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Frequently Asked Questions

Use Instructions

  • What is the best way to take liquid herbal extracts?

    Always follow the use instructions on the bottle. For oral use extracts with dropper closures, the extract is placed in 2 or more ounces of water as indicated on the label. Extracts are generally best taken between meals to enhance absorption.
  • How long before or after eating should I take liquid extracts?

    Liquid extracts can be taken up to 30 min. before eating or 2 hrs. after eating (unless otherwise directed).
  • How many servings are in a 1oz bottle?

    The servings per bottle are listed in the supplement facts panel. For a 1-ounce bottle with a dose of 1 full squeeze of the dropper bulb (0.7 mL), there are 42 servings per bottle.
  • What does one full squeeze of the dropper mean?

    This means to squeeze the rubber bulb one time. With the glass pipette in the extract, squeeze and release the bulb once. This is one serving.
  • Can I take more than the suggested serving size?

    We cannot advise exceeding the labeled use instructions.
  • Can I use your products everyday?

    This varies by the product. See the individual product label for specific use instructions and cautions.
  • Some products state “Not for long term use”, what is considered long term?

    It is recommended, for those products marked “Not for long term use”, that you take a 1-2 week break every 6-8 weeks.
  • How many extracts can be taken at once?

    There is no hard and fast rule. We generally say 5 single extracts together or 3 compounds. This is partly to help focus your herb use on key areas of concern. You can always increase the amount of water used for mixing if desired.
  • How should I store my Herb Pharm products?

    Our products are self-preserving and do not require refrigeration. They can be stored at room temperate, even during the hot summer months. Store them out of direct light and away from direct sources of heat like your oven and stove.
  • Can I give your products to my pets?

    All of Herb Pharm’s products are specifically developed for human use. For high quality herbal pet supplements, we suggest Animal Essentials, and the Animals Apawthecary line of herbal tinctures they carry. Animal Essentials’ products are formulated specifically for the health needs of pets and other animals. They can be found online or reached by phone at (888) 551-0416, M-F, 7:30am to 4:30pm, Mountain Time.
  • Is it ok to mix this extract in soda or a smoothie?

    Yes, extracts can be mixed in juice, slightly cooled tea or other beverages. It can also be mixed in smoothies, but the added foods in a smoothie may slow or decrease absorption.
  • Adding my extract to water makes it milky, cloudy or bubbly looking. Is it ok to use?

    The cloudiness that you see is typical of resinous extracts that do not mix well with water. For resinous herbs, this is actually a sign of quality. Often these same herbs can leave a ring in your glass that can be cleaned with alcohol or rubbing alcohol. Some of the herbs with this effect are turmeric, milk thistle, propolis, myrrh, guggul, boswellia, lomatium, yerba santa, grindelia and elecampane.
  • What is the proper serving of liquid herbal extracts for children?

    Our Kids line is labeled with weight-based servings. For other extracts, call 1-800-348-4372 for specific minimum ages and servings. Some extracts are not intended or appropriate for children.

Ingredients and Materials

  • What is the shelf-life of Herb Pharm's products?

    Most glycerites last around 3 years and tinctures around 5 years. Specifics for individual products can be found on the bottle, either stamped on the bottom or written along the edge of the label.
  • What does the info stamped on the bottom of each of your bottles stand for?

    The batch date code is encoded on or near the bottom or side edge of the label or on the bottom of the bottle. The initial 6 digits are the batch number from that product lot to help us identify which batch your particular bottle originated from. Following is the Best By date, which is the recommended date for consumption of the product. The last 4 digit alphanumerical code indicates the date of manufacture. The first number is representative of the year it was poured (8 represents 2018). The letter represents the day of the week the product was poured (Monday = M, Tuesday = U, Wednesday = W, Thursday = R, Friday = F, Saturday = A, Sunday = N). The last two numbers represent the numerical week of the year the product was poured (14 = 14th week of the year).

    Example: A product with the batch number 412382 and date code 7R14, was poured on Thursday, April 6, 2017.

  • Are your ingredients GMO free?

    Yes, all Herb Pharm ingredients and products are non-GMO.
  • Are any of your products vegetarian or vegan?

