PharmaCina - DHAO SA

Welcome to the Pharmacina DHAO Traditional Chinese Medicine Laboratory

A family-run laboratory specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine preparations

 

The Laboratory

PharmaCina DHAO was founded in 2000 as a joint project between a pharmacist and a Chinese medical expert who wanted to create a professional facility dedicated to the good practice of Chinese medicine. All of its activities are therefore driven by the desire to promote the development of safe, high-quality Chinese medicine.

Importing herbs: quality – purity – freshness

All our suppliers of medicinal herbs are selected with extreme care according to very strict quality criteria. The first factor we consider is the origin of the raw material, "the best plant from the best region," combined with the requirement of freshness, "always from the latest harvest."

After proper preparation on site and transport, all products undergo numerous analyses to scientifically test their quality and purity, particularly with regard to identity testing and the presence of heavy metals, pesticides, and mold, in accordance with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and European standards. Each plant is guaranteed by a certificate of examination and analysis.

Storage: rotation – stability

The herbs are carefully stored in a climate-controlled warehouse, protected from light, at a stable and controlled temperature and relative humidity. Stock is constantly adjusted to our needs and regularly checked to ensure there are no insects or mold and to prevent the herbs from aging.

 

The laboratory: quality – control – safety

The preparation of raw materials in their prepared forms (roasted, with wine, with vinegar, etc.) is carried out using techniques and recipes typical of Chinese medicine, in accordance with the standards of the official Chinese Pharmacopoeia and in compliance with good manufacturing practices.

The laboratory is equipped with stainless steel appliances, whose characteristics comply with European and Swiss standards for pharmaceutical and food safety, for grinding and micronizing herbs.

All preparations are produced using well-known raw materials, so as to keep the properties of the plants intact and avoid manipulations that could diminish or denature their energy and original quality.

The preparation of remedies, under medical prescription, is ensured by the laboratory and is carried out under the responsibility of its technical manager (pharmacist with federal FPH diploma) and is supported by a permanent external scientific advisory service. In our laboratory, we only process prescriptions from prescribers with credible and proven training in Chinese medicine and phytotherapy.

 

The mixtures for decoctions are carefully packaged, taking into account the different cooking times of the plants, and are accompanied by detailed, personalized instructions for use.

We have adopted manufacturing and preparation techniques typical of Chinese medicine, in accordance with the standards of the official Chinese pharmacopoeia and in compliance with the rules of good manufacturing practice (GMP) specific to European requirements.

Years of activity and experience have enabled us to develop a manufacturing procedure and a computer program that ensures, in particular:

• The reliable registration, release, storage, use, and dispensing of all raw materials thanks to a barcode system
• Management of stock and expiry dates
• A detailed report of each purchase and sale
• Triple checking during order fulfillment
• Control of herb dosages

Traceability at any time of all raw materials dispensed, both loose and in mixtures

 

Products and Catalog

Herbs for decoctions

We have a wide range of products consisting of more than 400 raw (sheng) and processed (with honey, wine, vinegar, roasted, etc.) plants. We work in compliance with CITES regulations, which prohibit the import of protected species, and Swiss regulations. The plants can be dispensed individually or in mixtures, respecting the cooking times of each plant.

 

Granules

We have a wide range of single granules and fixed formula blends.

 

Honey tablets

Honey pills are very ancient herbal preparations used in Chinese medicine. They consist of finely chopped herbs mixed with honey and dried according to a special procedure. They are "fixed formulas" that cannot be modified. While maintaining the same manufacturing techniques used in China, we have optimized the manufacturing process in accordance with European quality standards, modifying the galenic form of the products: they are packaged in the form of tablets with grooves, giving them a more compact volume and allowing for better preservation and easy dosing. (1 square = 1 pill = 3g of herbal mixture). Their composition complies with the official Chinese pharmacopoeia (2000 edition) and the criteria of university manuals and the great classics of China. We can also prepare customized honey tablets.

 

Mix (infusettes): Coarsely ground herbs

The main characteristics of this galenic form are low dosage and short cooking time. For this reason, formulas containing herbs that require long or extra-long cooking times cannot be prepared in this form. In addition to the classic formulas we offer, we can prepare any formula upon request. They are delivered ready to cook in large tea bags.

 

Fine powder (micronized powder)

• Powders to be ingested

These are "fixed formulas" of micronized herbal mixtures, which are ingested after being mixed with hot water. These formulas correspond to the great classic formulas of Chinese medicine. The composition does not allow for any modifications.

 

• Customized micronized powders

These are "customized" mixtures of micronized herbs, prepared at the request of a therapist.

 

• Single herb powders

These are valuable herbs from the Chinese tradition, which can be consumed individually. At the usual dosage, all these herbs are considered superior and reliable foods. Upon prescription, we can supply these herbs in the form of 0.5g capsules (except Lingzhi, Ganoderma).

 

Dietary

• Dietary herbs

An important principle of Chinese tradition states that"foods and herbs have the same source." Thus, a large number of medicinal herbs can be integrated into everyday cooking as food, but with added health and well-being benefits.

 

• Dietetic teas

Dietary herbal teas useful for treating certain conditions. These are not medicinal preparations but dietary supplements to accompany treatment. Regular consumption of these remedies helps to harmonize the body, strengthen the immune system, regulate physiological functions, and improve the patient's condition.