Herbal FAQ

USE INSTRUCTIONS

• What is the best way to take liquid herbal extracts?

Always follow the instructions listed on the label.  Extracts for oral use, with dropper closures, should be placed in 2 or more ounces of water as indicated on the label. For enhanced absorption, extracts are generally best taken between meals.

• How long before or after eating should I take liquid extracts? 

Unless otherwise directed by our staff, liquid, extracts can be taken up to 30 minutes before eating or 2 hours after eating 

 How many servings are in a 1oz bottle?

The servings per bottle are listed in the supplement facts panel. For a 1-ounce bottle with a dose of 1 full squeeze of the dropper bulb (0.7 mL), there are 40 servings per bottle.

• What does one full squeeze of the dropper mean?

For one serving, squeeze the rubber bulb one time with the glass pipette in the extract, squeeze and release the bulb once. 

• Can I take more than the suggested serving size?

We advise strongly not to exceed the labeled use instructions.

• Can I use your products every day?

This will vary by the product.  The individual product label, staff or website will provide you with specific use instructions and cautions.

• Some products state “Not for long term use”, what is considered long term?

Products marked “Not for long term use”, should be taken as follows: take a 1-2 week break every 6-8 weeks. 

• How many extracts can be taken at once?

Allowing your body to focus on a few areas of concern is preferred, therefore, we generally say 5 single extracts together or 3 compounds. 

• How should I store my Cheryl’s Herb products?

Our products do not require refrigeration because of their self-preserving character. They do need to be stored away from direct light heat sources like your oven and stove. They can however be stored at room temperature, even during the hot summer months. 

• Can I give your products to my pets?

Yes. Many of our clients have had success using our product line for pet use.  Since our formulations are designed for humans, we do encourage contacting us so that we can recommend a custom dosage for your pet’s unique needs.  A member of our staff would be happy to assist you and can be reached during these hours.  Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm CST  (314) 645-2165

• Is it ok to mix this extract in soda or a smoothie?

Yes, but the added foods in a smoothie or other beverage may slow or decrease absorption. Feel free to add extracts to juice, slightly cooled tea or other beverages. It can also be mixed in smoothies,

• Adding my extract to water makes it milky, cloudy or bubbly looking. Is it ok to use?

This is a typical reaction with resinous extracts mixed with water. The cloudiness that you see is a result of the resinous quality of extracts that cause it to adhere to the glass, in fact that reveals the high quality of the product. Often these same herbs can leave a ring in your glass that can be cleaned with alcohol or rubbing alcohol. Some of the herbs with this effect are, myrrh, guggul, boswellia, grindelia, elecampane lomatium, yerba santa, turmeric, milk thistle and propolis.

• What is the proper serving of liquid herbal extracts for children?

Call (314) 645-2165 for specific minimum ages and servings. Some extracts are not intended or appropriate for children.

INGREDIENTS AND MATERIALS

• What is the shelf-life of Cheryl’s Herbs products?

Most glycerites last around 3 years and extracts around 5 years. Specifics for individual products can be found on the bottle, either stamped on the bottom or written along the edge of the label.

• What does the info on the side of each of your bottles stand for?

The batch date and code is on the side of the label. Following is the Best By date, which is the recommended date for consumption of the product. The batch number represents the date of manufacture.

• Are your ingredients GMO free?

  Yes

• Are any of your products vegetarian or vegan?

All our products are vegetarian, and some are vegan, with the exception of beeswax. Beeswax is an ingredient in our balms and creams.

• Please explain your herb/menstruum ratio?

The herb to menstruum ratio is the weight of herb (in grams) to the volume of menstruum or solvent system (in mL) used to extract the herb. This varies however that information can be made available to you.

• Please explain your extraction rate.

How much herb was used to make a single serving of extract are labeled on a per serving basis, this tells you how much herb was used to make a single serving of extract.  The extraction rate is another representation of the herb to menstruum strength ratio. 

• What is your glycerin made from? Does it contain sugar?

