FAQs

Gaia Herbs products do not contain gluten, dairy, meat, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, yeast or eggs.

Gaia Herbs processes fresh Black Walnuts in our facility.  They are found in the Black Walnut Fresh Green Hulls Liquid Herbal Extract and Wormwood Black Walnut Supreme Liquid Herbal Extract.  All equipment is cleaned between manufacturing lots per GMP requirements.

Products made by Aboca for Gaia Herbs do not contain any tree nuts. Tree nuts are not used in Aboca’s facility.

Most of our products are vegan; all Gaia products are vegetarian.

The following Gaia Herbs products are not vegan because they contain honey or other bee-derived ingredients:

• Bronchial Wellness Herbal Syrup
• Echinacea Goldenseal Propolis Throat Spray
• Echinacea Goldenseal Supreme
• GaiaKids Black Elderberry Syrup
• GaiaKids Bronchial Wellness for Kids
• GaiaKids® KidsDefense Herbal Drops
• Hawthorn Solid Extract
• PlantForce™ Liquid Iron
• Propolis Extract
• Throat Shield™ Lozenges
• Vitex Elixir for Women

The L-Tyrosine in Thyroid Support is derived from non-GMO corn. The citric acid in PlantForce Liquid Iron is derived from corn (glucose). There are trace amounts of corn in Eleuthero root, Mental Alertness, Energy Vitality, Gingko Gotu Kola, Elderberry capsules, Immune Shine, Turmeric Boost Restore, Turmeric Boost Uplift and Throat Shield Lozenges and Spray and Sleep and Relax Tea. No other products contain corn-derived ingredients. As of May 2019 Vitamin C, listed on the label, (derived from corn), was removed from Vision Enhancement and is no longer listed on the label. The xanthan gum that is used in our products is produced by bacterial fermentation.

As of May 2015, we use 190-proof non-GMO sugar cane alcohol for all products extracted at our facility in Brevard, North Carolina. Those new labels list “alcohol USP” or “organic alcohol USP.”

For products made before then, we used 190-proof alcohol derived from corn and wheat. The alcohol used for extraction is distilled and certified gluten-free by the manufacturer. The distillation process eliminates proteins (gluten is a protein).

As of 2016, Gaia Herbs products are soy-free. In 2015, Gaia transitioned to non-GMO sunflower lecithin. This exclusively replaced our previous lecithin, sourced from non-GMO soy (labeled as non-GMO soy lecithin). The new labels read “lecithin” to allow flexibility to use a different type of non-soy/non-GMO lecithin in the future.

Gaia Herbs does not use any gluten containing ingredients in our products. Our products are tested annually for gluten by a third party lab using the ELISA test method for gluten, with a detection limit of 5 ppm. All of our products have tested below the federal limit of 20ppm gluten for a ‘gluten free’ claim, with the exception of Milk Thistle Seed liquid alcohol extract (not the Milk Thistle capsules).

We use oat seed (Avena sativa) picked during the milky stage of growth (called Oats Milky Seed) in a few of our products. Our oats are processed within 48 hours of harvest and are not cross contaminated with any gluten containing grains, and have tested gluten free. Oats are a gluten free grain unless cross contaminated with other grains that contain gluten, however, some very sensitive people avoid even gluten free oats.

Please contact [email protected] for further info about gluten testing in our products.

As of May 2015, we use 190-proof non-GMO sugar cane alcohol for all products extracted at our facility in Brevard, North Carolina. Those new labels list “alcohol USP” or “organic alcohol USP.”

For products made before then, we used 190-proof alcohol derived from corn and wheat. The alcohol used for extraction is distilled and certified gluten-free by the manufacturer. The distillation process eliminates proteins (gluten is a protein).

Gaia Herbs’ glycerin is derived from a blend of non GMO rape seed oil (also known as canola oil), non GMO sunflower oil, and sustainably certified non GMO palm oil. Glycerin is a distilled product and therefore does not contain any protein derived allergens.

