1. Where do your raw materials come from?
It is important to us to engage in ethical sourcing practices. We partner with farmers around the world who share our commitment to ethical growing and harvesting. Many of these farmers use farming methods that produce quality herbs and have a positive impact on the environment. KPC is against the use of any endangered species in our products. If a botanical or animal ingredient is deemed at risk or imminently at risk by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), we will not use it.
2. What types of tests do you perform on your products?
KPC prioritizes verification, testing, and quality control. Our products are thoroughly tested for a comprehensive range of contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, sulfur dioxide, aflatoxins, and aristolochic acid. We also put our herbs through an authentication process to ensure they are of the correct origin and species. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is produced with each batch of herbs to verify their quality. Only batches that fulfill the ‘Golden Standard’ — a set of strict safety standards established by the U.S., Singapore, the E.U., and Japan — are distributed.
Herbal Product Manufacturing
1. Where do you manufacture your products?
We pride ourselves on setting the industry standard for ethical sourcing and superior manufacturing practices. Our products are manufactured in our state-of-the-art facility in Taiwan, which is certified under the most stringent standards in the world.
2. How are raw herbs converted into granules?
Our commitment to quality starts from the very first step. We begin by sourcing the finest raw materials and subjecting them to a series of inspections. Those that pass the inspections are accepted for further processing. The herbs then go through a meticulous preparation and verification process before moving to the extraction phase. The extracts are carefully concentrated so as to preserve their potency and achieve the optimal herb extraction ratio. The next stage of the process involves combining the concentrated herb paste with a neutral base material and evaporating moisture until a fine extract granule remains. Finally, the finished product is subjected to inspection and testing before selling. Read more about our manufacturing process here.
3. What is the difference between raw herbs and granules?
Raw herbs look more like what you’d expect to find in a kitchen. They are dried herbs that have undergone minimal processing and look more similar to their natural form. A practitioner may recommend raw herbs because, after proper preparation, they are rapidly absorbed by the body and take effect quickly. However, they can be more difficult to store and more time-consuming to prepare into a liquid (“decoction”).
Granules are powder product that dissolves in liquid, making them easy to prepare and consume. As is the case with raw herbs, granules have both advantages and drawbacks. They are easier to store, have a longer shelf life, are more convenient to carry around, and can be safer and more consistent than raw herbs due to the manufacturing process. However, if improper extraction procedures are used during manufacturing, granules may have reduced beneficial active compounds. Learn why KPC makes granules and other herbal extracts rather than raw herbs here.
4. What type of filler do you use and why?
Practitioners prescribe Chinese herbs to help their patients improve their health, making it vital that we take measures to avoid rare but unwanted allergic reactions. Granules are made by binding concentrated liquid of decocted herbs to inactive fillers (also called excipients). Some manufacturers use a filler that contains gluten, which can trigger an adverse reaction in individuals with celiac disease. At KPC, we use only non-GMO potato starch and/or ground herbs as a filler to enhance consumer safety. Please be advised that although KPC does not add gluten to any products, some herbs may naturally contain gluten.
5. Are your products Kosher/Halal certified?
We believe all communities deserve to have access to TCM and Chinese herbs. In consideration of the dietary observances of some of our customers and their patients, many of our products comply with Kosher and Halal dietary requirements. If you would like to find out whether a specific product is Kosher or Halal certified, please contact us. Organic products are available via special order only.
6. Are your Chinese herbs soy, gluten, nut, etc. -free? What types of allergens are there?
We take the health and safety of our practitioners and their patients very seriously. All ingredients are clearly listed based on the formula, including those used to make the capsule for products in that form. We make sure our capsules are made from vegetable material. KPC products never contain added gluten, though some contain natural gluten.
Purchasing KPC Herbs
1. Do you sell your products to general consumers?
Our products are very potent. To ensure they are correctly prescribed and dosed, they can only be supplied by a licensed practitioner. We do not sell our herbal remedies directly to consumers. If you are interested in trying KPC products, please consult with a qualified TCM practitioner in your area to receive a proper diagnosis. A licensed TCM professional can recommend the best formulation based on your current state of health.
