Question 1

: At Herbs, Etc., we identify our herbs using botanical standards and organoleptic testing, which is a fancy way of saying we look, smell, feel, and sometimes even taste to make sure each plant is exactly who it claims to be.

Unlike some companies, we never accept powdered herbs. We only bring in whole or cut-and-sifted (c/s) plants, because powders can hide a lot of secrets. By working with intact herbs, we can verify their identity and freshness from leaf structure to aroma before they ever make their way into a tincture or capsule.

In short: if a plant can’t introduce itself properly, it doesn’t make it into our formulas.

Answer

At Herbs, Etc., we identify our herbs using botanical standards and organoleptic testing, which is a fancy way of saying we look, smell, feel, and sometimes even taste to make sure each plant is exactly who it claims to be.

Unlike some companies, we never accept powdered herbs. We only bring in whole or cut-and-sifted (c/s) plants, because powders can hide a lot of secrets. By working with intact herbs, we can verify their identity and freshness from leaf structure to aroma before they ever make their way into a tincture or capsule.

In short: if a plant can’t introduce itself properly, it doesn’t make it into our formulas.

Question 2

: Absolutely. Every batch of herbs we work with is third-party tested for heavy metals, microbials, and pesticides.

Answer

Absolutely. Every batch of herbs we work with is third-party tested for heavy metals, microbials, and pesticides.

Question 3

: All Herbs, Etc. products are nut-free, corn-free, soy-free, and gluten-free. We like to say our remedies are full of plant power and free of the usual suspects that can get in the way of feeling your best.

Our softgels are not vegan, but most of our liquid extracts are vegan, except the ones that contain beeswax.

Answer

All Herbs, Etc. products are nut-free, corn-free, soy-free, and gluten-free. We like to say our remedies are full of plant power and free of the usual suspects that can get in the way of feeling your best.

Our softgels are not vegan, but most of our liquid extracts are vegan, except the ones that contain beeswax.

Question 4

: To keep herbs stable in a softgel without refrigeration or weird additives, most companies use carrageenan for vegan capsules. We’ve chosen not to go that route because it can compromise both quality and long-term stability, and we’re in this for remedies with pure and clean ingredients.

Instead, we use bovine gelatin for our softgels, which allows the herbs to stay fresh, potent, and effective just the way nature made them.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, don’t worry: our liquid extracts (tinctures) are fully plant-based, and pack the exact same herbal intelligence as our softgels.

And for the extra herb nerd detail: all our softgels are filled with our own liquid extracts and encapsulated right here in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Most brands ship their extracts off to contract manufacturers, but we like to keep an eye on the whole process, from the root to the remedy.

Answer

To keep herbs stable in a softgel without refrigeration or weird additives, most companies use carrageenan for vegan capsules. We’ve chosen not to go that route because it can compromise both quality and long-term stability, and we’re in this for remedies with pure and clean ingredients.

Instead, we use bovine gelatin for our softgels, which allows the herbs to stay fresh, potent, and effective just the way nature made them.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, don’t worry: our liquid extracts (tinctures) are fully plant-based, and pack the exact same herbal intelligence as our softgels.

And for the extra herb nerd detail: all our softgels are filled with our own liquid extracts and encapsulated right here in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Most brands ship their extracts off to contract manufacturers, but we like to keep an eye on the whole process, from the root to the remedy.

Question 5

: Nope, we don't use any artificial preservatives!

Answer

Nope, we don't use any artificial preservatives!

Question 6

: We source organic herbs whenever we can because we know healthy soil makes for healthy plants (and healthy people).

Some herbs simply prefer to thrive in the wild. For those, we rely on ethical wild-harvesters who honor the plant and its ecosystem.

All of our extraction processes are organic, and our facility has been certified as an organic processor for decades.

Answer

We source organic herbs whenever we can because we know healthy soil makes for healthy plants (and healthy people).

Some herbs simply prefer to thrive in the wild. For those, we rely on ethical wild-harvesters who honor the plant and its ecosystem.

