This is basic and general herb information.  We keep our information as accurate as possible, but please note that the information we provide is for general educational purposes only, and we hold absolutely no liability for any adverse effects that may result from any use of these herbs whatsoever.  Please consult with us, a licensed herbalist, or a knowledgeable health professional before use if you have any serious health conditions.  You may read the individual detailed herb descriptions or contact us for more specific general information, or we can refer you to a few good herbal books if you're interested in learning more.  Our herbs are sourced from a variety of places around the world, and we strive to provide nothing but the top quality, free of contaminants and fillers of any kind. 

Q:  How are herbs prepared?

A:  The proportion for most herbal tea preparation is 1 teaspoon of the cut herbal material or 1/2 teaspoon of the herbal powder to 1 cup of water.  For larger quantities, 1 ounce of an herb to about 2 quarts of water, or 2 ounces of roots, barks, berries or seeds to 2 quarts of water.  There are generally two ways to make herbal teas:

1)  Infusion - Add the herbal material to boiling water, then turn off the flame and cover the container.  Let the herbs sit in the hot water for about 10 minutes (like how you would do a tea bag) then strain to separate the herbs from the liquid (tea).  This is best done with leafy herbs and herbal powders.

2)  Decoction - Place the herbal material in a pot with the water and bring them to a boil.  Cover the pot, then turn the flame down to low and let the herbal material simmer in the water for 10-15 minutes.  Strain to separate the herbs from the liquid (tea).  This is best done with roots, barks, seeds, and other tougher herbal material. 

Other basic herbal preparations include:

Poultice - Herbal powders mixed with slippery elm or flax seed powder and enough hot water to form a paste.  This is used for topical application.

Tincture or Fluid Extract -  Herbs usually sit in a solution of alcohol mixed with water until their herbal properties are extracted, then bottled in dark glass.  Alcohol-free ones are generally made with apple cider vinegar or glycerine.  Normally, a dropperful to a teaspoonful is taken internally mixed with a small amount of water.

Herbal Baths - Strong herbal teas (made by using more of the herbal material per amount of water) are poured into the bath water.

Q:  How much herbal tea should I drink daily?

A:  In most cases, 1 or 2 cups daily are generally safe and effective unless otherwise directed by a licensed herbalist or knowledgeable professional health practitioner.

*Children, Pregnant Women, & Nursing Mothers:

Herbal teas and preparations are generally safe for most people, but special care has to be taken with and by children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.  Some herbs may be too strong for children, who still have developing bodies, or may be potentially harmful to the unborn child if taken by pregnant women.  Nursing mothers also transmit whatever is taken into their bodies to their children through their milk.  Children between the ages of 4 and 12 can generally use half of the adult dosage.  We will have warnings on herbs and herbal products that may not be suited for children, pregnant women or nursing mothers.  If you have any questions regarding that, please feel free to contact us.

*Prescription Medications & Over-The-Counter Drugs:

If you are taking any prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs, please consult with a health professional before taking any herbs.  Some herbs may interfere or overenhance the action of the drugs you take, resulting in potentially hazardous or fatal health complications.