FAQ

All of the herbs are sourced directly from China. Doctors in China have long understood the principle of “geoherbalism” - that many herbs are most efficacious when collected from a particular region must suited to the growth of that plant. We try to use herbs collected from these traditionally recognized regions. DAO Labs works with its suppliers to ensure that all farms comply with good agricultural practices.  

Most of our formulas are gluten free, but there can be exceptions. If you have questions about a specific herb and its gluten content, please contact us directly by email or phone.

There are no preservatives in our herbs or any additional ingredient that is added to create the final products.  

Yes.

Our products are not currently certified organic.  However, we have identified sources to provide organic certified herbs and will be converting to these as our volume increases.  

All of the herbs are GMO free, as are most of the ingredients as well.  We are in the process of verifying all products.      

There are no artificial ingredients in any aspect of our products.  

Absolutely not.  In addition, DAO Labs is supporting the efforts of WildAid, whose mission is to end illegal wildlife trade.  See www.wildaid.org for additional information.  

DAO Labs effervescent powders contain honey as a natural sweetener, thus making them technically vegetarian but not vegan.  

There is no caffeine in any DAO Labs product.

DAO Labs is combining classic TCM formulas with other ingredients and flavors to help revolutionize this 2,500 year old practice. To accomplish this while preserving the heritage, authenticity and efficacy, we’re working closely with suppliers across Asia to ensure equally high safety standards. Authenticity, testing and safety are at the forefront of our company. Testing both starts and ends the manufacturing process. A summary of our testing is included below:  

An herbal identification test is implemented upon initial receipt of the raw herbs which begins the authentication process. The authenticating protocol behind our herbs includes the following:

• Macroscopic inspection by qualified experts to “weed out” commonly substituted herbs
• Microscopic examination of the herb’s surface, grain, and distinguishing characteristics
• TLC (Thin layer chromatography), a chemical “fingerprint” unique to each species.  

After authentication, batches of herbs are sorted through by trained technicians, who pick out and discard the damaged or subpar herbs.

Following thereto, a process of converting the raw herbs into herbal granular powders ensues. The technology behind this process was introduced in the early 1990s and has been found an extremely effective way of extrapolating the beneficial qualities of the raw herbs in a format that is easier to consume and store.  

A series of tests for authenticity and safety are implemented throughout this process, with the final tests conducted to ensure potency and broader safety parameters.  These tests include the following:  

• Microbiological assays to screen for E. coli, salmonella and various other possible bio-contaminants such as molds or yeasts
• GC-MS-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) to ensure safety by testing for the presence of over 200 harmful substances such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides
• UPLC-MS-MS (Ultra performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) to measure key active ingredients, thereby indicating the general efficacy of the herb or herb formula
• ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry) to test heavy metals up to a range of parts per billion (ppb). ICP-MS is by far the most precise and sensitive technology available today to test for heavy metals.

Each batch is produced with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) which is used for later product verification and re-testing.  

We test continually throughout the supply chain, both for safety and for authenticity. The herbs in DAO Labs’ products are twice tested for authenticity*: first at the point of manufacture and then again at an independent third party laboratory in the U.S. This lab is cGMP certified.  

The following tests are conducted by DAO’s herb supplier, with verification provided to DAO prior to receipt of any product:

• Quality Assurance
• Species Authentication
• Sulfur Dioxide Detection
• Pesticide Residuals Detection
• Aflatoxin Detection
• Heavy Metal
• Aristolochic Acid Detection

Quality Assurance

DAO Labs herbal components have passed through rigorous testing standards and inspection processes that are integrated directly into the manufacturing process. The herbs pass tests for the full range of contaminants, including analysis for heavy metals, dangerous pesticides, sulfur dioxide, aflatoxins and aristolochic acid.

Species Authentication

Authentication is the determination of the correct species, origin and quality of Chinese herbs. The authentication process aims to prevent the use of inauthentic herbs, whether by mistaken identification or the substitution of imitation products. The process is modeled not only after the canonical texts of Chinese medicine, but also in accordance with particular standards for quality and inspection methods. The authentication method also uses technology specified for detection of the correct origin and species of the Chinese herbs.

The following methods of authentication on raw herbs are performed:

1. Appearance
2. Microscopic analysis
3. Physical/chemical identification
4. Chemical Fingerprinting

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), and GC-MS-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) are all used to authenticate the species identity of herbs.

