How to Create a Herbal Regimen
Starting a new herbal product is so exciting. The number 1 question I receive after an order is how often/when to take the herbal product and how much. Whether it be a tea or an extract, knowing how much to take and how often can be difficult to ascertain as everyone’s body has different requirements. In this article, we will discuss the different circumstances to take into account and how to build a consistent regimen so you get the best results.
As I stated above, everyone has unique needs and will require different things. Use these steps to determine what your needs are.
Consistency
Herbs are not the same as pharmaceuticals. While we can pop a pill and have an almost immediate effect, most herbs take time and need to build up in our system. Consistency is key to building your regimen if it is a daily preparation. If it is easier for you to remember at night, then take them at night. If you remember better in the morning, then take it in the morning. You will need to find when it feels best in your body and when you will remember so experiment and find what works for you.
Some preparations (particularly those working on an acute condition) require multiple times a day. If you are working on an acute issue, taking your preparation 2-4 times a day can be helpful for continually receiving that support.
If your preparation is not a daily use, then you will take it as needed. For pain relief and strong sedatives, you will use them immediately and should notice a difference within 30 minutes. Digestive support can be taken immediately before or after a meal.
Time of Day
The effect of the product needs to be taken into account. For example, if you are taking an energizing blend you will want to take that when you need the extra energy (typically in the morning). The time of day for relaxing blends will depend on what type of relaxing blend it is. If it is a preparation made to be a sedative and for sleep support, you should take that before bed. However, if it is a blend for stress, anxiety, and general overwhelm, that should be taken whenever you will be most consistent. This is because these herbs are generally more gentle and are meant to build up in your system.
Method
The method of taking your extract will depend on what type it is. Use these general guidelines to determine how to take it. You can also contact your herbalist and get their opinion.
Alcohol Extracts: The best method is under the tongue. This is because the nerve endings are close to the surface so you will absorb the extract quicker and see a result sooner. This can be too painful for some because of the burn so an alternative is on top of the tongue. You can also add it to a small cup of water but some preparation needs to be tasted to truly activate the benefits (namely digestive blends), so check with your herbalist.
Non-alcohol Extracts: These can be taken the same way as the alcohol extracts, or used in mixed drinks. Cocktails and mocktails are very popular with vinegar or glycerin extracts. Mix it with some juice, coconut water, sparkling water, or whatever you like. Mocktails are a fun way to experiment with different flavors and to make your herbal preparations fun.
Flower essences: These are energetic blends that do not contain any plant material. The typical amount taken is 1-3 drops under or on the tongue 1-3 times a day. This is up to you and how you feel. Experiment and find the right amount and method for you.
Teas and powders: In general, you should be using at least a tablespoon of herbs in your tea to receive the medical benefits. Your tea container should say how long to steep but the average is 7-10 minutes. It won’t hurt to steep for longer but depending on the herbs it may get a little bitter. If you have a root-heavy blend, it should be steeped for longer but it should say on the bag.
For drink powders, start with a teaspoon and adjust from there. Taste test and see what you like.
Topicals: Salves, creams, and oils are to be used as needed. Using them after a warm shower or bath when your pores are open can aid quicker absorption.
Amount
This is where it gets very personal and a little complicated. The key here is to be open and really in tune with your body. There are a few variables:
Acute versus Chronic: If you are dealing with an acute issue (recent injury, GI flare up, higher stress or unusual sleep disturbance, cold or flu, etc.) you will want to take more than usual. I would start by doubling your typical amount and adjust as needed. Sometimes you may take 3-4 times as much. Again, you will need to read your body and see how it feels. Try splitting your usage to morning and night, or every 4-6 hours, depending on the use.
For chronic conditions or gentle support formulas, start with 1 dropper once a day. A dropper should fill up a little under halfway, which is just short of 1mL. Try that for 2 weeks and see how that feels. Do you notice any differences? Pay attention to your whole body because you may see a shift outside of the area you are working on. Add another dropper if needed and reevaluate.
Constitution: Some people are more sensitive or more hardy than others. For example, I am very sensitive to alcohol and will feel a bit of a buzz from certain extracts and amounts. I always suggest starting out small and building as needed. More is not always better, and could be a waste as well. If you know you are more sensitive, start on the lower side and assess how you feel.
Size: Just like with food and alcohol, those with a higher body fat percentage or larger builds (taller, morse muscle) typically need more before they can feel a difference. I still suggest starting with the standard 1 dropper and adjusting from there.
Children
Children can also benefit from herbal remedies, especially for immune, sleep, and emotional support. Some parents prefer to use “child-safe” preparations that do not contain alcohol, such as glycerin, vinegar, or teas. You can, however, still use alcohol extracts by diluting them in a drink. That is up to each parent to decide for themselves.
Infants: Start with a few drops to 1/4 of a dropper and repeat as needed. For teas and infusions, 1/2 tsp to several sips.
Toddlers/children: 1/4-1/2 adult dose, depending on weight for extracts is sufficient, but you can give an adult dose if needed.
Medication
If you are on medications, check with your doctor and do your
research for interactions.
As you can see, there is a lot to take into consideration and it really varies person to person. Herbalism is all about education and experimentation, and starting a herbal regimen is the same way.
If you need more help, feel free to reach out to me via email (herbaceousgoods@gmail.com) or through social media.
If you haven't already, check out my herbal products and start to build your regimen today!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