All of our extraction processes are organic, and our facility has been certified as an organic processor for decades.

Question 7

: Wild-harvested means a plant was gathered from its natural habitat, not planted in rows on a farm. But it's more than just gathering plants; it’s a relationship with the earth. We follow regenerative harvesting practices that prioritize plant abundance, biodiversity, and the health of the surrounding environment. At Herbs Etc, we believe that the way we harvest is just as important as the remedies we create. Our commitment to ethical wild harvesting is rooted in respect for the land, for indigenous communities, and for the delicate ecosystems that sustain us. All of our wild harvesters sign a pledge to uphold these values. By committing to ethical harvesting, they ensure that our practices are sustainable, responsible, and aligned with the long-term health of the land.

Answer

Wild-harvested means a plant was gathered from its natural habitat, not planted in rows on a farm. But it's more than just gathering plants; it’s a relationship with the earth. We follow regenerative harvesting practices that prioritize plant abundance, biodiversity, and the health of the surrounding environment. At Herbs Etc, we believe that the way we harvest is just as important as the remedies we create. Our commitment to ethical wild harvesting is rooted in respect for the land, for indigenous communities, and for the delicate ecosystems that sustain us. All of our wild harvesters sign a pledge to uphold these values. By committing to ethical harvesting, they ensure that our practices are sustainable, responsible, and aligned with the long-term health of the land.

Question 8

: Herbs, Etc. is rooted in a lineage that’s part kitchen-table herbalism, part botanical science, and part deep listening to the land.

We were founded in 1969 by Michael Moore, a pioneer of modern American herbalism, who saw the human body and the plant world as one conversation. Michael combined sharp scientific understanding of anatomy and physiology with hands-in-the-soil knowledge of the plants themselves. He studied not only pharmacology and botany, but also learned from Indigenous communities and local plant wisdom across the American Southwest.

Michael’s student, Daniel Gagnon, carried this philosophy forward. Daniel is scientific, methodical, and endlessly curious, continuing the work of bridging evidence-based research with ancestral plant knowledge. Together, this lineage has always believed in herbalism as a living practice, one that honors tradition while using the best of modern science to make formulas that truly support the human body.

Answer

Herbs, Etc. is rooted in a lineage that’s part kitchen-table herbalism, part botanical science, and part deep listening to the land.

We were founded in 1969 by Michael Moore, a pioneer of modern American herbalism, who saw the human body and the plant world as one conversation. Michael combined sharp scientific understanding of anatomy and physiology with hands-in-the-soil knowledge of the plants themselves. He studied not only pharmacology and botany, but also learned from Indigenous communities and local plant wisdom across the American Southwest.

Michael’s student, Daniel Gagnon, carried this philosophy forward. Daniel is scientific, methodical, and endlessly curious, continuing the work of bridging evidence-based research with ancestral plant knowledge. Together, this lineage has always believed in herbalism as a living practice, one that honors tradition while using the best of modern science to make formulas that truly support the human body.

Question 9

: It all comes down to what the plant is offering and how to capture it best.

Fresh Herbs:
We use fresh herbs when a plant’s volatile, delicate, or fragile compounds are the heroes - think essential oils or constituents that disappear quickly once a plant is dried.

-Our herbs are picked and shipped overnight, arriving vibrant and ready.

-We extract them using our proprietary kinetic maceration method, which pulls out up to 50% more active constituents than conventional techniques.

-This lets us bottle the plant at its peak, preserving its full aromatic and therapeutic potential.

Dried Herbs:
-We reach for dried herbs when a plant’s stable, hardy, and concentrated compounds are the key.

-We buy whole dried herbs, never pre-powdered, and grind them in-house only when needed to keep potency intact.

-The grinding is done with liquid nitrogen to prevent heat damage because even a little friction can rob a plant of its strength.

-Then we extract using cold-process percolation with water and alcohol, which gently pulls the plant’s wisdom into the bottle.

