The process of producing herbal extracts begins in the fields where the herbs are grown and specially hand selected. After harvesting, the herbs are inspected visually to confirm identity. The herbs are also subjected to laboratory analysis to further confirm the identity and potency of the herb.
The herbs are then cleaned to remove any foreign matter, and milled to a powder in preparation for extraction. The unique three-step extraction process assures complete removal of the active constituents from the herb while also assuring the purity and cleanliness of the extract.
The extraction process begins with the maceration of the herb powder. This entails continuous mixing of the herb powder with a liquid extractant. The herb itself determines the liquid extractant that is most appropriate for complete removal of the active constituents.
The extraction of the herb is optimized by percolation which is the second step in the extraction process. During this phase of the extraction process, the so-called macerate (or partially extracted herb) is allowed to flow into the percolator. The interior of the percolator is made up of porous sacks, much like large tea bags, which hold the macerate. The liquid extractant circulates through the percolator becoming rich in the extractable active constituents. This process continues until laboratory analysis confirms complete extraction of the herb. As a final step at the end of percolation, the herbal extract is filtered to remove any remaining plant material. After this initial filtration step, the liquid herbal extract is concentrated under vacuum.
The concentrated herbal extracts are dried by spray atomizing the herbal extract into a counter-current of warm, dry air. These concentrated, spray-dried extracts are analysed to assure the content of the active herbal constituents. After laboratory analysis assures the purity and consistency of the extracts, they are then approved for use in GNLD’s herbal tablets.
GNLD’s line of herbal tablets is produced and packaged at a government licensed facility that adheres to a code of good manufacturing practices (GMP’s) which assures the purity and consistency of the tablets. At each step of the manufacturing process, samples are taken and analysed to verify adherence to high quality standards.