Our glycerin is derived from corn.  While the FDA considers glycerin to be a carbohydrate, it is not a sugar and has an extremely limited effect on blood sugar. As far as the chemistry, there is nothing left in glycerin that reflects the source material. Glycerin is chemically changed from the starting fats used to make it and highly purified to 99+%. So chemically, all glycerin is the same. 

• Is your alcohol organic?

Yes, it is certified organic and is derived from sugarcane.

• How much alcohol is in an extract?

The amount of alcohol in individual liquid extracts can vary from 20% to 90% depending on the herb being extracted and its content of alcohol and water-soluble constituents. The amount of alcohol you consume in a dose of liquid extract is exceedingly small and when diluted in water, the percentage of what you are consuming becomes extremely small. For example, to fully extract Cayenne’s pungent resins and orange-red pigments requires at least 80% alcohol. A Cayenne extract made with a lower amount of alcohol will contain smaller amounts of Cayenne’s resins and pigments, and therefore will be of lower quality than the higher alcohol extract. 

• Does your alcohol have residual sugars in it?

We use USP 190 proof alcohol, which is fractionally distilled and does not have any residual sugar, since this process is equivalent to about 13 separate distillations. A molecule the size of sugar cannot make it’s way into the end product.  USP alcohol standards do not allow residual sugar. 

• Are the essential oils in your products safe to take internally?

Yes, we use only appropriate amounts of diluted, food grade essential oils that are generally recognized as safe and commonly used as food flavorings. However, we do not recommend ingestion.

• What determines if you use fresh vs. dried herb?

Some herbs, due to their high-water content and ability to dry well, produce a stronger extract when using the herb in a dried form.  This determination is made based on the nature of each individual herb.

• What kind of olive oil do you use in your topical oils?

It is certified organic, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil.

• Do you offer alcohol-free products?

Yes, our alcohol-free products are indicated as such on the label. 

• What is the bulb on the dropper made of?

Our black dropper bulbs are made of natural rubber (latex).

• What does "Sustainably Wildcrafted" or "Responsibly Wildcrafted" mean?

Cheryl’s Herbs responsibly uses wildcrafted herbs in their natural habitat according to specific guidelines. Our wildcrafters are required to adhere to Good Collection Practices to ensure high quality consistency for our raw ingredients and to help protect the viability of plant populations and avoid overharvesting.

• Where are your herbs grown?

Our herbs are collected as close as local farms and local mountains, and as far as every continent. 

PRODUCTION PROCESS

• Why do you use alcohol in your extracts?

First, alcohol is the only edible solvent that will extract and preserve many of the naturally occurring herb constituents that are poorly soluble in water, such as essential oils, resins, balsams and many alkaloids. Second, alcohol is an excellent natural preservative, which maximizes the shelf life of the extracts. Third, alcohol is a great carrying agent, which facilitates the absorption of the herb’s constituents into the bloodstream. Alcohol is the best food-grade solvent for extracting and preserving many of the naturally occurring herb constituents that are poorly soluble in water.

• How is your water distilled?

Our water is steam distilled. 

• Are your herbs free of hexane and other chemical solvents?

Yes, we only use ethanol (potable alcohol), distilled water and vegetable glycerin as solvents.

• Which of your extracts are processed with heat and are not cold processed?

Most are cold processed A few of our extracts are made with heat to maximize extraction of desired compounds.  Our infused oils are also made with extremely low heat (105°F).

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS 

• Are there any side effects from herbs?

No side effects are expected or typical. All our products carry cautions where appropriate.

• Are your products safe?

The plants have a high safety profile when used appropriately. We would not make/sell the product if that was not the case.

• How do you determine which cautions to list on your labels?

Our primary source of cautions is the Botanical Safety Handbook second edition.

• I have your product and it says not to use it in pregnancy. Can I use it while nursing?

Our products indicate on the label pregnancy and nursing cautions.  Also contact a member of our staff for clarification if necessary. (314) 645-2165 CST Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm

• Can I take this product with my medication?

