Products
Organic or ethically wild-crafted:
Loose Herbs and Formulas/ Tea Blends
Green and Black teas
Culinary Spices (whole or powdered)
Supplements
Digestive enzymes & Probiotics
Infused Massage Oils/ Carrier oils
Jajoba, Sesame, EV Coconut, Olive
& Sunflower seed
Salves and Balms for Skin, Hair
and baby too...
Face/Body Lotions
Natural Bug Repellants
Natural Tooth and Gum care
Herbal Vinegars
Herbal Infused and raw Honey
Homeopathic remedies
Essential Oils
Bach Flower Essences
Natural healing books
Crystals
Animal Well-being
(even herbal doggie bones)
Herbal Notecards
Candles
Gifts
Classes
Herbal Consultations by appointment
And many many helpful resources
Botanical medicine is one of the oldest healing methods in human history.
The World Health Organization estimates that 80 percent of the world's population presently uses herbal medicine for some aspect of primary healthcare. There is a wide range in what is marketed as herbal medicine. The effectiveness depends on the quality and vitality of the original plant material and on the care and attention brought to harvesting, processing and storage. These issues are vital to the quality of any product we consume; and are especially important when we use these remedies as medicine for healing.
As the natural products industry has grown — it was measured to be $5 billion in the U.S. alone in 2009 — compromises have been made along the chain of production that undermine the integrity and efficacy of the medicines produced. The plants might be harvested incorrectly or at the wrong time and so instead of being vibrant green, the leaves have yellowed and started to die. They might be stored improperly, irradiated with chemicals or adulterated with similar species that are easier to harvest or more plentiful.
In more extreme examples, harsh solvents such as hexane are used to extract the chemical constituents of the plant.
The Little Herb Shoppe opened to help educate the public to become educated herbal consumers who know what to look for and where to find it. The more informed we are as consumers, the more we can demand from the manufacturers producing the medicines. In this way, over time we can help improve the overall quality of the botanical remedies available.
Here are some basic questions to ask to begin navigating the maze of herbal products:
Organic/Ethically Wild-crafted?
• If cultivated, were they grown organically?
• Were they ethical;y wild-crafted?
Quality control
• How do you know there is no adulteration?
• How does a company ensure that there are no heavy metals/pesticide residues in the plant material (this can be through testing, knowing where to harvest plants that haven't been contaminated, cultivating one's own using organic methods, etc.)?
How were the constituents extracted?
• Even though the plants may be 'natural' - some extraction processes involve harsh chemicals and solvents and are not at all natural. It can be particularly difficult to find out information about this - and confusing to try to interpret what company's claim on their websites. Ask company what processes they use or ask herbalists and practitioners you respect to recommend brands.
Social and Ecological Sustainability
• Are those growing and harvesting the medicines receiving a fair wage?
• Are the plants harvested in ways that enhance their long-term viability and health?
The Little Herb Shoppe invites you along the journey of maintaining or reclaiming your birthright to natural health.
Disclaimer
Please seek the advice of your doctor before using any herbal products. Kim Hudson d/b/a “The Little Herb Shoppe" makes no medical claims and is not liable for any adverse effects resulting from the use of these products. Do not use in combination with prescription drugs or if you are pregnant, without doctor's approval. These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and therefore, are not proven to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.