Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our herbs, how to brew them, where we source them, and how to shop with confidence. Can't find your answer? Contact us directly — we're always happy to help.
🌿 About Our Herbs
What exactly is loose leaf herbal tea?
Loose leaf herbal tea means you're getting the actual dried herb — not a processed powder compressed into a bag. What you see in your package is the real plant: dried leaves, roots, berries, or flowers. This gives you more surface area, stronger flavor, and greater potency than most tea bags. You brew it using a strainer, infuser, or cheesecloth, then strain and drink.
Are your herbs organic?
We source high-quality, carefully selected herbs and are transparent about what goes into every product. Each product page lists the exact botanical name and part of the plant used. If you have specific sourcing questions about a particular herb, reach out — we're happy to share what we know.
Where do you source your herbs?
We work with trusted wholesale herb suppliers who provide dried botanicals. Every batch is small — we don't buy in bulk just to sit on inventory. That means fresher herbs in your hands.
Do your herbs contain caffeine?
Most of our single herbs are naturally caffeine-free — including Mullein, Elderberry, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Lavender, Burdock Root, Hibiscus, and most others. The exceptions are Yerba Maté, Resilient Energy, and Green Tea, which do contain caffeine. Each product page notes caffeine content.
☕ Brewing & Using Your Herbs
How do I brew loose leaf herbal tea?
The basic method:
- Add 1 teaspoon of loose leaf herb to a tea infuser, strainer, or cheesecloth
- Pour 8–10oz of hot water over the herbs (just off the boil — around 200°F for most herbs)
- Steep for 10–15 minutes (roots and berries need longer; delicate flowers like chamomile, 5–7 minutes)
- Strain thoroughly and enjoy
Mullein in particular requires very thorough straining or use of a tea bag — its fine hairs can irritate the throat if not fully removed.
Can I drink herbal tea cold?
Absolutely. Cold brewing and iced herbal teas are wonderful — especially Spearmint, Hibiscus, Peppermint, and Lemon Balm. Brew hot and pour over ice, or cold-steep in the refrigerator overnight for a smoother result. Marshmallow Root is actually best cold-steeped to preserve its mucilaginous properties.
How much should I drink per day?
For most herbs, 1–2 cups daily is a great starting point. Some herbs like Stinging Nettle or Lemon Balm can be enjoyed more freely; others like St. John's Wort or Barberry are best used with more intention. Each product page includes a suggested use. When in doubt, start with one cup and see how your body responds.
Can I mix herbs together?
Yes — and this is where herbal wellness gets exciting. Some of our favorite combinations:
- For sleep: Chamomile + Valerian Root + Passionflower
- For respiratory support: Mullein + Elderberry + Thyme
- For detox: Detox and Cleanse includes Dandelion root and Leaves + Cleavers + Burdock Root + other herbs
- For women's wellness: Spearmint + Red Clover + Red Raspberry Leaf
We also offer a collection of blends — explore them here.
Can I add sweetener to my herbal tea?
Yes. Agave is the Founder's recommendation — her favorite natural option. It is low on the glycemic index, however if you have liver issues you may want to consider another option. Date syrup, maple syrup, honey, monkfruit, and coconut sugar are other natural options. Avoid refined white sugar and artificial sweeteners.
⚠️ Safety & Health Questions
Are your herbs FDA approved?
Herbal teas and dried herbs are sold as dietary supplements and food products — they are not FDA-approved drugs and we don't claim otherwise. We share traditional use history, cultural context, and plant science so you can make informed decisions for your own wellness journey.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Can I take herbs if I'm on medication?
This is the most important question we get. Some herbs interact with prescription medications. St. John's Wort, for example, interacts with antidepressants, birth control, and blood thinners. Barberry (berberine) can interact with diabetes medications. Always consult your healthcare provider before adding herbs to your routine if you take any prescription medications. We include safety notes on every product page.
Can I take herbs while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Many herbs are not recommended during pregnancy — including St. John's Wort, Red Clover, Damiana, and Passionflower. Some herbs are traditionally considered safe in moderate amounts (like Ginger and Red Raspberry Leaf), but we always recommend consulting your OB or midwife before using any herbal product during pregnancy or while nursing.
Can children drink herbal tea?
Some herbal teas like Chamomile and Peppermint are generally considered gentle for children in small amounts. Others are not appropriate for children. Please consult your child's pediatrician before giving herbal teas to children, especially under age 2.
Why do you include safety warnings on your products?
Because we take your health seriously. A wellness business that doesn't tell you the full picture isn't looking out for you. Every product page includes relevant safety notes and the standard FDA disclaimer. We want you informed — not just sold to.
📦 Orders, Shipping & Returns
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — free shipping on orders over $75 with code SHIPFREE at checkout.
Where do you ship from?
We ship from Emmaus, Pennsylvania — right here in the Lehigh Valley. Small batch, hand-packed by Tawana and her team.
How long does shipping take?
Most orders ship within 1–3 business days. Delivery time depends on your location and the shipping method selected at checkout. You'll receive a tracking number once your order ships.
What is your return policy?
Due to the nature of herbal products, we are unable to accept returns on opened packages. If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days of delivery and we'll make it right.
Can I cancel or change my order?
Contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change an order. Once an order has shipped, we're unable to make changes. Reach us here for the fastest response.
🧡 About Herbs, Oils and Things
Who is behind Herbs, Oils and Things?
Tawana — a girl who loves herbs, and believes plants can change your life. Her journey started with her grandmother's wisdom, a B12 revelation, and an elderflower tea that cleared up years of seasonal allergies. She started sharing herbs with friends and family and built Herbs, Oils and Things to bring affordable herbal wellness to everyone. Read her full story here.
What is The Healing Table?
The Healing Table is our community — a gathering place for people on their herbal wellness journey. It's where we share herb education, wellness conversations, and live herb shows. Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/nwH3EzrBy
Do you offer custom blends?
Yes! Work one-on-one with Tawana to create a personalized herbal blend tailored to your specific wellness goals. Learn more here.
Do you do live herb shows?
Yes — we sell live on Whatnot. Follow us to get notified when the next show goes live. It's the best way to learn about herbs in real time, ask questions, and grab deals. Find us on Whatnot here.
Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you. Send us a message here.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.