We're picky because most manufacturers buy already-ground herb powders, which lose potency quickly and may even contain plant material you didn’t bargain for. By starting whole and staying hands-on, we know exactly what’s in every batch and that its power is intact.

Answer

It all comes down to what the plant is offering and how to capture it best.

Fresh Herbs:
We use fresh herbs when a plant’s volatile, delicate, or fragile compounds are the heroes - think essential oils or constituents that disappear quickly once a plant is dried.

-Our herbs are picked and shipped overnight, arriving vibrant and ready.

-We extract them using our proprietary kinetic maceration method, which pulls out up to 50% more active constituents than conventional techniques.

-This lets us bottle the plant at its peak, preserving its full aromatic and therapeutic potential.

Dried Herbs:
-We reach for dried herbs when a plant’s stable, hardy, and concentrated compounds are the key.

-We buy whole dried herbs, never pre-powdered, and grind them in-house only when needed to keep potency intact.

-The grinding is done with liquid nitrogen to prevent heat damage because even a little friction can rob a plant of its strength.

-Then we extract using cold-process percolation with water and alcohol, which gently pulls the plant’s wisdom into the bottle.

We're picky because most manufacturers buy already-ground herb powders, which lose potency quickly and may even contain plant material you didn’t bargain for. By starting whole and staying hands-on, we know exactly what’s in every batch and that its power is intact.

Question 10

: Because the human body and the plant world rarely work in isolation. Formulas let us bring plants together in ways that are smarter, safer, and more effective for your body.

Here’s why we do it:

1. We take the guesswork out of combining herbs.
Each formula is designed to target a specific body system or need, so you don’t have to wonder which plants to mix (or in what ratio) to get the best results.

2. Because every imbalance has more than one story.
Take digestion, for example:
-If your issue is low bile secretion, we lean on choloretic herbs to stimulate bile flow.
-If your belly is a mess because of stress-induced GI tension, we reach for nervines with carminative action to calm and soothe.
Our formulas address multiple root causes in one balanced blend.

3. We balance the energetics, so your body stays in harmony.
Plants have “personalities,” so to speak - warming, cooling, drying, moistening. Our Daily Bitters, for example, pair warming carminatives with cooling bitters so the formula stimulates digestion without chilling your system over time.

4. Some herbs are powerful in tiny doses and safer in formulas.
Certain allies, like wild indigo, can cause nausea or other discomfort if taken in excess. By including them in a balanced formula, you get their benefits without the risk of overdoing it.

In short: formulas are like a well-conducted orchestra, each plant plays its part and together they create a beautiful, effective harmony for your health.

Answer

Because the human body and the plant world rarely work in isolation. Formulas let us bring plants together in ways that are smarter, safer, and more effective for your body.

Here’s why we do it:

1. We take the guesswork out of combining herbs.
Each formula is designed to target a specific body system or need, so you don’t have to wonder which plants to mix (or in what ratio) to get the best results.

2. Because every imbalance has more than one story.
Take digestion, for example:
-If your issue is low bile secretion, we lean on choloretic herbs to stimulate bile flow.
-If your belly is a mess because of stress-induced GI tension, we reach for nervines with carminative action to calm and soothe.
Our formulas address multiple root causes in one balanced blend.

3. We balance the energetics, so your body stays in harmony.
Plants have “personalities,” so to speak - warming, cooling, drying, moistening. Our Daily Bitters, for example, pair warming carminatives with cooling bitters so the formula stimulates digestion without chilling your system over time.

4. Some herbs are powerful in tiny doses and safer in formulas.
Certain allies, like wild indigo, can cause nausea or other discomfort if taken in excess. By including them in a balanced formula, you get their benefits without the risk of overdoing it.

In short: formulas are like a well-conducted orchestra, each plant plays its part and together they create a beautiful, effective harmony for your health.

Question 11

: Think of tinctures and softgels as two forms of the same herbal intelligence, they just meet you where you are.

🌿 Tinctures (Liquid Extracts)

Our classic tinctures are made by cold-process percolation: we pack freshly ground, dried herbs into percolators, add a mix of alcohol and water, and gently extract the plant’s valuable phytonutrients and active constituents.

