Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any licensing for herbalists in the United States
The licensing of medical and many health practices (e.g. massage therapists) occurs on a state level. There is currently no licensing or certification for herbalists in any state that precludes the rights of anyone to use, dispense, or recommend herbs. However, in a small number of states such as California, Naturopathic (ND) and acupuncturist licensing laws (LAc) include clauses that define natural remedies and sometimes specifically herbal remedies within the scope of the licensed practice. There is currently no state-level licensing for herbalists other than those linked to an acupuncture license (LAc). However, no current license precludes the right of other health professionals or lay persons to use, dispense, or recommend herbs, and additional legal protections granted to the license holder specifically related to the use of herbs are not always clear.
What are
Tinctures/Extracts
Elixirs
Oxymels
A tincture is a highly concentrated, liquid herbal extract that uses grain alcohol as its solvent. Tinctures are an extremely easy and convenient way to take herbal remedies as they require consuming a full dropper or two.
Our tinctures are handcrafted using organic herbs and alcohol. This assures a higher quality tincture. We use amber glass bottles with droppers that are easy to dispense, easy to take, rapidly absorbed, easy on the stomach and they can have up to a 5 year shelf life if stored away from direct heat and sun. Since alcohol is used for extraction, tinctures are not used to treat children. It is best to take tinctures between meals, apart from food. DO NOT take with coffee or black tea.
Herbal extracts can also be made using other solvents such as glycerin or apple cider vinegar. These are excellent options for those who wish to avoid alcohol entirely. Extracts made of glycerin or vinegar have a shorter shelf life.
An elixir is a tincture with an added sweetener. Sweetener is typically vegetable glycerin, honey or maple syrup.
Oxymel, is a traditional term that comes from the Latin word oxymeli meaning “acid and honey”. Apple cider vinegar-based extractions that are mixed with honey, are oxymels. Oxymels are potent medicine, and are especially helpful in healing protocols for children. Use them as a daily herbal boost to food and beverages to keep your immune system strong and aid in your body’s natural detoxification processes.
How do I take a tincture, elixir, oxymels
There are several methods of taking in plant medicine in these forms. You can take them “neat” or straight onto the tongue but if you wish to avoid the strong flavor you can dilute the dose in a small amount of water and take it like a shot. You could also add the dose to any other drink; a cup of tea, a smoothie, your bottle of water, whatever you prefer, just be aware that if you do not finish the beverage, you may be missing some of the dose.
Another delightful method of taking a tincture is to mix it with a teaspoon of local raw honey or a spoonful of sugar.
Elixirs and oxymels can be taken neat if you prefer since they are sweetened already. You can add 5-30 drops to still or sparkling water to amplify your hydration in a tasty way. Use it in the place of vinegar to make a salad dressing, in various cocktails or pour a teaspoon or two on top of tacos as a flavor-boosting finishing touch!
How much do I take
For most extracts 1-2 dropperfuls up to 3x per day. I suggest using that as a guideline more so than a hard fast rule. For most people, a little trial and error period is needed as you find how your body specifically reacts to various herbs. One individual may need the full 6ml in their day while another might find just a couple drops, not even a full dropper, is enough to get support. Start small and work your way up as needed. Keep in mind, though, that most herbs do not have an instantaneous effect and require a more long term commitment so it’s a good idea to give it a couple weeks of daily use before casting judgement. While some do provide immediate support, herbal remedies in general are not about a quick fix. This is a relationship with the whole plant, rather than a single isolated constituent like many of our modern medicines are derived from.
1 dropperful = 1ml = 1/4 teaspoon
Can I request a custom extract
It would be best to schedule a consultation. You can do that from the Services page. That way we can talk about your specific herbal health desires. From there I can determine if a custom extract is in order.
Can I take multiple herbal medicines
Each medicinal plant is unique and has special healing compounds. Herbs work in harmony with our bodies to support wellness. When beginning to explore the world of plant medicine, traditional herbalism holds that it is best to start with them one at a time to fully experience the taste, the essence, and the benefit of a single plant. We recommend reading our product descriptions to make an informed decision when selecting herbal medicines that will best meet your individual health needs.
Where do you source your plants for medicine making
We only work with organic plant material that we either grow ourselves, source locally, or from US growers that comply with using ethical farming standards and following the laws of nature.
Can I use herbal formulas if I’m pregnant or nursing
Always check with your physician first, as none of the information we provide is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. What we can share is what has been learned through study, research, and also from personal experience. These plants provide such a powerhouse of nutrition that we believe they are an incredible supplement to feed a growing baby and nurture a mother in need. There most certainly are certain herbs that should not be taken while pregnant and or nursing. Please do your own research and determine what is safe and healthy for you and your growing baby.
What are salves and balms
Herbs are infused in oil or butter (such as coconut oil or shea butter) and combined with beeswax and essential oils to create a therapeutic lotion. Applied topically to heal wounds, rashes, and other skin irritations. The skin is one of the largest gateways on the body to receive the medicinal actions of the plants.
What about capsules and powders
Herbs and roots are ground to a fine powder and often encapsulated for easy delivery. Some herbs can have a strong therapeutic effect when taken directly (as opposed to extracted in a liquid base) either in a powder or capsule. Certain powdered herbs can be mixed with oatmeal, yogurt, and beverages like hot chocolate, turmeric lattes as well as smoothies.
What are hydrosols
Also known as flower waters, are the water soluble constituents in the plant material produced by distilling fresh leaves, fruits, flowers, and other plant materials. With similar properties to essential oils, these aromatic waters are much less concentrated and are safely used topically as a mist to moisturize and heal the skin for children and adults. Flower waters can be used in creative cocktails, as a marinade, and to add a floral taste to dishes.
Do you have a brick and mortar store
No. TMA is sold strictly online at this time.
What is the shelf life of TMA personal care products
Our products are always handcrafted in small batches to ensure freshness and consistency with safe and natural ingredients and never compromised with unnatural preservatives. As such, each has a shelf life of approximately 1 year.
Once opened, skin care products become exposed to dirt and microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, and molds) that are found in the air and on the skin. As soon as you open and begin to use any product, the count down begins on it’s lifespan. If a product is discolored, has an unpleasant smell or looks odd, the product should not be used and should be discarded.
Keep in mind the following when considering lifespan of natural products:
*Each time you place your warm fingers into a tin or jar, you melt some of the butter which can change the consistency of the product.
*Fingers also introduce bacteria and other contaminants into the product. So use with clean fingers.
*If a product has not been stored properly, for example, if the lid has been left off for long periods of time, the product may ‘go off’ before it’s expected end.
*As scented products age, some of the natural essential oil scent may be lost. Pure essential oils just do not have the staying power of synthetic fragrance oils.
*Over time, natural colors may also fade.
Can I return my products if I am unsatisfied
Your satisfaction is our goal and we truly believe that you will love our products, but if you are unhappy, please let us know. Do to the nature of our products we do not accept returns. In the event you are not satisfied please contact use directly at triplemoonalchemy@gmail.com. Please include pictures and as much detail as possible so that we may determine if a refund is in order.
Do you offer wholesale
Yes. Please contact me to discuss.
Triple Moon Alchemy is not responsible for any individual reaction to any particular ingredient. Each product description on our website includes a complete list of ingredients. People with sensitivities to any listed ingredient should not use the product. In case you are in doubt always try an allergy patch test and if at any time irritation occurs, discontinue use of the product.