Sulfur Dioxide Detection

The herbs utilized in DAO Labs’ products are tested to ensure that the use of sulfur dioxide has not been applied or utilized at the farm level.  

Pesticide Residuals Detection

A comprehensive approach to testing for pesticides is incorporated into the testing process.  The techniques generally employed to detect for pesticide residuals are thin-layer chromatography (TLC) or gas chromatography. TLC is used in most general cases while using gas chromatography testing offers both precision and more reliability.    

Aflatoxin Detection

Aflatoxin testing is performed on all herbs at risk of contamination  and herbs that contain unacceptable Aflatoxin levels are discarded.

Heavy Metal

Our herbs are tested for heavy metal content with a process called ICP-MS, a technique much more accurate than those specified in the Chinese Pharmacopeia.  

Aristolochic Acid Detection

DAO Labs maintains a uniform policy forbidding ingredients with aristolochic acid. Aristolochic acid is found in certain herbal products and is a concern because it is a known nephrotoxin that can cause kidney failure when taken in large doses and has been linked to urothelial cancer when taken in small doses over an extended period of time. Aristolochic acid is found in the birthwort (Aristolochiaceae) family of plants. Although there is a long history of medicinal use for certain species in this family, Dao Labs will not include any of these plants in its formulations. Because the discovery of aristolochic acid toxicity is relatively recent, we work closely with our suppliers to stay abreast of the latest research on aristolochic acid and make sure that we are only using the safest herbal ingredients in our products.

DAO Labs utilizes the imported herb granular powders from Asia and further processes them in U.S. domiciled facilities. All incoming batches are tested at an independent U.S.-based lab for authenticity (testing against our suppliers’ claims).  

In addition to testing for authenticity verification, further food screens are conducted in the U.S., along with another round of testing for heavy metals.  

Like with any medication or over the counter supplement, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should contact their physician before consuming any DAO Labs product.  

These products are not recommended for any child under the age of 12.  For additional questions, please consult your physician or pediatrician.  

Results will vary according to one’s condition and product. In general, if the product is a good match for the consumer’s condition, particularly as it is understood in Chinese medicine, the better the results will be (if it is not clear which DAO Labs product is best for you, please contact us for guidance). In some instances, consumers may notice benefits almost immediately, but others will need to take the product for days, perhaps weeks, and occasionally longer to see the full benefit.  

Again, results can vary but over time, Chinese Medicine has been proven to be extremely beneficial.  All of DAO’s formulas are based upon classic combinations that have been consumed in some cases for over 2,500 years.  The TCM dosage level in each formula is designed for safety and to be consumed for a wide audience.  

Please contact us with specific dosage questions if you feel that you are not getting the maximum benefit.   

Chinese herbal medicine is typically consumed twice a day, but may also be taken less frequently or occasionally more frequently depending on the patient’s circumstances. DAO Labs’ effervescent powders have been designed to be consumed one to two times per day. Occasionally, it may be reasonable to even take them three times per day, but please do not exceed more than four packets in a 24 hour period. Likewise, consuming two or more doses back-to-back could also lead to poor outcomes. We recommended spacing out administrations as much as possible, like you would consume any supplement. .  

Do not exceed more than four packets in a 24 hour period.  

You should consult your physician if you are currently taking any other medication before consuming DAO Labs products.  

Herbal supplements are not registered with the FDA but manufacturers, including DAO Labs, are regulated by the FDA. We work closely with the FDA at all times, and frequently submit testing, documentation, or samples to them when we are importing herbs and extracts.

Yes, you can. We have designed DAO Labs’ effervescent powders to be consumed one to two times per day. Sometimes it may be beneficial to use three packets per day. However, you should not consume more than four packets in a 24 hour period.  

To experience the best benefit from the formula, TCM practitioners recommend taking the formulas 1-2 times a day (as noted above, three doses per day might be required), everyday. These are classic formulas and it may take some time for the effects to become apparent.

There is 2.5 grams of granulated herbal preparation in each packet. This is the recommended dosage by TCM practitioners who were consulted in the development of our products.  

