Gluten Free Herbs
Understanding Gluten Related Conditions
This is an increasingly common issue we are asked about as coeliac disease (coeliac sprue) and gluten intolerance are becoming more prevalent in Western society.
Coeliac Disease
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Upon consuming gluten, individuals with coeliac disease produce antibodies that attack the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation and malabsorption. Symptoms may include:
- Bloating, diarrhoea, constipation
- Abdominal pain, gas and nausea
- Fatigue, anaemia, nutrient deficiencies
- Unexplained weight loss and intestinal permeability
Gluten Sensitivity and Intolerance
Gluten intolerance occurs when individuals lack the enzymes required to properly digest gluten, often resulting in digestive symptoms shortly after consumption. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity involves an IgG immune response to gluten, which can cause symptoms similar to coeliac disease, such as:
• Bloating, abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel movements
• Brain fog, fatigue, depression
• Muscle and joint pain
Due to the long half-life of IgG antibodies (approximately 21 days), symptoms may persist for extended periods, making identification and diagnosis challenging.
What Is Gluten and Where Is It Found?
Gluten refers to a family of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. Though oats are naturally gluten free, cross-contamination during processing is common. Additionally, the protein avenin, found in oats, is structurally similar to gluten and may provoke a reaction in some coeliac patients.
Gluten in Traditional Chinese Medicine
A few Chinese herbs naturally contain gluten, including:
• Fu Xiao Mai (Light Wheat)
• Mai Ya (Barley Malt)
• Shen Qu (Fermented Wheat/Malt)
These should be avoided for patients with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. Additionally, some herbs are processed using a traditional method called PaoZhi (Fu Chao), which involves stir-frying with wheat bran, a source of gluten. For example, Yi Yi Ren (Coix Seed) is naturally gluten free but may be processed using Fu Chao techniques. Practitioners should ensure that only unprocessed versions are used for gluten-intolerant patients.
Phoenix Product Safety Standards
At Phoenix, we offer both dried herbs and concentrated herbal granules, manufactured in compliance with GMP-certified standards. With the exception of herbs that naturally contain gluten or are traditionally processed with gluten-containing agents, our products do not contain added gluten.
We implement strict hygiene protocols between batches—including complete cleaning and sterilisation of machinery—to prevent cross-contamination. Our concentrated granules are produced using spray drying extraction, resulting in a highly purified final product.
To form granules, we use a food-grade binder called Maltodextrin (5–10%). Maltodextrin is a gluten free polysaccharide. For added assurance, we commissioned laboratory testing to verify the absence of gluten and other allergens in our Maltodextrin. The results confirmed it is free from allergenic components.
Our Commitment to Quality and Safety
Phoenix Medical take every possible measure to eliminate gluten contamination and maintain the highest quality standards throughout our manufacturing processes.
If you have further questions about our gluten policies or would like guidance on suitable herbs for sensitive patients, please contact our team at info@georgeh103.sg-host.com.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for qualified practitioners only.
Phoenix Medical
Phoenix Medical is committed to upholding the highest standards of Chinese medicine practice across the UK and Europe. We adhere to strict guidelines and regulations, supplying our products exclusively to registered healthcare practitioners.