Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you have a printed catalog?

A: Yes, a printable catalog is available for download (PDF 2.3 MB). For someone that has internet access, the website is their best option. If you'd like to mail in your order, print out the order form and mail it in with your payment. Please e-mail us your mailing address to be added to our mailing list (if you have not yet placed an order).

Q: What is the shelf life of bulk herbs? What is the best way to store them?

A: Shelf life varies from one herb to another. A powdered herb will loose its properties much faster than a whole or cut herb. Those with volatile oils like peppermint will loose their freshness much sooner than those without the oils. Roots have the longest shelf life as they are much denser than say flowers and leaves.

So, it's kind of difficult to give you a quick and simple answer. Most herb books have something to say on the subject, but they are not very specific. Just as we did, you will gain such insight in this area as you get more familiar with each herb.

In general, keep the herbs in air-tight containers, as cold as possible, and never expose them to light unless in use.

Q: We just finished making some tinctures but wonder how much each of us should take. I wouldn't want to over do it. How do I figure out the right dosage for adults and children?

A: This is a very good question. Because tinctures are much more potent than teas, the doses of tinctures are more critical. Teas can normally be taken as often as desired.

We like to determine the doses of tinctures by starting each person with a small amount, and increasing only as necessary. Then, we jot down the amount so as to know how much to use next time. For instance, Rebekah discovered that when using the Sleep Sweet Tincture, it takes about 3 droppers full for her, 2 droppers full for her 4 year old, and 1 dropper full for her baby. This information was something she concluded after some trials. You can do the same. Just start out with an amount and see what happens. The next day, adjust the amount as you see fit, and jot it down. Oh, some of us prefer teaspoons over using a dropper. Use what you have.

Home herbal remedies are just that. There are some herbs that should be treated with caution when used internally, such as Wormwood and Rue. But, for the most part, there is room for trial and error.

Herbal Antibiotics and Practical Herbalism have recommend dosages with their remedies. These were helpful in leading us to come up with dosages for our own creations. Herbal Antibiotics and The ABC Herbal have a bit of very helpful information on determening dosages for children.

Q: When a book suggests more than one herb for the same condition, do I choose just one herb or do I use all the suggestions?

A: Just as there are many right ways to prepare the same remedy, there are many herbs that can be used for the same ailment or condition. Why? Because though each herb is somehow unique, many have very similar properties or similar effects on the body. This is a good thing since sometimes an herb is not available or too costly or has a side-effect you need to avoid.

For instance, Blessed Thistle is used to increase breast milk, but it should not be used if the nursing mama is pregnant. So, that mama needs to use another herb like Milk Thistle or Red Raspberry to increase her milk production while pregnant. Also, sometimes you want to use an herb that can be made into a tea rather than a tincture, and that is a deciding factor for you.

Combining herbs that have similar properties into one remedy is a norm. For instance, our Rise and Shine Tea is a combination of herbs that stimulate the blood flow and wake up the mind. Just make sure you read up on each herb before you make your combinations.

Q: I'm very new to herbs, and obviously know little to nothing about them. I purchased The How to Herb Book and found that it lists herb combinations without proportions of each ingredient. How do I figure out the proportions?

A: The herb combinations in The How to Herb Book are not there as actual recipes, but rather to educate the reader. Knowing which herbs can be used together to treat a condition is vital information. That is one of the main reasons we like this book.

We live in an age where pharmaceuticals and exact dosages are the usual form of medicine. Many folks depend on others to diagnose and prescribe, or at least suggest, which form of medicine to use (dosage included). The How to Herb Book does not support this mindset, nor do we. Instead, we encourage you to educate yourself, so you can properly use the available herbs as you see fit. To give exact amounts with a remedy may sometimes be helpful. But mostly, it will lead the reader to continue depending on others for their expertise, rather than further education and understanding.

Proportions of ingredients and dosages are affected by body weight, individual sensitivity to herbs, the stage of the illness, etc. Only you know these variables, and thus only you should determine the proper amounts and dosages. If you feel like you are lacking knowledge, which is quite understandable since you are new to herbs, than may I make a few suggestions: Do further reading (if you think we know anything about herbs, it's mostly because of extensive reading), tackle more simple remedies to get your knowledge and confidence going, take note of the proportions we use in our premixed recipes, and ask others that have gone before you to clarify particular questions about a remedy.

Herbal Antibiotics may also be of interest to you for further study as it includes a number of recipes.

Q: What is the difference between the Restful Sleep and the Sleep Sweet Tinctures?

A: These two tinctures have been formulated for the same uses/applications. However, each accomplishes its good results using different herbs. Because some folks prefer one herb or herb combination over another, having the two mixes provides you the option. Which is better is personal preference.

Q: I want to make a remedy with some herbs I just bought from you and wondered if it would be better as a tea or tincture? I was also thinking of making the Rise and Shine Tea into a tincture rather than a tea. Is that a bad idea?

A: Teas and tinctures both have their individual advantages. However, the effectiveness of most herbs is undoubtedly much greater in a tincture.

Making the herbs used for the Rise and Shine Tea into a tincture is a great idea. Though it's very effective as a tea, it would be even more so as a tincture.

Q: Where can I find glycerin?

A: There are many online stores that sell it. Here is the contact information of one of them: Azure Standard, 79709 Dufur Valley Road, Dufur, OR 97021; (541) 467-2230; www.azurefarm.com

Q: Do you offer any already made and ready to use tinctures?

A: We do not offer any ready to use remedies. Only the herbs already mixed for you to prepare at home.

The main reason for this is we do not want to encourage others to trust a company to only use the ingredients as listed on the label. Our government allows for many ingredients to be added without them being listed. We also want you to know the quality of ingredients being used in the remedies you are using. It takes time, but your good health is worth it.

Q: I'd like to grow my own herb garden. Where can I get seeds or plants to get started?

A: The following is contact information for a number of companies that offer seeds and plants. We have no affiliations with these companies, and are not recommending them. We know nothing about them, except they seem to offer what you are looking for (we found them after doing a search on the internet).

Harris Seeds
1-800-514-4441
www.harrisseeds.com

Territorial Seed
1-800-626-0866
www.territorialseed.com

Seeds of Change
1-888-762-7333
www.seedsofchange.com

The Cook’s Garden
1-800-457-9703
www.cooksgarden.com

Wayside Gardens
1-800-213-0379
www.waysidegardens.com

Nichols Garden Nursery
1-800-422-3985
www.nicholsgardennursery.com

Q: I keep hearing about how bad it is to use deodorants that contain aluminum. The only one I could find without it didn't work effectively. Are there any herbs or natural alternatives?

A: We avoid using products with aluminum as well. As you've been hearing, you don't want the long term side effects. Not all natural deodorants work for everyone, but after trying a number of different brands, we like The Crystal stick best. We purchase it from a chain health food store, but I’ve recently noticed that the manufacturer has a website: www.thecrystal.com.

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From our Mailbox

Your herbs are not only more trust-worthy in my opinion, but they are also less expensive (including shipping) than what I can find here in Madison, WI. Thank you so much for your help!

~Jennifer

Did You Know?

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