How We Select and Test Herbs at Achula
- Dave
- Jan 7
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Quality, ethics, and transparency in every step of our process
At Achula, we aim to offer the highest quality herbs that are not only potent but also ethically and sustainably sourced. Because herbs play an important role in our customers’ health, relaxation, and spiritual practices, we accept nothing less than the very best. In this article, we explain how we carefully select, test, and share our herbs so you can trust their quality and integrity.
1. The Origin: Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing
Everything begins with the origin of our herbs. We believe that the quality of an herb starts with the way it is grown and harvested. That is why we only work with trusted suppliers who prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.
Sustainable cultivationOur herbs are grown organically, without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. We select only suppliers who care for their crops and respect the environment and biodiversity. Many of our herbs are also wild-harvested, contributing to a more natural and sustainable harvest.
Fair tradeWe collaborate closely with small-scale farmers and communities who receive fair compensation for their work. This means we deliver high-quality herbs while supporting the well-being of the communities that grow them.
2. Quality Above All: How We Test Herbs
Herbs must be of the highest quality to fully realize their potential. At Achula, we apply strict testing and quality controls to ensure only the best herbs enter our range. These tests include:
Organoleptic testsOne of the first ways we assess quality is through organoleptic testing. This means evaluating:
Scent: A fresh, potent aroma indicates quality and vitality.
Color: Herbs should retain vibrant, natural colors. Dark or dull hues may signal age or improper storage.
Texture: Fresh herbs feel rich and firm, while older herbs may be brittle or too dry.
Laboratory testsIn addition to sensory testing, a portion of our herbs is regularly tested in certified labs to guarantee their composition and safety. This includes:
Pesticide and heavy metal testing: We check for harmful substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
Microbiological testing: Ensures herbs are free from molds, bacteria, or other microorganisms that could affect safety.
3. Freshness and Storage: Preserving Optimal Quality
Proper storage is just as important as selection. At Achula, we take no risks with freshness. All herbs are stored correctly to maintain their potency.
Storage conditions: Herbs are kept in a cool, dry, and dark environment, away from light, moisture, and heat. They are packaged airtight to preserve freshness until you open them.
Packaging: Our herbs are packaged sustainably, protecting quality while supporting our environmental responsibility.
4. Transparency: What You See Is What You Get
We value transparency in both herb selection and communication. That is why we provide clear information about the origin, cultivation methods, and quality assurance for each product.
Origin informationAt Achula, you can always know exactly where your herbs come from. Each supplier and harvest location is carefully selected and communicated, keeping you fully informed.
CertificationsOur herbs are certified organic and meet the highest standards for sustainability and quality. Independent organizations provide these certifications, so you can trust the product you purchase.
At Achula, we believe in conscious connection. When you use herbs, we encourage aligning your intention with your goal. Whether for ritual, meditation, or overall wellness, your intention amplifies the experience.
Our herbs are carefully selected for potency and quality, but it is your conscious intention that unlocks their true potential.
5. Ethics and Collaboration: Partners Who Share Our Values
We collaborate with people and organizations that share our values of integrity, respect, and sustainability. We maintain long-term relationships with suppliers, ensuring everyone in the production chain is treated fairly and respectfully.
Supporting local communitiesMany of our herbs come from economically vulnerable regions. By working with local farmers and producers, we contribute to their well-being and support fair trade practices that strengthen local economies.
6. Our Philosophy: Conscious Herbs for Conscious People
We believe that the power of herbs lies not only in their physical properties but also in the mindful approach with which they are used. We encourage intuitive and attentive use, allowing you to experience their deeper effects.
Our herbs are not magical cures but supportive tools for a holistic lifestyle. They help you connect with nature, your own energy, and your spiritual practice.
Why Quality Matters in Herbal Medicine: The Achula Standard
In the world of herbal remedies, one of the biggest mistakes I often see is that people’s experiences with herbs and supplements fall short because large companies overlook fundamental practices like proper seasonal harvesting. Many times, these companies don't harvest at the peak potency of the plant, leading to a subpar product. But the issue goes deeper than that sometimes they don’t even use the right parts of the plant.
Take St. John's Wort, for example. It’s a popular herb for mood support, yet many mass-market brands in places like the Netherlands (and internationally) may use the leaves of the plant rather than the flowers, which is where the true medicinal properties lie. The leaves are often cheaper to harvest, and can still technically be called "aerial parts" of the plant, but the real mood-boosting benefits are concentrated in the flowers.
At Achula, we are committed to ensuring that every herbal remedy we offer is the real deal. This means using the right part of the plant, harvested at the right time, and always the highest quality.
Why You Should Inspect Your Herbs
When it comes to herbal medicine, it’s not just about what’s inside the bottle, but also about the quality and purity of the raw materials before they even arrive at your door. Visual inspection is key, as you want to ensure that the herbs are healthy, free from any contaminants, and have no signs of mold or bacterial growth.
Once herbs are powdered, it becomes much harder to verify the plant’s quality. It all just looks like a batch of green or brown powder, and you lose the ability to inspect for things like color, texture, or presence of impurities. That’s why we are incredibly particular about the raw materials we receive. We inspect each batch carefully before we ever accept it, making sure we are working with the finest plants.
Our Three-Step Testing Process
1. Raw Material Identification and Initial Testing
When our herbs arrive, they undergo an extensive initial inspection. This includes:
Visual inspection to confirm the plant is healthy, properly harvested, and from the correct species.
NIR analysis (Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) for confirmation of plant species, ensuring that what we receive is exactly what it should be.
Gas Chromatography to analyse active compounds. This ensures that the chemical makeup of the plant matches the expected levels of potency for medicinal use.
Microbiological testing to check for contamination from mold, bacteria, heavy metals, and pesticides.
We leave nothing to chance every aspect of the plant is verified to ensure it’s both effective and safe.
2. Quality Control and Visual Inspection of Incoming Deliveries
Before the herbs are processed into tinctures or formulas, we conduct another round of inspection. Our team checks every delivery from our trusted farmers and wildcrafters under a microscope. For example:
We check for the trichomes (active glands) on nettle leaves, ensuring we are only using the most potent parts of the plant.
We examine the Chamomile flowers, making sure the ratio of leaves to flowers is ideal so we get the most beneficial parts of the plant.
The quality of the raw material is tested again after it’s been tinctured, and once more when it’s blended into a finished formula. This multiple-level testing ensures the integrity and effectiveness of every batch.
3. Organoleptic Testing Trusting Our Senses
One of the final, and often overlooked, aspects of our testing is organoleptics. This simply means using our senses to assess the quality of a plant solution.
Before every batch is blended, our team tastes, smells, and feels the individual tinctures. Once the final formula is complete, it undergoes the same sensory checks.
This process helps us to identify any subtle variations or unintended changes in the formula. For instance, years ago, our head of manufacturing once detected a hint of tea tree oil in a formula that wasn’t supposed to have any! This prompted us to start over with 200 gallons of tincture a big effort, but one that ensures our products stay pure and exactly as intended.
This is part of our commitment to quality and tradition, and we will always uphold this practice.
Conclusion: Quality in Every Aspect
At Achula, the quality of our herbs is taken seriously. From sourcing and testing to storage and packaging, we ensure every herb you receive is of the highest standard. We do this to help you support a conscious and healthy lifestyle, harnessing the power of herbs in a respectful and sustainable way.
How We Select and Test Herbs at Achula
