The Beginnings
When migrating from Switzerland in 2008, we were both Chinese medicine practitioners and brought with us strong beliefs on herbal products and herbal dispensing standards. This originated from our home country not allowing any practitioners (including medical doctors) to dispense anything from their clinic premises. Our background naturally equipped us with the knowledge and expertise we needed to set up our business.
The Progress
Our humble beginnings and meeting a profession open minded to our idea let us progress to premises that allowed us to apply for a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) license, a huge milestone for our small operation. The requirements of a license then provided us with an opportunity to streamline our processes and implement a quality management system. This system and standard operating procedures that are part of it, allow us to produce consistent high quality products that meet consumer expectations.
The Future
With almost 10 years in the industry, we have accumulated experience and expertise in sourcing herbal products, managing stock, packaging and labeling as well as running a small business in the Australian landscape, this includes running a successful Chinese medicine clinic.
Additionally, we have come to know some of the challenges that our industry faces and are deeply committed to help solve those troubles. This is the reason that we are actively involved in creating an environment that is both inspirational and supportive of practitioners and the industry as a whole. We believe that makes us different from other dispensaries in Australia. Simply stay in touch and we happily keep you in the loop!
The Importance of “Safflower”
Safflower is one of humanity’s oldest crops. It is an annual and robust plant, native to arid environments with a long dry seasons. Traditionally, safflower was grown for its seeds, and used for colouring and flavouring foods and making red and yellow dyes. In recent years, the plant has been cultivated mainly for the vegetable oil extracted from its seeds. In Chinese herbal medicine, safflower is called Hong Hua (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and the petals are used in patterns of blood stasis. It harmonises with its slightly warm and acrid flavor, dispersing ‘red’ as it enters the blood stream and soothes the liver. It provides fast relief as its effect on the movement of blood is rapid – stasis is transformed and pain is stopped.
The Safflower Team
Brigitte Linder
Co-founder/Owner/Practitioner
Ian Beer
Production Manager
Angela Wishart
Dispensing Assistant
An integral part of our team, Angela’s thorough and precise approach to work aligns with Safflower’s high operating standards. Angela is passionate about nature, health and well being. She loves her job because she is constantly around herbs, their scent and aromas as well as their colors. If you get the opportunity to talk to her on the phone, you will be greeted by her charming Minnesota accent.