Tinctures are fast-absorbing and allow you to taste and experience the plant directly, which is part of the medicine for some folks.

💊 Softgels

We start with the same tincture, then carefully remove the alcohol and water, leaving behind a potent, concentrated extract.

That extract goes into an alcohol-free softgel, which we literally make in-house in Santa Fe, New Mexico (a rarity in the herbal world!).

Softgels are perfect for alcohol-sensitive customers or anyone who just prefers a quick, no-taste option.

Bottom line: same plants, same care, different delivery. Some people like the ritual and taste of tinctures, while others enjoy the simplicity of softgels. Either way, your herbs arrive potent, precise, and ready to support your body.

Answer

Think of tinctures and softgels as two forms of the same herbal intelligence, they just meet you where you are.

🌿 Tinctures (Liquid Extracts)

Our classic tinctures are made by cold-process percolation: we pack freshly ground, dried herbs into percolators, add a mix of alcohol and water, and gently extract the plant’s valuable phytonutrients and active constituents.

Tinctures are fast-absorbing and allow you to taste and experience the plant directly, which is part of the medicine for some folks.

💊 Softgels

We start with the same tincture, then carefully remove the alcohol and water, leaving behind a potent, concentrated extract.

That extract goes into an alcohol-free softgel, which we literally make in-house in Santa Fe, New Mexico (a rarity in the herbal world!).

Softgels are perfect for alcohol-sensitive customers or anyone who just prefers a quick, no-taste option.

Bottom line: same plants, same care, different delivery. Some people like the ritual and taste of tinctures, while others enjoy the simplicity of softgels. Either way, your herbs arrive potent, precise, and ready to support your body.

Question 12

: We know our plants intimately, respect their chemistry, and handle every step with care so what reaches your hands is authentic, effective, and full of living plant wisdom.

Here's what sets us apart:
1. We do it all, ourselves, in New Mexico.
From identifying and grinding our herbs to extracting and bottling, every step happens in our Santa Fe facility. Most brands outsource; we stay hands-on to ensure quality from soil to shelf.

2. Whole herbs only, never powders.
We start with whole or cut herbs, because powders lose potency and can hide what’s really inside.

3. We grind in-house, as needed, using liquid nitrogen to prevent heat damage and preserve delicate compounds.

4. Fresh herbs, whenever freshness matters.
A large percentage of our formulas use freshly harvested plants, because some herbs are at their peak potency only in their fresh state. We extract within 24 hours to capture that vitality.

5. Native and North American botanicals, ethically sourced.
We prioritize local growers and ethical wild-harvesters, supporting US-farming communities who care for the land.

6. A legacy of herbalists since 1969.
Herbalist-founded by Michael Moore and carried forward by Daniel Gagnon, our team today still includes practicing herbalists who speak both plant language and science.

7. Crafted with time-honored techniques.
Our tinctures are made via cold-process percolation, a method that protects volatile compounds and yields potent, balanced extracts.

Answer

We know our plants intimately, respect their chemistry, and handle every step with care so what reaches your hands is authentic, effective, and full of living plant wisdom.

Here's what sets us apart:
1. We do it all, ourselves, in New Mexico.
From identifying and grinding our herbs to extracting and bottling, every step happens in our Santa Fe facility. Most brands outsource; we stay hands-on to ensure quality from soil to shelf.

2. Whole herbs only, never powders.
We start with whole or cut herbs, because powders lose potency and can hide what’s really inside.

3. We grind in-house, as needed, using liquid nitrogen to prevent heat damage and preserve delicate compounds.

4. Fresh herbs, whenever freshness matters.
A large percentage of our formulas use freshly harvested plants, because some herbs are at their peak potency only in their fresh state. We extract within 24 hours to capture that vitality.

5. Native and North American botanicals, ethically sourced.
We prioritize local growers and ethical wild-harvesters, supporting US-farming communities who care for the land.