The Women’s Kit combines both Emotional Balance and Women’s Formula to offer comprehensive harmony and support to the menstrual cycle. This classic combination builds on key principles of gynecology from Chinese medicine, captured in the classic phrase that “the root of woman is Blood.” According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, to support the healthy regularity of blood, it is also necessary to treat Qi. This is because Blood and Qi depend on each other, like yin and yang. Blood is famously known as the “mother of Qi,” - the substance that carries and disperses Qi, while Qi is considered “the commander of Blood,” the force that causes Blood to move. The two formulas in the Women’s Kit support the cycle at both levels: Emotional Balance modulating Qi, Dao Women’s Formula harmonizing Blood.

We recommend using the two formulas in the Woman’s Kit just as you would use them individually.  Emotional Balance offers support and strength during the premenstrual phase, thereby addressing the problem of Qi constraint when it is at its most acute. You may start it one week or even more before menstruation, typically when the PMS symptoms themselves begin.  

A couple days after the cycle is complete, we suggest strengthening Blood (and / or stagnation) by using Dao Women’s Formula for approximately 3 - 6 days.

What you will experience with the Women’s Kit will be similar to what you experience with most Dao herbal products. When the products are a good fit for your condition, the results will be tangible and sometimes even profound. If the fit is not good, then one may notice little benefit or even some discomforts (which will usually resolve quickly if you stop the formula). Beyond these basic principles, women may notice other patterns. For instance, the benefits from Emotional Balance may be quite immediate. That’s because the problem of Qi constraint is thought to be more superficial in general and therefore more responsive to treatment. By contrast, the benefits from Women’s Formula will take more time. Not only will you need to wait for the arrival of your next cycle to assess whether you benefitted from using the formula at the start of the cycle, but you may need to track changes over several menstrual cycles. That’s because according the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Women’s Formula works at the level of Blood, which is deeper than Qi, and therefore takes more time and effort to produce changes. Since the two formulas are being used together in the Women’s Kit, interesting synergies are possible that may produce faster and more definite improvements. For example, the Qi constraint of PMS may have a root in the problem of Blood deficiency (making it more severe and harder to treat).

Using the Women’s Kit will help women like this to get better results than just the use of either one of the formulas. Lastly, Chinese herbs tend to work cumulatively. If you notice modest benefits initially, sustained use of the same formula can often produce definitive gains that may be long lasting.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, it is believed that to experience the most benefit of the formula, it is best taken on a regular basis. By building a program through a regimen, you are establishing and reinforcing the major functions and benefits of the herbs. This belief is supported by classic TCM texts and by TCM practitioners around the world. DAO Labs regimens are designed to be taken twice daily for the duration.

All orders received before 11 AM CST will ship that day (excluding weekends and federal holidays).  We have worked with a variety of carriers to negotiate the best possible postage rates to deliver in the fastest time possible.  You should expect your order to arrive in approximately one week, give or take a few days.  

If your order has not arrived within 10 business days, please contact us and we will track it for you.  The best way to reach us is via email at hello@mydaolabs.com or give us a call at 1-888-228-1066.  

At this time, you cannot track your order directly (though we are working on that feature!), but we would be more than happy to track it for you.  Please send us a note to hello@mydaolabs.com or give us a call at 1-888-228-1066 and we will happily track your order status and provide you with an update!

For the safety of the product and to avoid any returned product from circulating back into our inventory, we do not accept returns.  

DAO Labs is a U.S. based company that has translated classic Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas into convenient, great tasting and easy to understand products for the Western consumer. All our herbs are grown in mainland China, tested in China for authenticity, tested again in the U.S., and packaged in the U.S.

Our team is made up of a TCM practitioner and medical anthropologist, an entrepreneur with experience in consumer packaged goods, an entrepreneur who has lived in Asia for over 25 years, and an award-winning chef.

DAO Labs' mission is to radically change the conventional approach to health by introducing 2,500 year old formulas and lifestyle practices through products that are effective, sustainable, easy to consume and understand. Through this approach to health, one can achieve balance and align on their true path.

DAO Labs is committed to becoming balanced with nature through sustainable supply chain practices and creating a more sustainable Chinese medicine supply chain. We have partnered with WildAid, the leading wildlife advocacy group, in order to raise awareness, while contributing to the elimination of animal poaching in the TCM supply chain.

We love hearing from our customers.  Feel free to send us an email at hello@mydaolabs.com or call us at 1-888-228-1066 (M-F 9 AM - 5 PM CST).