Gaia Herbs hypromellose capsules are the same vegan and gluten-free Liquid Phyto-Caps® that we have always used. With recent labels we have changed the wording on the label to be more accurate with labelling requirements. Other companies are also following suit, and you will see this occurring on many more product labels in the upcoming year. Gaia’s cellulose capsules are made from HPMC (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, also known as hypromellose), which is derived from cellulose from pine trees. Hypromellose is semi-synthetic, meaning that the ingredients are naturally derived, but there is a processing step in the lab to break down the cellulose and rebuild it. The capsules have passed third party testing for residual solvents according to USP guidelines. Some grades of HPMC do have polymer plasticizers mixed in, however Gaia Herbs has chosen a capsule which contains only the cellulose from pine trees mixed with water. There is no danger of phthalate consumption with Gaia Herbs capsules.

Some of our capsules are made from pullulan. This is derived from naturally fermented tapioca. Pullulan capsules are also vegan and gluten-free.

As of 2015, Gaia Herbs uses non-GMO sunflower lecithin, and our labels list this as “lecithin (non-GMO).”

Yes, the dropper tops are made from natural latex rubber, so they are not appropriate for someone with a latex allergy.

Yes. Gaia Herbs uses ICP-MS to test for arsenic, mercury, cadmium and lead. ICP-MS stands for Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. This instrument is the centerpiece of Gaia’s heavy metals testing. This powerful technique is capable of observing a wide range of metal at quantities as low as a nanogram of metal in a gram sample. The ICP-MS allows Gaia to obtain precise and sensitive data for all materials in a high speed manner. The plasma vaporizes the sample and ultimately breaks it down to the atomic level. The mass spectrometer is then able to detect all atoms of interest.

Gaia tests for purity using an analytical method called Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry, or GC-MSMS. This testing is used to check all raw herbs for pesticides. Read more about this at MeetYourHerbs.

Gaia Herbs conducts DNA testing of raw materials to ensure that adulteration is not possible. Our standard reference material is DNA tested by a third-party laboratory. Incoming samples are compared with these validated botanicals. We combine DNA-validated reference materials with highly sophisticated statistical analysis. That data over time can be used to monitor potency and integrity.
When appropriate, herbal ingredients are received in a whole form for freshness and ease of identification.
Read more about the integrity of our products.

Gaia Herbs is committed to using and supporting only non-GMO materials. Gaia does not purchase GMO herbs and/or ingredients.
We do a purchasing review to ensure we eliminate the possibility of hidden GMOs making their way into our products.
All herbs propagated and grown on Gaia Farm are Certified Organic and therefore are GMO-free. Our seeds, whether sourced from our farm or a trusted supplier, are also GMO-free.
We will always do everything possible to ensure that our products are non-GMO.

Supercritical CO2 extraction is an environmentally friendly method of extracting oils from plants. It is usually reserved for herbs that contain higher amounts of oils, such as Oregano, Ginger, Holy Basil, Saw Palmetto and Turmeric. This extraction method involves putting the dried herb in a vessel (a bit like a pressure cooker) with carbon dioxide. Then a supercritical temperature of 31 degrees Celcius (or above) is applied, as well as a vacuum. Under these conditions, the CO2 turns into a solvent and extracts the naturally occurring oils from the plant material. After the extraction process is complete, the pressure and vacuum are brought back to normal, and the carbon dioxide evaporates back into the atmosphere.

Supercritical extraction avoids the use of chemical solvents such as acetone or hexane. Supercritical extracts are broad-spectrum oil extracts; in other words, they contain all the compounds in the herb that are oil-based, including but not limited to volatile oils. For example, this process is used to extract the Carvacrol, found in Oregano leaf.

This is the most common way to measure the strength of a liquid herbal extract or tincture. The number on the left represents the amount of plant material used to produce the extract, while the number on the right represents the weight of the solvent used. A lower number on the right means a stronger product.

A 1:1 ratio means that 8 pounds of raw herb are used per every 1 gallon of alcohol. (One gallon of alcohol weighs 8 pounds.) A 1:2 ratio means that 8 pounds of herb are used per every 2 gallons of alcohol, and a 1:3 ratio means that 8 pounds of herb are used for every 3 gallons of alcohol.

Gaia’s ratios are typically between 1:1 and 1:3. (The liquids in many other brands are between 1:4 and 1:10.)

