When you buy raw herbs in bulk, the quality of the material decides the quality of everything you make from it. Traders in Delhi’s Khari Baoli market have checked herbs by eye, smell and touch for generations. This checklist puts those checks into simple steps any buyer can use.

1. Confirm the exact herb and its botanical name

Many herbs share common names, and the same Hindi name can mean different plants in different regions. Always confirm the botanical name with your supplier — for example, Cassia angustifolia for sanay (senna leaves) or Chrysopogon zizanioides for khas (vetiver roots). Herbaveda lists the common, Hindi and botanical name for every product.

2. Look at colour and uniformity

• Leaves should keep a natural green colour; brown or yellowed leaves are usually old or badly dried.
• Roots and barks should have an even colour across the lot, without dark patches.
• Pieces should be of a similar size. A mix of sizes can mean different lots have been blended.

3. Smell the sample

Most herbs have a clear, characteristic smell. A weak smell often means the material is old; a musty or damp smell suggests poor storage or mould. Aromatic herbs such as marjoram (maruva) or vetiver should smell strong and fresh.

4. Check moisture

Well-dried herbs feel dry and light, and leaves crumble easily. Herbs that feel soft, sticky or cool to the touch may hold too much moisture, which leads to mould in storage and adds weight you pay for.

5. Look for foreign matter

Check for stones, soil, stems, other plant parts and insects. A small amount of stem is normal for some leaves; a lot of foreign matter means the lot was not cleaned properly.

6. For powders: fineness and purity

Rub a pinch between your fingers. It should feel even, without grit or sand. Ask whether the powder was made from cleaned, sorted herbs, and check that its colour and smell match the whole herb.

7. Ask for documents

For manufacturing and export, ask your supplier for:

• A sample from the same lot you will receive
• Lab test reports where your product requires them (for example heavy metals, microbial limits and pesticide residues)
• Correct HSN codes and export documents for shipments abroad

8. Agree packing and storage

Agree the bag type, weight per bag and labelling before ordering. Store herbs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong-smelling goods.

Buying from Herbaveda Overseas

Herbaveda Overseas has traded raw herbs and botanicals from Khari Baoli, Delhi, and supplies retail packs as well as bulk quantities for manufacturers, wellness brands and exporters. Browse our wholesale herbs or request a sample and bulk quote.