    All of our products are vegetarian and most are vegan, with the exception of bee propolis and beeswax. We sell Propolis as a single extract and it is included in our Soothing Throat Spray. Beeswax is an ingredient in our Original Salve.
  • Please explain your herb/menstruum ratio?

    The herb to menstruum ratio is the weight of herb (in grams) to the volume of menstruum or solvent system (in mL) used to extract the herb. A 1:5 extract, for example, is 1 gram of herb extracted in 5 mL of menstruum.
  • Please explain your extraction rate?

    The extraction rate is another representation of the herb to menstruum strength ratio. Our extraction rates are labeled on a per serving basis, so this tells you how much herb was used to make a single serving of extract.
  • What is your glycerin made from? Does it contain sugar?

    Our glycerin is certified organic palm-free glycerin (derived from corn). As far as the chemistry, there is nothing left in glycerin that reflects the source material. Glycerin is chemically changed from the starting fats used to make it and highly purified to 99+%. So chemically, all glycerin is the same. While FDA considers glycerin to be a carbohydrate, it is not a sugar and has a very limited effect on blood sugar.
  • What are your capsules made out of?

    Our vegetarian capsules are made from a naturally-fermented, vegetable-derived polysaccharide (no gelatin).
  • Is your alcohol organic?

    Yes, it is certified organic and is derived from sugarcane.
  • Is there any yeast in your alcohol?

    The distillation process removes any traces of yeast.
  • How much alcohol is in an extract?

    The amount of alcohol in individual liquid extracts can vary from 20% to 90% depending on the herb being extracted and its content of alcohol and water-soluble constituents. For example, to fully extract Cayenne’s pungent resins and orange-red pigments requires at least 80% alcohol. A Cayenne extract made with a lower amount of alcohol will contain smaller amounts of Cayenne’s resins and pigments, and therefore will be of lower quality than the higher alcohol extract. The amount of alcohol you consume in a dose of liquid extract is actually very small and when diluted in water, the percentage of what you are consuming becomes extremely small.
  • Does your alcohol have residual sugars in it?

    We use USP 190 proof alcohol, which is fractionally distilled and does not have any residual sugar, since this process is equivalent to about 13 separate distillations and a molecule the size of sugar cannot make it to the end product. Also USP alcohol standards do not allow residual sugar.
  • Are the essential oils in your products safe to take internally?

    Yes, we use only appropriate amounts of diluted, food grade essential oils that are generally recognized as safe and commonly used as food flavorings.
  • How many calories/carbohydrates are in your products?

    Unless labeled otherwise, a single dose of our extracts is below the 5 calorie minimum and the 5 grams of carbohydrate minimum requirement for nutrient labeling.
  • What determines if you use fresh vs. dried herb?

    This determination is made based on the nature of each individual herb. Some herbs, due to their high water content and ability to dry well, produce a stronger extract when using the herb in a dried form.
  • What kind of olive oil do you use in your topical oils?

    It is certified organic, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, typically sourced from Spain or another Mediterranean country.
  • Do you offer alcohol-free products?

    Yes, our alcohol-free products are indicated as such on the label.
  • What is the bulb on the dropper made out of?

    Our black dropper bulbs are made of natural rubber (latex) with one exception. Our Mullein Garlic uses Monprene dropper bulbs (Thermoplastic Elastomer) that do not contain latex. White dropper bulbs are also made from Monprene.
  • What does "Sustainably Wildcrafted" or "Responsibly Wildcrafted" mean?

    Responsibly Wildcrafted herbs are collected by Herb Pharm’s network of wildcrafters in their natural habitat according to specific guidelines. Our wildcrafters are required to adhere to Good Collection Practices to ensure high quality consistency for our raw ingredients and to help protect the viability of plant populations and avoid overharvesting.
  • Where are your herbs grown?

    Our herbs are grown or collected as close as our own farm and local mountains, and as far as every continent other than Antarctica.

Production Process

  • Why do you use alcohol in your extracts?