Alcohol-based extracts have a 5-year expiration date and alcohol-free extracts and elixirs have a 3-year expiration date. Our Liquid Phyto-Caps® carry a 2–3-year expiration date. This is based on the date of manufacture. They do not need to be refrigerated, but they do need to be kept out of direct sunlight.

PlantForce™ Liquid Iron, Sleep & Relax Herbal Syrup, our Black Elderberry syrups need to be refrigerated to stay viable, and all syrups must be used in the specified amount of time.

Gaia uses fresh herbs when the compounds and actives in those herbs are best extracted fresh.

Drying herbs can concentrate the active constituents, but certain herbs lose their active principles (such as Slippery Elm’s mucilage) when dried.

One of the major advantages Gaia has is that we own and operate a Certified Organic farm next to our processing facility, which allows us to process fresh plant material immediately after harvest.

The best way to store extracts is in a cool, dry place that’s out of the sun, like a cupboard or pantry. They do not need to be refrigerated, but they should be kept away high temperatures. Liquid Phyto-Caps® should not be refrigerated and should also be stored in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures.

PlantForce™ Liquid Iron, Sleep & Relax Herbal Syrup, our Black Elderberry syrups need to be refrigerated to stay viable, and all syrups must be used in the specified amount of time.

Levels of chemical constituents vary quite naturally. Constituents are affected by growing conditions such as soil, weather, and altitude and by factors such as age of the plant, when it was harvested and where the seed came from. This means that each batch of extract will be slightly different. Extracts that are standardized will have consistent levels of the marker compound, but will require varying amounts of plant material to get that level. This may affect the appearance of the extract.<br>There is also the fact that liquid extracts are solutions, which means that the dissolved substance (solute) may fall out of solution, especially considering the high concentration of Gaia’s extracts. If this happens, you will see small particles of plant constituents in the extract. Vigorous shaking will often cause the solute to go back into solution.

Occasionally, some natural separation may occur with the Phyto-Cap products after encapsulation. This does not alter the quality of the product.

“Between meals” means that for optimal absorption, you should take the product either half an hour before eating or 2 hours or more after eating.

The dry herb equivalent is the amount of dried herb used to make an extract, and it is the easiest way to compare potency of products. An extract is an herb that has gone through an extraction process. This includes using alcohol and water to make a liquid extract, carbon dioxide to make an oil-based supercritical extract or alcohol and/or water (and the process of freeze-drying) to make a powdered extract.

At the end of the extraction process, the fiber is discarded, and consequently, the extract weight is lower than the original weight of the herb.  An herb that is not extracted is consumed either fresh from the farm or garden or picked and dried before being consumed.  Dried herbs can be powdered and encapsulated, but they are not called extracts unless they have gone through an extraction process.  The simplest type of extract is a tea. The dry weight of the tea bag could be equated to the dry herb equivalent or the amount of dry herb required to make the tea. To measure the amount of extract in the tea, you would need to evaporate the water from the brewed tea (without the tea leaves) and measure the small amount of powder that remains.

Due to the variability of bioactivity in botanicals, it is difficult to assign a dry herb equivalent as the amount of raw material needed to meet our label claim varies from batch to batch.

Therefore, we have removed the dry herb equivalent reference from the cartons/labels for these items. The milligram extract amount reported in our Supplement Facts box does not vary between batches.

We use a size 0 capsule for all encapsulated products.

These partners represent our trusted wholesalers and brokers with connections to farmers and wild crafters around the world, beyond our own direct relationships. We require that these partners – and the individuals they represent, uphold the Gaia Principles of Purity in order to ensure the purity of these raw materials and have a positive effect on the planet and the communities where the herbs are sourced.

Ecologically Harvested is a term that describes all herbs sold by Gaia Herbs that are not Certified Organic. Ecologically Harvested herbs include herbs that are harvested in their natural habitat, (i.e., wild harvested) according to specific guidelines for harvesting these herbs (i.e., away from roads and industry, as well as guidelines to avoid overharvesting). Our term, Ecologically Harvested, also includes herbs that are grown in managed woodland areas, fields designated for specific herbs, and herbs that are grown by indigenous growers, such as Kava Kava. All Ecologically Harvested herbs pass pesticide and heavy metal testing as well as microbial testing, prior to release.