2. I am a practitioner; can I purchase products directly from you? Why do I need to go to a distributor?
KPC focuses on wholesale businesses. Our herbs are available to licensed acupuncturists and practitioners or students of TCM through our select distributors. We do not sell our products to practitioners or directly to consumers, with the exception of OEM purchases which come directly from KPC. In all other circumstances, our herbs are only available for purchase through one of our distribution partners.
3. Which distributor should I purchase my herbs from? What is the difference between purchasing from one distributor versus another?
We recommend choosing whichever distributor is closest to you. Our distributors provide the same high-quality products at the same prices. Going to the nearest distributor helps lower the cost for you by reducing your shipping fees.
4. Do you have a distributor who can blend formulas for me and send them directly to my patients?
KPC works with select distributors who share our commitment to offering only the finest quality herbs and empowering TCM practitioners around the world. We have maintained these valued partnerships for 10, 15, and even 20+ years. Our distributors cannot blend formulas due to FDA regulations, but they can customize and compound formulas for your patients. Contact us to find out more.
OEM and Contract Manufacturing
1. Does KPC sell custom formulas?
Yes. We are pleased to provide practitioners with custom formulas made with KPC’s quality herbs. Choosing this option gives practitioners access to our premium quality raw materials and our manufacturing and testing process. The only responsibility you will have as the business owner is designing a label that reflects your company and your customers. Using our OEM services helps you build your brand and treat your patients in the way you believe is best while ensuring your custom formula meets rigorous international standards. Learn more about working with KPC as your OEM partner here.
2. Can KPC blend formulas for me?
We do not blend our own herbal products but do offer custom manufacturing from scratch to your specifications. You can learn more about our OEM services here. If you are looking for a pre-made blend of KPC products, please visit one of our licensed distributors who can help. A KPC representative can help you find your closest distributor.
3. What is the minimum order quantity for custom orders?
The minimum order quantity for custom orders varies. Because we make each OEM order to the precise specifications of the client, we do not give estimates of pricing or minimum order quantity in advance. Each quote we provide is based on the details of a specific order. Our representatives are happy to answer any questions you have about your custom order. We can be reached online or by calling 949-398-8158.
4. What is your lead time for OEM orders, and why might it be longer than other manufacturers?
Lead times vary depending on the specifics of an order, including the herbs that are selected and the packaging that is chosen. Please contact us to find out the exact lead times for your products. KPC ethically sources everything, and our products are subjected to rigorous testing and inspection processes. Our OEM products are created with the same commitment to quality and safety as our own products. Due to our extensive quality-assurance practices, our OEM orders may require more lead time than other manufacturers. We make every effort to accommodate our clients’ schedules wherever we can.
Chinese Herb Dosing
1. What is the dosage for ____ formula?
Our in-house herbalists have decades of experience and are here to answer the questions of practitioners. Five generations of our family have devoted themselves to the art and science of herbal remedies. As the leader in herbal manufacturing, we firmly believe it is our responsibility to provide our practitioners with the information they need to prescribe our products safely and effectively. We are always excited to share our in-depth knowledge of using herbs for therapeutic purposes.
2. How much is 2 grams of granules?
One gram of our herbal granules equals approximately one level teaspoon. This can be measured using the plastic spoon provided by KPC or a measuring spoon you already own. You can also measure granules using a standard teaspoon by following the recommendations described here.
Finding a Practitioner Near Me
1. Can you recommend a practitioner?
It is essential to choose a TCM practitioner who possesses both experience and the appropriate qualifications. Only a licensed practitioner can safely and effectively select the right herbal remedies for your needs. To make sure you are receiving our products from someone who is qualified to prescribe them, seek out an acupuncturist or TCM practitioner who has an up-to-date license in your state. You can check their status online or call us at 949-398-8158 for assistance. We would be happy to recommend a practitioner who carries KPC products near you.
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*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
