The gallstones are separated from any waste product such as the bile, bile tubes and are extracted near the liver. Washed with cold water in order to remove any blood or other imperfections. They are then stored in a dark, well air conditioned, room, at 20°C, for two to three weeks, where they dry. In order to dry them more effectively and to avoid them sticking together they are flipped to another side regularly. After the end of the drying process, the stones are vacuum packed and sealed.

Gallstones(Niuhuang) are frequently used in Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) with Coptisroot(Huanglian), Rhinohorn(Xijao), Animalic Musk (Shexiang), natural Indigo(Qindai) and the Ghostleafflower (Jinyinhua) in the Formula Angong Niuhuang Wan.

Quality and Classification

• Especially high demand exists for gallstones with following properties: of light yellow, golden or orange colour.
• Stones that are well-dried
• Zarge stones
• Bilirubin content not below 35%
• Dark stones will also be bought but for significantly lower prices

The stones are traded in the following specifications:

• 100% Whole stones
• 90% Whole stone/ 10% broken stone
• 80% Whole stone/ 20% broken stone
• 70% Whole stone/ 30% broken stone
• 60% Whole stone/ 40% broken stone
• 100% Gallstone powder/sand

Stones must have a natural odor of cattle, that are healthy and free from mad cow disease. Liver stones, kidney stones, bile tubes, moldy stones, bloodstones, cholesterol stones, such as any form of stones from other animals will NOT be bought!