Many of our herbs trace to our own Certified Organic farms in North Carolina. We’re tracing the herbs not grown on the Gaia Farm to geographical regions within the US and to bioregions within other continental land masses—like Amazonia or Northern Africa—because those are more meaningful to endemic habitats where the herbs naturally occur or to places where they have been grown traditionally for centuries. For example, our Kava Kava traces to the Pacific island of Vanuatu and our Maca traces to the high Andes of Peru.

We determine the serving based on the concentration of the extract and its specific use. Please consult with your health-care professional for guidance on servings that are appropriate for your body composition.

You can reduce the amount of alcohol by adding the Liquid Herbal Extract to 3 ounces boiling water. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before consuming. This will allow about 60% of the alcohol to evaporate.

If you are sensitive to alcohol, consider taking our Liquid Phyto-Caps or alcohol-free liquid extracts.

The amount of alcohol in a serving of a Liquid Herbal Extract is quite low. Comparably, 40 drops of an extract containing 60% alcohol in 2 ounces of warm water would be the equivalent of consuming about 1/100 of a glass of wine.

We make our alcohol-free products from the same extracts used to make our regular line of products. Once the extract is complete, we then remove the alcohol using low-heat and low-vacuum and replace the alcohol with pure, kosher vegetable glycerin. Our alcohol-free herbal extracts contain the same concentration (with the exception of Milk Thistle) as our regular extracts. We do not extract with glycerin, because glycerin is not an effective extracting solvent for most plants. We do not flavor our alcohol-free extracts because the flavoring agents used in many commercial glycerin-based products will disguise the chemistry of the herb.

About 2 ounces of water.

The recommendations for dose and duration found on our labels and in our literature are general recommendations. Your health care professional will need to be consulted for your specific needs.

Because herbal preparations have unique constituents that target specific receptor sites within the body, it is important that they be taken thoughtfully. Unless specifically indicated, it is best to wait at least 20 minutes between herbal preparations. Many herbs do combine well together. When unsure about whether two or more single herbs or preparations may be combined, consult your herbal professional.

Pure grain alcohol is used to prepare herbal extracts because it functions very well as a solvent and as a preservative. The properties of alcohol enable it to effectively mobilize the constituents that are active in plants from with the plants’ cell wall and bring them into solution. This is simply a process of predigesting the plant. In this way, when the extract is ingested, there is 100% absorption and bioavailability.
Pure grain alcohol also acts as a wonderful preservative. A Liquid Herbal Extract will remain stable for over 5 years, while crude herb capsules and tablets tend to degrade very quickly and become ineffective.

If you are pregnant or lactating, please consult with your health-care professional before taking any herbal products.

The nature of your health should determine the length of use of the herbal extract. In some instances, the extract may be used for a shorter period of time, such as 1-3 weeks. If the condition is chronic or deeper, then it is appropriate to use the extract for 3-4 months or longer.
There are always exceptions, and it is wise to always follow the recommendations provided on the label. Regardless of how long the extract is used, please consider the following rule of thumb: If an extract is to be used for more than 1 week, then take 6 days on and 1 day off. If an extract is used for more than 6 weeks, then take 6 weeks on and 1 week off, with a day off each week. If an extract is to be used for more than 6 months, then take 6 months on and 1 month off, with a day off each week. The periodic time off from using the herbal extract allows for the full benefit of the herb to be fully integrated into the constitution.

The expiration date is printed on the bottom of the carton, adjacent to the lot number for encapsulated products. Liquid products have the “Best By” date printed next to the Supplement Facts.

For more support while doing this whole body herbal detox program, please visit this page.

Can I take vitamins and other supplements while cleansing?
Although it is best to discontinue the use of supplements while cleansing, there would be no harm in continuing to use supplements while doing these cleansing programs.

Should I fast while cleansing?
It is not recommended to fast. Eat simple, wholesome foods —fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains and plenty of warm water. Does the Daily Cleanse Fiber in the Supreme Cleanse kit act as a laxative?
No. This is not a laxative formula. Its primary function is to improve the digestive and eliminative processes of the body.

Can I use my prescription medications, such as birth control and high blood pressure medications, in conjunction with the cleanse program?
This would be best to discuss with your physician. Although the cleanse programs are very safe and gentle, in order to anticipate any possible side effect or interaction, it would be in your best interest to discuss with your doctor.

