Helpful Information You Might Like to Know

The following guidelines are based on the American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Index. The purpose of the Index is to create meaningful safety classifications and labeling recommendations for botanicals.

The following safety data assumes the botanical will be used in a rational and informed manner. Illness or negative reactions can occur from excessive consumption, individual sensitivities and allergic reactions. Seek qualified expert advice before using a botanical with which you are unfamiliar.

Herbs

Agar Agar - This herb should be ingested only with adequate liquid. Not for use by persons with bowel obstruction.

Alfalfa - Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Aloes (Cape) - Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools or abdominal pain. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Angelica - Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons taking blood thinning agents. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Arnica (excludes homeopathic) - An emergency remedy. For external use only. Can cause allergic dermatitis with extended use or in sensitive persons.

Ashwagandha - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Barberry - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Bergamot, Wild - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Black Cohosh - Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.

Black Walnut - Not recommended for long term use.

Bladderwrack - Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing, or by persons with hyperthyroidism.

Blessed Thistle - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Bloodroot - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Blue Cohosh - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Boldo - Not to be used by persons with gallstones, serious liver conditions or obstruction of the bile duct.

Borage - Not recommended for long term use. Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.

Broom Tops - Not for use by persons taking MAO inhibitors or with high blood pressure.

Buchu - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Buckthorn - Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools or abdominal pain. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Calamus, European - Not recommended for internal use.

Cascara Sagrada

Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools or abdominal pain. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Catnip - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Cayenne (capsules & extract only) - Avoid contact with eyes or open wounds.

Chamomile, Roman - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Chaste Tree Berries - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Coltsfoot - Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use. Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.

Comfrey - For external use only. This herb should not be used on abraded skin and should not be used on unbroken skin for prolonged periods. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Coptis - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Cornflowers - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Cramp Bark - Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Deer’s Tongue - Use as an aromatic in potpourris or other crafts. Not for internal use.

Devil's Claw - Not recommended for use by persons with ulcers.

Dong Quai - Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Dyers Broom Flowers - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Elecampane - Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.

Ephedra (Ma Huang) - Warning: Seek advice from a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have high blood pressure, heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement or if taking an MAO inhibitor or any other prescription drug. Reduce or discontinue use if nervousness, tremor, sleeplessness, loss of appetite or nausea occur. Not intended for persons under 18 years of age. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Eucalyptus - Not to be used by persons with inflammatory diseases of the gastro-intestinal and bile ducts and severe diseases of the liver.

False Unicorn - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Flax Seed - This herb should be ingested only with adequate liquid. Not for use by persons with bowel obstruction.

Garlic (capsules & extract only) - Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.

Gentian - Not to be used by persons with ulcers or when stomach irritation or inflam-mation is present.

Ginger (capsules only) - Not to be used during pregnancy. Persons with gallstones should consult a health care practitioner before use.

Goldenrod - Persons with chronic kidney disorder should consult a health care practitioner before use.

Goldenseal Root - Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Guar - This herb should be ingested only with adequate liquid. Not for use by persons with bowel obstruction.

Henna - For external use only.

Hop Flowers -Not recommended for use by persons suffering from depression.

Horehound - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Hydrangea - Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use.

Juniper Berries - Not to be used for more than six weeks in succession. Persons with inflammatory kidney disease should not use this herb. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Lemongrass - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Licorice - Not for prolonged use except under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Prolonged use may cause hypertension, edema, headache, vertigo and potassium depletion. Not for use by persons with hypertension, hypo-kalemia, edema, cirrhosis of the liver and cholestatic liver disorders, and diabetes. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Lobelia - May cause nausea and vomiting if ingested. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Lomatium (bulk herb) - Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Lomatium (extract) - Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents. This product may cause a skin rash. Discontinue use if rash occurs.

Lovage - Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents or persons with impaired or inflamed kidneys.

Lycii Berries - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Mace - Caution: Large amounts of nutmeg or mace may cause dizziness, stomach pains, rapid pulse, nausea, anxiety, liver pain, double vision and coma.