    Alcohol is the best food-grade solvent for extracting and preserving many of the naturally occurring herb constituents that are poorly soluble in water. The pharmaceutical-grade organic alcohol used to prepare our liquid extracts serves three specific functions. First, alcohol is the only edible solvent that will extract and preserve many of the naturally occurring herb constituents that are poorly soluble in water, such as essential oils, resins, balsams and many alkaloids. Second, alcohol is an excellent natural preservative, which maximizes the shelf life of the extracts. Third, alcohol is a great carrying agent, which facilitates the absorption of the herb’s constituents into the bloodstream.
  • How is your water distilled?

    Our water is steam distilled on site.
  • Are your herbs free of hexane and other chemical solvents?

    Yes, we only use ethanol (potable alcohol), distilled water and vegetable glycerin as solvents.
  • Which of your extracts are processed with heat and are not cold processed?

    A few of our extracts are made with heat to maximize extraction of desired compounds, including astragalus, reishi and buckthorn. Our infused oils are also made with very low heat (105°F), or in the case of St. John’s wort, sunlight.

Safety and Precautions

  • Are there any side effects from herbs?

    No side effects are expected or typical. All of our products carry cautions where appropriate.
  • Are your products safe?

    We consider our serving sizes, as found on the label, to have a very high safety profile. The plants have a high safety profile when used appropriately. We would not make/sell the product if that was not the case.
  • How do you determine which cautions to list on your labels?

    Our primary source of cautions is the Botanical Safety Handbook second edition.
  • I have your product and it says not to use it in pregnancy. Can I use it while nursing?

    Our pregnancy and nursing cautions are separate. If there is not a nursing caution on the label we are not aware of specific issues if taken when nursing.
  • Can I take this product with my medication?

    If there is no drug interaction listed on the label, then to the best of our knowledge there is not adequate support for a potential interaction caution. However, we always recommend that you speak with your physician about any supplements that you want to take.
  • Are your supplements safe for the elderly?

    We consider our serving sizes, as found on the label, to have a very high safety profile. The plants have a high safety profile when used appropriately. Sensitive individuals such as the elderly may want to reduce the amount used, especially to start. You can always start with a few drops several times per day to get a sense of an extract and see how you respond.
  • Are all of your products safe for children?

    Our Kids line has a very high safety profile when used according to labeled instructions. We do, however, sell some products that are not approprate for children. If there is any question whether an herb may be appropriate for a child, please call 1-800-348-4372.

Shopping Online

  • Who do I contact if I'm having trouble placing an order?

    Our customer service team is available from 7:00am to 4:30pm PST, Monday to Friday and would be happy to help. Just call us at 800-348-4372 or email [email protected].
  • I've forgotten my password and can't login, what do I do?

    If you can’t remember your password, simply click on the “forgot password” link on our sign in page. You’ll be prompted to enter your email address and we’ll send you an email with a link that will allow you to create a new password for your account. If you’re still having trouble accessing your account you can contact our customer service team by calling 800-348-4372.
  • Can I update my order after it's been placed?

    Our customer service team is available from 7:00am to 4:30pm PST, Monday to Friday and would be happy to help. Just call us on 800-348-4372. As long as your order has not yet shipped, adjustments will be possible.
  • How do I cancel my order?

  • Can I send empty bottles back to be used?

    Great Question. Unfortunately, due to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) guidelines, we are not able to bring any used materials back to the facility. We encourage you to recycle locally.
  • How do I open a wholesale account?

    To open a wholesale account, please create a user account online and indicate that you are either a wholesaler or professional by selecting this option during the sign-up process. A Herb Pharm team member will be in touch to confirm your information and approve your wholesale account.
  • Where do I enter my promo code?

    You can enter coupon codes during the checkout process.
  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We currently accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. When your credit card is authorized, funds are put on hold until the transaction is completed. When the order is shipped, the payment is processed.
  • Do I have to sign up for an account to place an order?

    When completing an order you have the option of checking out as a guest or you can create an account. If you choose to create an account, you’ll be able to keep your order history all in one place on your dashboard.
  • Do you offer free shipping if I spend a certain amount?

    We offer free shipping on orders over $50. For full shipping information please visit our shipping and returns page.
  • Do you ship internationally?

  • How are your products packaged?

    Most of our products are packaged in amber glass bottles to protect the product from UV radiation (such as sunlight).
  • Where is my tracking information?

    Once a tracking number has been allocated to your order you’ll receive confirmation of this, via email, directly from UPS.
  • Do you sell on Amazon?