Can I do a cleanse program during an immune challenge?
No. Immune challenges are not a good time to cleanse, since the body needs to focus on providing support for that.

Can I use the program for longer than 2 weeks?
You may continue the Supreme Cleanse Kit program for up to 4 weeks. It can be used at the beginning of each season.

How does the Supreme Cleanse Kit work? Which areas does it cleanse?
The Supreme Cleanse Kit works by supporting the natural elimination and detoxification mechanisms of the body. The herbs support digestion and optimize the healthy functioning of the liver, which filters and cleanses the blood. It also supports the lymphatic system — which transports toxins away from the blood — the intestines and the kidneys. This is not a laxative kit.

Can I take the Daily Cleanse Fiber in something other than water?
You can add lemon or lime juice, plus stevia, if desired to your water. You can also take the powder in a small amount of water and then drink water with lime or lemon juice or herbal tea.

Can the cleanses be used during pregnancy and lactation?
No. Pregnancy and lactation are not the time to cleanse; it is a time to nourish the body.

What kinds of foods can I eat while cleansing, and can I eat meat?
Each person will have their own dietary needs to take into consideration. But as a rule, eat wholesome, fresh, unprocessed whole grains, fruits and vegetables, organic if possible. The healthier you eat, the deeper the cleanse will work. The less processed the food is, the better. Meat can be eaten, preferably at lunchtime. It is best to avoid red meat and eat fish, organic chicken or turkey. Drink warm water throughout the day to facilitate the cleanse.

Can I use the Supreme Cleanse Kit during my menses?
It is much better to cleanse at a different time, rather than during the menses.

What is Elemental Iron?
Elemental Iron is the amount of iron in a supplement that is available for absorption.

What is the Recommended Daily Intake of Iron?
The chart below summarizes the Recommended Daily Intake of Iron as set forth by the National Academy of Sciences. It lists Iron as Elemental Iron.

Are the ingredients in PlantForce™ Liquid Iron gluten-free and yeast-free?
There are no gluten- or yeast-containing ingredients in PlantForce™ Liquid Iron.

Can PlantForce™ Liquid Iron cause dental staining?
Ferrous Gluconate, an ingredient in PlantForce Liquid Iron, may cause temporary dental staining in some individuals, specifically those with weaker enamel. This effect is not commonly reported. To reduce this possibility, dilute each serving in 2 ounces of water or orange juice, and drink it through a straw. Also, taking the product just before a meal and brushing your teeth with a nonabrasive toothpaste right afterward can help avoid this problem.

Due to the higher concentration of herbs in our products, the constituents of Milk Thistle will not stay in suspension in a pure glycerin solvent. It will precipitate out and give uneven amounts of the herb. We allow a small amount of alcohol (less than 8%) in this extract to keep the extractives in an even suspension, allowing for a consistent serving.

California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, more commonly known as Cal Prop 65, is a law that applies only to the State of California. According to California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Cal Prop 65 “was intended to protect California citizens and the state’s drinking water sources from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and to inform citizens about exposures to such chemicals.”

Under this law, companies are required to place a warning label on any product sold within California if it exceeds the perceived safety levels the state has set for various elements. California’s OEHHA website reiterates that a “Proposition 65 warning does not necessarily mean a product is in violation of any product-safety standards or requirements.”

No chemicals are ever used to make Gaia Herbs products, and no chemicals are found within our raw materials. However, the State of California defines lead, which is a mineral that can naturally occur in certain soils, as a chemical.

Gaia Herbs evaluates all of the ingredients in our products for both safety and efficacy. This includes, among other things, testing for various elements that fall under the Cal Prop 65 law. California, through Cal Prop 65, has indicated the safe level for lead is 0.5 mcg/day; by comparison, the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) limit for safe daily consumption is not more than 5 mcg/day. A cup of organic carrots may contain up to 12 mcg of naturally occurring lead, for example. The amount of lead found in any Gaia product with a Cal Prop 65 label falls within the USP guidelines for daily lead intake.

Heavy metals like lead can naturally be found directly in certain soils and then transferred into plants, even when the herbs are grown in a Certified Organic environment.