still do, that any herbal pharmacy partner I chose would reflect my own standards. So, after lots of analysis, I chose Kamwo Meridian Herbs to provide my liquid vacuum packed herbal formulas. Here’s why.
Herbal Quality
Kamwo’s 500 raw herbs are carefully selected and verified for correct species and geo-authenticity. Upon receipt, each herb must pass inspection for proper identification, maturity, and high quality.
Every batch is tested for heavy metals, pesticide residues, and microbial contamination. Additionally, every batch must adhere to specific techniques to preserve and package the herbs in order to ensure the product is free from sulfur dioxide fumigation and other preservatives.
Herbal Testing
All herbs are manufacturer-tested usingThin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to confirm identification, ensure potency and to test for active constituents when necessary.
Kamwo also employs Eurofins Central Analytical Laboratories, an independent US testing facility in New Orleans, to test their herbs for microbes, heavy metals (such as Arsenic, Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium), as well as over 60 pesticide residues, including DDT and BHC.
To provide some context, Eurofins is a worldwide leader in the bio-analytical market, with 40 state-of-the-art laboratories across the globe. They employ over 10,000 reliable analytical methods to ensure herb, food and pharmaceutical safety. Kamwo subjects themselves to voluntary testing and sources sulfur-free medicinals whenever possible, in order to raise the industry standard and ensure quality products.
FDA Approved
The Kamwo Meridian Herbs dispensary is registered with the FDA which means they are open to regular inspections from FDA agents to confirm Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) compliance. Kamwo is the only herbal dispensary in the United States that does this.
Credentialed Experts
Lastly, Kamwo employs herbalists who earned National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) status, the highest level of certification in herbal medicine. Additionally, a certified Western Pharmacist oversees the processing of every order. Together, these experts are required to make sure every vacuum packedformula goes through a 6 point safety check.
Conclusion
As you can see, partnering with a pharmacy with very high standards is the only way to ensure quality, authenticity and safety of herbs. Because Kamwo Meridian Herbs goes out of their way to exceed current standards, they were an obvious choice for me.
Some out-of-state patients have asked if I can write their formula “recipe” and have a local herbal pharmacy fulfill their order to save on shipping costs. Now that you know what is involved with finding a quality pharmacy, you’ll understand why I insist on using Kamwo.
Questions?
Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions treats patients all over via video conferencing. If you’d like to learn more about herbal medicine and dermatology, and what to expect during a first consultation, watch this video.
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About the Author
Dr. Olivia Hsu Friedman, LAc, DACM, Cert. TCM Dermatology is the owner of Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions and treats acne, eczema, psoriasis, and TSW patients via video conferencing using only herbal medicine. Olivia serves on the Advisory Board of LearnSkin, is the Chair of the American Society of Acupuncturists Board of Directors, and is a faculty member of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Support Group sponsored by The National Eczema Association.