6. A legacy of herbalists since 1969.
Herbalist-founded by Michael Moore and carried forward by Daniel Gagnon, our team today still includes practicing herbalists who speak both plant language and science.

7. Crafted with time-honored techniques.
Our tinctures are made via cold-process percolation, a method that protects volatile compounds and yields potent, balanced extracts.

Question 13

: Yes, but kids are not just “mini adults,” so dosing needs to be adjusted carefully. Children respond best to gentle, consistent doses and herbs that are well-matched to their needs.

We recommend:

-Only giving herbs to children over one year old

-Working with a knowledgeable herbalist or primary care practitioner for babies or any child with health concerns

How to Adjust Dosage for Kids
There are a few classic ways to calculate a safe child dose from an adult dose:

Drops per Year of Age

If the adult dose is 30 drops, give 3 drops per year of age

Example: A 3-year-old = 9 drops

If the adult dose is 10 drops, give 1 drop per year of age

Example: A 3-year-old = 3 drops

Clarke’s Rule (Weight-Based)

Divide the adult dose by 150 lbs, then multiply by the child’s weight

Example: 30-drop adult dose ÷ 150 lbs = 0.2 drops/lb

A 30-lb child = 6 drops

Adjust for Constitution

Lightweight or recovering children: reduce the calculated dose by 25%

Always watch how your child responds, kids are often more sensitive to plant medicine than adults

Answer

Yes, but kids are not just “mini adults,” so dosing needs to be adjusted carefully. Children respond best to gentle, consistent doses and herbs that are well-matched to their needs.

We recommend:

-Only giving herbs to children over one year old

-Working with a knowledgeable herbalist or primary care practitioner for babies or any child with health concerns

How to Adjust Dosage for Kids
There are a few classic ways to calculate a safe child dose from an adult dose:

Drops per Year of Age

If the adult dose is 30 drops, give 3 drops per year of age

Example: A 3-year-old = 9 drops

If the adult dose is 10 drops, give 1 drop per year of age

Example: A 3-year-old = 3 drops

Clarke’s Rule (Weight-Based)

Divide the adult dose by 150 lbs, then multiply by the child’s weight

Example: 30-drop adult dose ÷ 150 lbs = 0.2 drops/lb

A 30-lb child = 6 drops

Adjust for Constitution

Lightweight or recovering children: reduce the calculated dose by 25%

Always watch how your child responds, kids are often more sensitive to plant medicine than adults

Question 14

: Yes, many herbs can support our four-legged friends, too. 🐾

Here’s how to do it safely:

General dosing: About 2 drops per 10 lbs of body weight

Example: A 20-lb dog = 4 drops

Most pets take liquid herbal extracts best mixed into their food. Watch and adjust: Start small, and observe your pet for any unusual reactions. And remember, pets are individuals too, what’s fine for one may not suit another. For chronic conditions or special concerns, consult a vet familiar with herbal medicine.

Answer

Yes, many herbs can support our four-legged friends, too. 🐾

Here’s how to do it safely:

General dosing: About 2 drops per 10 lbs of body weight

Example: A 20-lb dog = 4 drops

Most pets take liquid herbal extracts best mixed into their food. Watch and adjust: Start small, and observe your pet for any unusual reactions. And remember, pets are individuals too, what’s fine for one may not suit another. For chronic conditions or special concerns, consult a vet familiar with herbal medicine.

Question 15

: It depends because your body, health, and herbs are all unique.

Some herbs can enhance the effects of certain medications, while others might interact in ways you need to monitor.

For example:
-Soothing nervines (like Kava or Chamomile) may increase the effects of sedating medications.
-Circulatory or blood-pressure–supporting herbs may impact the way blood-pressure medication works.

Because everyone’s body and health story is different, the safest path is to check in with your healthcare practitioner before adding any new herbs to your routine, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

At Herbs, Etc., we believe in herbs as allies, but also in listening to your body and your care team. A quick conversation with your provider now keeps your wellness journey safe and smooth.

Answer

It depends because your body, health, and herbs are all unique.