If there is no drug interaction listed on the label, then to the best of our knowledge there is not adequate support for a potential interaction caution. However, we always recommend that you speak with your physician about any supplements that you want to take.

• Are your supplements safe for the elderly?

Sensitive individuals such as the elderly may want to reduce the amount used, especially to start. You can always start with a few drops several times per day to get a sense of an extract and see how you respond.

• Are all your products safe for children?

Our product line has an extremely high safety profile when used according to labeled instructions. We do, however, sell some products that are not appropriate for children. If there is any question whether an herb may be appropriate for a child, please call. (314) 645-2165 CST Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm

SHOPPING ONLINE

• Who do I contact if I am having trouble placing an order?

Our customer service team is available from 10am-6pm CST Monday to Saturday and would be happy to help. Just call us at (314) 645-2165 or info@cherylsherbs.com

• I have forgotten my password and can't login, what do I do?

If you can’t remember your password, simply click on the “forgot password” link on our sign in page. You’ll be prompted to enter your email address and we’ll send you an email with a link that will allow you to create a new password for your account. If you’re still having trouble accessing your account you can contact our customer service team by calling (314) 645-2165 

• Can I update my order after it has been placed?

If your order has not yet shipped, adjustments will be possible. Our customer service team is available from 10am to 6pm CST, Monday to Saturday and would be happy to help. Just call us at (314) 645-2165. 

• How do I cancel my order?

Our customer service team is available from 10am-6pm CST, Monday to Saturday and would be happy to help. Just call us at (314) 645-2165

• Can I send empty bottles back to be used?

Due to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) guidelines, we are not able to bring any used materials back to the facility. We encourage you to recycle locally. 

• How do I open a wholesale account?

To open a wholesale account, please create a user account online and indicate that you are either a wholesaler or professional by selecting this option during the sign-up process. A Cheryl’s Herb team member will be in touch to confirm your information and approve your wholesale account. See the link on our website

• Where do I enter my promo code?

You can enter coupon codes during the checkout process. 

• What payment methods do you accept?

We currently accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Apple pay and Google pay.  When you have placed your order, the payment is processed.

• Do I have to sign up for an account to place an order?

When completing an order, you have the option of checking out as a guest or you can create an account. If you choose to create an account, you will be able to keep your order history all in one place on your dashboard.

• Do you offer free shipping if I spend a certain amount?

We offer free shipping on orders over $50.  

• Do you ship internationally?

We ship within the Continental U.S.A, Hawaii and Alaska. Unfortunately, we do not ship internationally currently. 

• How are your products packaged?

Most of our products are packaged in amber glass bottles to protect the product from UV radiation (such as sunlight). 

• Where is my tracking information?

Once a tracking number has been allocated to your order, you’ll receive confirmation of this, via email, directly from UPS and USPS. 

• What is your return policy?

We want you to be happy with the products you purchase. If you are not satisfied return the product within 30 days of purchase, for a replacement or refund of the sale price this excludes open items. Please call Customer Service at (314) 645-2165

HERBAL QUESTIONS

• What is a liquid herbal extract?

A liquid herbal extract is a concentrated solution made by extracting (pulling or ‘washing’) the herb’s chemical constituents out of the inert herb fiber (cellulose) with a solution of alcohol and water or glycerin and water.  Vanilla extract is commonly known liquid herbal extract. 

• What is the difference between homeopathy and herbalism?

Homeopathy uses highly diluted preparations of mostly plants that are intended to exert their influence on an energetic level. Herbalism uses physiologically active preparations of plants. There are generally no detectable amounts of plant extractives left in homeopathic preparations.

• What is a full spectrum extract (vs standardized extract)?

