Are CLINICA products sold in retail stores to the general public?
No. Although Balestra & Mech does market herbal tonics via retail channels in Europe and the United States, the CLINICA line was developed exclusively for healthcare practitioners. Complementary products may exist in the retail consumer line but, in general, the CLINICA line features formulas that are more concentrated and/or contain up to several additional species of herbs compared to the retail products.
I’ve heard that your products are organic? Why doesn’t the packaging say so?
Yes, all of our herbs are organically grown or gathered wild. But organic certification takes time and resources and we haven’t yet completed the process. We don’t anticipate needing any modifications to our manufacturing process in order to qualify for organic certification.
Are CLINICA products available to the general public?
No. CLINICA is distributed exclusively through clinics and healthcare practitioners like you.
Do you do custom formulation or private labeling for individual practitioners?
Yes. This is a big part of our business in Europe. We are very comfortable working with qualified practitioners to develop custom formulations, custom packaging, custom labeling and private branding to suit the needs of your practice and your patients. Contact us to learn more.
I’ve heard that Balestra & Mech manufactures and sells over 40 different condition-specific formulas in Europe. Why can’t I order all of them for my practice here in the US? Will you be expanding the CLINICA line in the future?
It’s true that we have a very wide range of products in Europe. Here in the US, we had to start somewhere so we created a selection of our most popular and effective products. We will certainly be expanding the US CLINICA line in the future and we look forward to your input and requests as we decide which formulas to bring forward. Our full European line encompasses condition specific products including:
• Male Virility
• Intestinal Regularity/Laxative
• Sleep Aid
• Anemia/Iron Deficiency
• Lactation Nutrition for Nursing Mothers
• Quit Smoking Aid
• Cognitive/Brain Function
• Menstrual Health and Regularity
• Diabetic Support
• Diuretic
• Respiratory Decongestant
• Flu Prevention
• Rheumatism
• Cardiac Function/Health
• Adolescent Nutrition
• General Energy and Vitality
• Prenatal Nutrition for Pregnant Women
• Respiratory Allergy Remedy
Why is there caramel color in the products?
Although caramel color is a completely natural ingredient, some practitioners consider it to be unnecessary and would prefer to see it excluded. We include it in our products simply to maintain consistent product appearance. Because our quality standards demand that we constantly search for the best possible sources of supply of raw herbs, we often encounter seasonal and geographic variations that subtly influence the final color of the formulation. For that reason, we standardize the appearance of the products using very small amounts of natural caramel color.
In my practice, I generally work with individual herb species or I do my own custom blends. How do Balestra’s products fit into the picture.
Our products are not intended to be a substitute for your own herbal expertise and your intimate knowledge of your patient’s specific needs. But there are certain health conditions that practitioners tend to encounter quite frequently and our formulations are intended to provide you with effective, easy to dispense, ultra-high quality, multi-species tonics that target some of the most common health conditions.
How quickly must CLINICA products be consumed after opening?
Most products have specific usage instructions that will lead to their consumption well within our freshness guidelines. We generally suggest that products be refrigerated after opening and consumed within 30 days to ensure freshness.
Do CLINICA products require refrigeration?
Generally, no. Unopened containers can be stored at room temperature for up to four years. Many years of testing have determined that even after the seals are broken the products remain stable at room temperature. Nevertheless, as an extra measure of safety we do recommend (on the packaging) that consumers refrigerate the products after opening for the first time.
How is it possible to produce shelf-stable herbal liquids without sugar, alcohol or preservatives?
As the saying goes, "If we told you, we’d have to kill you. " Over 100 years ago, the formulation founders developed an all natural, water-based process involving very specific techniques for herb selection, handling, extraction, mixing, formulation and concentration. Although the essential technology remains the same, we have refined the process and the formulas to include a wide range of modern, condition-specific products. If you visit the Balestra & Mech laboratory and production facilities in Vicenza, Italy (and we hope you will!) you’re welcome to come closer (but not too close!) to the heart of the finest herbal production facility in the world.