Some herbs can enhance the effects of certain medications, while others might interact in ways you need to monitor.

For example:
-Soothing nervines (like Kava or Chamomile) may increase the effects of sedating medications.
-Circulatory or blood-pressure–supporting herbs may impact the way blood-pressure medication works.

Because everyone’s body and health story is different, the safest path is to check in with your healthcare practitioner before adding any new herbs to your routine, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

At Herbs, Etc., we believe in herbs as allies, but also in listening to your body and your care team. A quick conversation with your provider now keeps your wellness journey safe and smooth.

Question 16

: Pregnancy and nursing are times when your body is doing extraordinary work, and extra care is needed with any supplement, including herbs.

Safety depends on the herb and on your unique body. Some plants are gentle allies, while others are best avoided during this chapter.

At Herbs, Etc., we:

-Clearly mark pregnancy and nursing cautions on our labels whenever they apply.

-Encourage you to consult your healthcare practitioner for personalized guidance before starting any new herbal routine.

-Reference the Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd edition (co-wrote by our former CEO Daniel Gagnon), as our go-to resource for evidence-based herbal safety information.

When in doubt, personalized support is always the wisest approach.

These herbal medicines contain some herbs that are contraindicated during pregnancy:

Adrenotonic™

Congest Free™

CranBladder ReLeaf®

Deprezac™

Essiac Tonic

HB Pressure Tonic™

Herbaprofen®

Kava Cool Complex™

Kidney Tonic™

Liver Tonic™

Loviral ™

Lymphatonic™

Menopautonic™

Nervine Tonic™

Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup™

Singer’s Saving Grace®

ParaFree™

Peak Defense™

Phytocillin®

Respiratonic®

Smoke Free®

Stomach Tonic™

Ultimate Ginseng™

Vibrant Energy™

Yeast ReLeaf®

And if you're nursing, avoid:

Congest Free™

Deprezac™

Herbaprofen®

Kava Cool Complex™

ParaFree™

Answer

Pregnancy and nursing are times when your body is doing extraordinary work, and extra care is needed with any supplement, including herbs.

Safety depends on the herb and on your unique body. Some plants are gentle allies, while others are best avoided during this chapter.

At Herbs, Etc., we:

-Clearly mark pregnancy and nursing cautions on our labels whenever they apply.

-Encourage you to consult your healthcare practitioner for personalized guidance before starting any new herbal routine.

-Reference the Botanical Safety Handbook, 2nd edition (co-wrote by our former CEO Daniel Gagnon), as our go-to resource for evidence-based herbal safety information.

When in doubt, personalized support is always the wisest approach.

These herbal medicines contain some herbs that are contraindicated during pregnancy:

Adrenotonic™

Congest Free™

CranBladder ReLeaf®

Deprezac™

Essiac Tonic

HB Pressure Tonic™

Herbaprofen®

Kava Cool Complex™

Kidney Tonic™

Liver Tonic™

Loviral ™

Lymphatonic™

Menopautonic™

Nervine Tonic™

Rocky Mountain Throat Syrup™

Singer’s Saving Grace®

ParaFree™

Peak Defense™

Phytocillin®

Respiratonic®

Smoke Free®

Stomach Tonic™

Ultimate Ginseng™

Vibrant Energy™

Yeast ReLeaf®

And if you're nursing, avoid:

Congest Free™

Deprezac™

Herbaprofen®

Kava Cool Complex™

ParaFree™

Question 17

: Yes! Many people mix our liquid extracts into their favorite drinks to make them easier to take or simply to mask that healthy “herbal zing.”

Here are a few tips from our herb-nerdy crew:

Water or juice: The most common choice - easy and gentle on taste buds.

Smoothies: A great way to make your wellness ritual feel like a treat.

Tea or coffee: Works fine, just avoid piping-hot water right after adding your tincture. Extreme heat can evaporate some of the more delicate aromatic compounds.

However you take them, what matters most is consistency and listening to your body because herbal wellness is a practice.