A full spectrum extract or whole herb extract is one where the entire desired plant part is extracted and the final product represents this whole herb. The phytochemical profile is not quantified. A standardized extract can be any one of several types of extracts, including a whole herb extract, where one or more of the natural constituents is quantified and declared on the label. In some instances, standardized extractions are manipulated to maximize the standardized constituent to the exclusion of other constituents in the herb and thereby may no longer represent the same broad spectrum seen in whole herb extracts. 

• How can botanical or scientific names change?

We are required to keep botanical names current and thus change the names on labels as needed. 

• Are extracts made from fresh herbs better than ones made from dry herbs?

Some herbs make better extracts when used dry and some when used fresh. It depends on the herb and on the menstruum, a substance that dissolves a solid or holds in suspension, or solvent being used. Some herbs that work best as fresh herb tinctures are better as dried herb glycerites.

• Are herbal extracts a good source for minerals?

No, because alcohol is not an effective solvent for minerals. 

• How do herbs work?

Herbs contain a large number of naturally occurring chemicals (constituents) that have some type of biological activity.  This activity, phytochemicals, are usually made as defensive chemicals by the plant as opposed to the primary chemicals that are used as macronutrients by the plant and in our food.  Herbs work in a similar fashion to many pharmaceutical preparations.  In fact, some pharmaceutical medicines are still obtained from plants.  For example, the malaria medicine quinine is extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree, and the pain medicine morphine is produced from the opium poppy.  

• Why can’t you tell me what the herbal supplement is good for on the label or website?

The FDA considers herbal supplements foods, not drugs.  Therefore, they are not subject to the same testing, manufacturing and labeling standards and regulations as drugs.  This prevents us from making statements that claim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

• How do I know which form of herbal supplement is best? Liquid, powder or fresh whole herb?

Many factors contribute to the effectiveness such as the quality of starting herb, the preparation or process used to create it and the individual’s response to the herb.

• Is there a difference in strength between capsules and liquid extract?

The body does not need to break down a liquid extract, allowing more of the medicinal properties to be absorbed into the system.  This makes an extract much more powerful than a capsule or tablet. Cheryl’s Herbs does not sell capsules.

• What is an infusion?

The process of soaking the leaves of a plant or herb in liquid, typically boiled water.

• What is a decoction?

Decoctions is a method of extraction by boiling, for 10 to 60 minutes, herbal or plant material to dissolve the chemicals of the material, which may include stems, roots, bark and rhizomes. (Unlike roots which are attached to a root system rhizome grow underground or right at ground level like ginger or bamboo).

• What is the difference between alcohol spirits and an essential oil?

Essential oils are typically made by steam-distilling the aromatic components of an herb into a very highly concentrated, oil-like liquid. Alcohol spirits are dilutions of essential oils that aid their internal use by the act of dilution. While some alcohol spirits are made from just diluting the essential oil in alcohol, we make spirits with an extract of the herb so that it more broadly represents the plant material.

• What herbs should I avoid when pregnant?

Simply put it depends.  There is an exhaustive list of possibilities to factor into and individual’s reaction therefore we suggest appropriate cautions for pregnancy can be found on our labels or you can contact a member of our staff

This depends on the specific herbs and is too complex to list here. Appropriate cautions for pregnancy can be found on our labels.

• What is the difference between Traditional Chinese Herbalism, Western Herbalism and Ayurveda from India?

The difference between western herbalism and Chinese herbal medicine is the philosophy.  Chinese medicine prefers herbal formulas where the herbs work together synergistically to treat various patterns of disease in the body and treat the root cause of imbalance. Traditionally, western herbalism treats symptoms based on a single herb or remedy. Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health and lifestyle management that incorporates diet, exercise, life activity routines, psychotherapeutic practices, massage and botanical medicine.  Ayurveda focuses on prevention, applying techniques of self-care to restore health balance quickly and effectively.  

• How long does it take for herbs to be effective?

Response time to herbs can vary due to several factors such as the condition of the person. As a result, it could be as expeditious as 30 minutes or may take 2-4 weeks depending on the herb. Occasionally an herb will not work for a person and other herbs or actions need to be pursued.