Maidenhair Fern - Not to be used during pregnancy. Large doses may act as an emetic.

Mistletoe - Not for use by persons with protein hypersensitivity and chronic-progressive infections such as tuberculosis and AIDS.

Motherwort - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Mugwort - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Mulberry Bark - For decorative use only.

Mulberry Twig - Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Myrrh - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Nutmeg - Caution: Large amounts of nutmeg or mace may cause dizziness, stomach pains, rapid pulse, nausea, anxiety, liver pain, double vision and coma.

Oregon Grape - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Osha - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Parsley Root - Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons with inflammatory kidney disease.

Pennyroyal, European - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Periwinkle - Not for use by persons with low blood pressure or hypotension.

Pleurisy - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Prickly Ash Bark - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Psyllium Seed & Husks - This herb should be ingested only with adequate liquid. Not for use by persons with bowel obstruction.

Quassia - Not to be used during pregnancy.

Queen of the Meadow - Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use. Not to be used during pregnancy or while nursing.

Red Clover - Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Rehmannia, Raw - Not for use by persons with diarrhea and lack of appetite.

Rehmannia, Steamed - Not for use by persons with diarrhea and indigestion.

Rhubarb - Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools or abdominal pain. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Rue - Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Safflower Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons with hemorrhagic diseases or peptic ulcers. Ingestion of this herb may prolong blood coagulation time.

Sage (extract only) Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Sandalwood, Yellow Not for use by persons with diseases of the parenchyma of the kidney.

Sarsaparilla, Indian Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Sassafras Root Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use.

Senna Read and follow directions carefully. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools or abdominal pain. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Sheep Sorrel Not recommended for use by persons with a history of kidney stones.

Shepherd’s Purse Not to be used during pregnancy or by persons with a history of kidney stones.

Tansy Not to be used during pregnancy. 

Tonka Use as an aromatic fixative in potpourris or other crafts. Not for internal use.

Turmeric (extract only) Not to be used during pregnancy.

Uva Ursi Not to be used during pregnancy.

Vetiver Not to be used during pregnancy.

White Oak Avoid application to extensively damaged skin.

Wild Cherry Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use.

Woodruff Not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Wormwood Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Yarrow Not to be used during pregnancy.

Yellowdock Not recommended for use by persons with a history of kidney stones.

Essential Oils & Absolutes

Essential Oils are very potent. They should always be used sparingly and in conjunction with a reliable reference. Most oils should not be applied directly to the skin. Ingesting some oils can cause health problems or be fatal.

Allspice Berry - Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Almond, Bitter Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use. Avoid during pregnancy.

Amyris Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Angelica Root Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Anise Seed Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Balancing Blend Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Basil, Sweet Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use. Avoid during pregnancy.

Bay Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use. Avoid during pregnancy.

Benzoin Absolute Resin Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Bergamot, Orange Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center. External use will cause a skin reaction in the presence of sunlight.

Bergamot, Orange BF Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Birch, Sweet Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted. Avoid during pregnancy.

Cajeput Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Calamus Root Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Camphor, White Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Cardamom Seed Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Carrot Seed Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before culinary use. Not for external use.

Cedar Leaf Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Cedar, Atlas Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted. Avoid during pregnancy.

Cedarwood, Red Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Celery Seed Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Chamomile, German Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Chamomile, Roman Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Chamomile, Wild Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Cinnamon Bark Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before culinary use. Not for external use.

Cinnamon Leaf Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Citronella Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Clarifying Blend Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Clove Bud Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Coriander Seed Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Cumin Seed Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Cypress Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted. Avoid during pregnancy.

Elemi Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Eucalyptus Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Eucalyptus, Lemon Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Fennel, Bitter Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Fennel, Sweet Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use. Avoid during pregnancy.

Fir Needle, Siberian Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Frankincense Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Galbanum Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion contact a poison control center immediately. For external use only if properly diluted.

Garlic Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Geranium Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Ginger Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Grapefruit Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.

Helichrysum Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose contact a poison control center immediately. Dilute before external or culinary use.