Answer

Yes! Many people mix our liquid extracts into their favorite drinks to make them easier to take or simply to mask that healthy “herbal zing.”

Here are a few tips from our herb-nerdy crew:

Water or juice: The most common choice - easy and gentle on taste buds.

Smoothies: A great way to make your wellness ritual feel like a treat.

Tea or coffee: Works fine, just avoid piping-hot water right after adding your tincture. Extreme heat can evaporate some of the more delicate aromatic compounds.

However you take them, what matters most is consistency and listening to your body because herbal wellness is a practice.

Question 18

: Even the most familiar plants can have side effects, think coffee, cayenne, or even a strong cup of tea! 🌿

At Herbs, Etc., we label our products carefully to highlight any known considerations, like:

-Potential drowsiness from calming herbs, or

-Allergic reactions for those sensitive to bee products.

Side effects are less about “good” or “bad” plants and more about how a plant meets your unique body. If you have specific concerns, your community herbalist or healthcare practitioner can help you navigate what’s best for your system.

Friendly Plant Warnings (a.k.a. What to Expect):

ChlorOxygen® Chlorophyll Concentrate → Might make your poop look like it joined a forest choir.

CranBladder ReLeaf® → Your urine may smell like it went berry-picking without you.

HB Pressure Tonic® → Can lower blood pressure. Translation: sit down slowly, hero.

Kidney Tonic™ → Consider it a friendly heads-up from your kidneys.

Smoke Free® → Overdo it and your stomach might say, “I quit before you do.”

Please note that not all side effects are negative.

Answer

Even the most familiar plants can have side effects, think coffee, cayenne, or even a strong cup of tea! 🌿

At Herbs, Etc., we label our products carefully to highlight any known considerations, like:

-Potential drowsiness from calming herbs, or

-Allergic reactions for those sensitive to bee products.

Side effects are less about “good” or “bad” plants and more about how a plant meets your unique body. If you have specific concerns, your community herbalist or healthcare practitioner can help you navigate what’s best for your system.

Friendly Plant Warnings (a.k.a. What to Expect):

ChlorOxygen® Chlorophyll Concentrate → Might make your poop look like it joined a forest choir.

CranBladder ReLeaf® → Your urine may smell like it went berry-picking without you.

HB Pressure Tonic® → Can lower blood pressure. Translation: sit down slowly, hero.

Kidney Tonic™ → Consider it a friendly heads-up from your kidneys.

Smoke Free® → Overdo it and your stomach might say, “I quit before you do.”

Please note that not all side effects are negative.

Question 19

: Our softgels measure 13mm x 7mm, about the size of a small jellybean.

We designed them to be easy to swallow while still packed with potent herbal goodness.

Answer

Our softgels measure 13mm x 7mm, about the size of a small jellybean.

We designed them to be easy to swallow while still packed with potent herbal goodness.

Question 20

: Generally, we recommend liquid herbal extracts and softgels be taken before or between meals. The active constituents are then able to rapidly enter the bloodstream and immediately go to the areas where the support is needed.

Answer

Generally, we recommend liquid herbal extracts and softgels be taken before or between meals. The active constituents are then able to rapidly enter the bloodstream and immediately go to the areas where the support is needed.

Question 21

: At Herbs, Etc., we trust plants in their most potent, direct forms which is why we recommend:

Liquid herbal extracts (tinctures)

-Fast absorption: Your body doesn’t have to break anything down first.

-No fillers or binders, just the plant and its supporting liquid.

-Flexible use: Take them straight or add to water, juice, or a smoothie.

Softgels

-Our tinctures, encapsulated for convenience and alcohol-free use.

-Crafted in-house in Santa Fe to ensure freshness and potency.

-No unnecessary ingredients, just plant power in an easy-to-swallow format.

Answer

At Herbs, Etc., we trust plants in their most potent, direct forms which is why we recommend:

Liquid herbal extracts (tinctures)

-Fast absorption: Your body doesn’t have to break anything down first.

-No fillers or binders, just the plant and its supporting liquid.