    We do, you can purchase our products here on our website or on
  • What is your returns policy?

    Customer satisfaction is our goal. We want you to be happy with the products you purchase. If you are not satisfied, return the product within 30 days of purchase, for a replacement or refund of the sale price. Please call Customer Service at 800-348-4372 to obtain a return authorization number prior to returning your purchase.

Herbal Questions

  • What is a liquid herbal extract?

    A liquid extract one one made with appropriate, food-grade solvents and that remains in liquid form for use.
  • What's the difference between homeopathy and herbalism?

    Herbalism uses physiologically active preparations of plants. Homeopathy uses highly diluted preparations of mostly plants that are intended to exert their influence on an energetic level. There are generally no detactable amounts of plant extractives left in homeopathic preparations.
  • What is a full spectrum extract (vs standardized extract)?

    A full spectrum extract or whole herb extract is one where the entire desired plant part is extracted and the final product represents this whole herb. The phytochemical profile is not quantified. A standardized extract can be any one of several types of extracts, including a whole herb extract, where one or more of the natural constituents is quantified and declared on the label. In some instances, standardized extractions are manipulated to maximize the standardized constituent to the exclusion of other constituents in the herb and thereby may no longer represent the same broad spectrum seen in whole herb extracts.
  • How can botanical or scientific names change?

    It is actually quite common for taxonomists to reclassify plants, changing the botanical name. We are required to keep botanical names current and thus change the names on labels as needed.
  • Which is better, an alcohol tincture or glycerite?

    Alcohol tinctures tend to be slightly superior to glycerin extracts due to the extracting properties of the alcohol. However, we offer a wide range of comparable glycerites for children or those with alcohol sensitivities.
  • Are extracts made from fresh herbs better than ones made from dry herbs?

    It depends on the herb and on the menstruum being used. Some herbs make better extracts when used dry and some when used fresh. Some herbs that work best as fresh herb tinctures are better as dried herb glycerites.
  • Are herbal extracts a good source for minerals?

    No, because alcohol is not an effective solvent for minerals.
  • How do herbs work?

    Herbs are considered active due to the secondary phytochemicals they contain. These phytochemicals are usually made as defensive chemicals by the plant as opposed to the primary chemicals that are used as macronutrients by the plant and in our food.
  • Why can’t you tell me what the herbal supplement is good for on the label or website?

    Many of our labels do bear Structure/Function Statements as allowed under Dietary Supplement regulations. These statements are not allowed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
  • How do I know which form of herbal supplement is best? Liquid, powder or fresh whole herb?

    Part of the beauty of herbs is that there are so many preparation forms available. What works best will depend on the quality of the starting herb, the preparation and the individual response of the consumer.
  • Is there a difference in strength between capsules and liquid extract?

    Differences in strength and (more importantly) activity of capsules and liquids depends on how the specific products were produced.
  • What is an infusion?

    Infusions are water extracts made by steeping herb in (typically) recently boiled water to extract its constituents.
  • What is a decoction?

    Decoctions are water extracts made by exposing the herb to boiling water for 10 to 60 minutes.
  • What is the difference between a spirit and an essential oil?

    Essential oils are typically made by steam-distilling the aromatic components off of an herb into a very highly concentrated, oil-like liquid. Spirits are dilutions of essential oils that aid their internal use by the act of dilution. While some spirits are made from just diluting the essential oil in alcohol, we make spirits with a tincture of the herb so that it more broadly represents the plant material.
  • What herbs should I avoid when pregnant?

    This depends on the specific herbs and is too complex to list here. Appropriate cautions for pregnancy can be found on our labels.
  • What's the difference between Traditional Chinese Herbalism, Western Herbalism and Ayurveda from India?

    The Chinese and Indian approaches are based on very complex systems of energetics. While energetics are also used in Western herbalism, they are typically not as prominent as in the other systems. Western herbalism is an amalgam of European and American herbal wisdom.
  • How long does it take for herbs to be effective?

    Response time to herbs can be as fast as 30 minutes or may take 2-4 weeks depending on the herb, the condition and the person. Occasionally an herb will not work for a person and other herbs or actions need to be pursued.