-Flexible use: Take them straight or add to water, juice, or a smoothie.

Softgels

-Our tinctures, encapsulated for convenience and alcohol-free use.

-Crafted in-house in Santa Fe to ensure freshness and potency.

-No unnecessary ingredients, just plant power in an easy-to-swallow format.

Question 22

: Many plant compounds, like polysaccharides, are water-soluble and easy to extract with water. But some of the most valuable phytonutrients - including certain alkaloids, flavonoids, and resins - are only soluble in alcohol.

Alcohol also:

-Preserves the extract, keeping it safe and stable over time

-Carries the plant’s full spectrum of constituents, so you receive a balanced, potent remedy

Answer

Many plant compounds, like polysaccharides, are water-soluble and easy to extract with water. But some of the most valuable phytonutrients - including certain alkaloids, flavonoids, and resins - are only soluble in alcohol.

Alcohol also:

-Preserves the extract, keeping it safe and stable over time

-Carries the plant’s full spectrum of constituents, so you receive a balanced, potent remedy

Question 23

: Your herbs like to live like they’re in a cozy root cellar:

-Cool and dark is best

-Avoid direct sunlight and heat

-No need to refrigerate, unless you live somewhere extremely hot and humid

-Keep bottle caps and droppers firmly closed. Air can oxidize the herbal medicines, reducing their effectiveness.

-Follow the expiration dates. Dispose of products that have expired.

Proper storage helps your tinctures and softgels stay potent and vibrant, so they’re ready to support you whenever you reach for them.

Answer

Your herbs like to live like they’re in a cozy root cellar:

-Cool and dark is best

-Avoid direct sunlight and heat

-No need to refrigerate, unless you live somewhere extremely hot and humid

-Keep bottle caps and droppers firmly closed. Air can oxidize the herbal medicines, reducing their effectiveness.

-Follow the expiration dates. Dispose of products that have expired.

Proper storage helps your tinctures and softgels stay potent and vibrant, so they’re ready to support you whenever you reach for them.

Question 24

: Powdered Herbs | 1 – 6 months
Tea Bags | 1 – 6 months
Capsules | 1 – 12 months
Whole dried leaves (bulk) | 2 – 12 months
Herbal tablets | 2 – 24 months
Gummies | 6 - 24 months
Whole dried herbs | 1 – 10 years
+Alcohol – containing liquid extracts | 3 years
+Non alcohol liquid extracts | 3 years
+Liquid herbal extract softgels | 3 years

+ Liquid extracts that contain alcohol, opened or unopened, have a shelf life of at least three years when the recommendations made above are followed. Softgels will last three years, opened or unopened. Refrigeration is not needed for liquid extracts or softgels.

Answer

Powdered Herbs | 1 – 6 months
Tea Bags | 1 – 6 months
Capsules | 1 – 12 months
Whole dried leaves (bulk) | 2 – 12 months
Herbal tablets | 2 – 24 months
Gummies | 6 - 24 months
Whole dried herbs | 1 – 10 years
+Alcohol – containing liquid extracts | 3 years
+Non alcohol liquid extracts | 3 years
+Liquid herbal extract softgels | 3 years

+ Liquid extracts that contain alcohol, opened or unopened, have a shelf life of at least three years when the recommendations made above are followed. Softgels will last three years, opened or unopened. Refrigeration is not needed for liquid extracts or softgels.

Question 25

: Alcohol containing liquid herbal extracts, when stored properly, usually keep for years. With non alcohol liquid herbal extracts, the product should contain a natural preservative, such as citric acid. If a non alcohol liquid herbal extract doesn’t contain a preservative, smell it. If it has a musty odor or seems to have any growth in it, immediately discard.

Answer

Alcohol containing liquid herbal extracts, when stored properly, usually keep for years. With non alcohol liquid herbal extracts, the product should contain a natural preservative, such as citric acid. If a non alcohol liquid herbal extract doesn’t contain a preservative, smell it. If it has a musty odor or seems to have any growth in it, immediately discard.

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