Product Safety
Herbs
This is not medical advice: I am not a trained or licensed medical professional, but I do want you to be safe!
Please always consult with a medical professional before consuming something new (or non-food doses) if uncertain on safety, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have existing health conditions.
Agrimony
- Agrimony is high in tannins, which can be problematic if consumed in large quantities.
- May interfere with menstrual cycles and blood sugar levels.
Allspice
- May interact with anticoagulant medications.
Angelica root
- May be unsafe to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Aniseed
- May cause allergic reactions in people with allergies to other members of the Apiaceae family.
- Can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
- If consumed, may interact with hormone-sensitive conditions, oestrogen-based medications (including the oral contraceptive pill), &/or iron supplements.
Barley
- Contains gluten.
- Likely to cause allergic reactions in those with allergies to other grains or grasses.
Basil
- Estragole content may become harmful if taken in large/medicinal quantities.
Bay leaves
- If using in cooking, remove leaves before eating food.
- May interact with pain or sedative medications if consumed in large quantities.
Birch leaf
- May cause allergic reactions in those with sensitivities to carrot, mugwort, and celery.
- If consumed: may increase salt retention or interact with diuretic medications.
- Please check with your doctor for safety information if planning to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Blue Butterfly Pea
No safety information available.
Burdock root
- May trigger allergic reactions in people who have allergies to other plants in the Asteraceae family.
- May interact with anticoagulants if consumed.
- Please check with your doctor for safety information if planning to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Calendula
- Calendula is unsafe for those with ragweed allergies, or sensitivities to other plants in the Asteraceae family.
- Do not consume if pregnant.
- May interact with sedative medications.
Caraway
- If consumed, may interact with pregnancy, blood sugar/diabetes medications, and interfere with iron levels.
Cardamom
- Do not consume in larger than food amounts if pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have gallstones.
Cassia
- Cassia can lower blood sugar, and may increase the effects of diabetes medications.
Catnip
- Do not smoke.
- Do not consume in large doses.
- Do not consume if pregnant. May worsen Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and heavy periods.
- Consumption should be avoided by children. Some adults may also be susceptible to negative side-effects.
- May interact with sedatives &/or lithium.
Celery seed
- May cause allergic reactions in those with sensitivities to carrot, mugwort, and birch.
- Not suggested to consumer larger than food amounts if pregnant or breastfeeding, or for those with low blood pressure, bleeding disorders, or kidney problems.
- May interact with sedatives, thyroid medications, lithium, and medications that increase photosensitivity.
Chamomile
- Chamomile is unsafe for those with ragweed allergies, or sensitive to other plants in the Asteraceae family.
- When consumed, chamomile may interact with anticoagulant, sedative, or oestrogen-based medications (including contraceptives), as well as medications processed by the liver.
- Chamomile can interact with hormone-based conditions.
Chaste berry
- May cause stomach upsets, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.
- Do not consume while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- May interact with hormone-sensitive conditions, Parkinson disease, psychotic disorders, and associated medications, as well as oral contraceptives and metoclopramide.
Chickweed
- Chickweed may be unsafe to consume in large quantities.
- Please check with your doctor for safety information if planning to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Chicory
- May cause digestive upsets if consumed.
- Can cause allergies, particularly in those with allergies to ragweed or other members of the Asteraceae family.
- May interact with pregnancy, blood sugar levels, and gallstones.
Chilli
- Avoid consuming in large amounts if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- When consumed, chilli can increase blood pressure, affect blood sugar levels, or exacerbate bleeding disorders. It may interact with anticoagulants, blood pressure medications, theophylline, and cocaine.
Cinnamon
- Cinnamon can lower blood sugar, and may increase the effects of diabetes medications.
Cloves
- Clove may increase affect blood sugar levels in diabetics or exacerbate bleeding disorders when consumed, and interact with anticoagulant medications.
Comfrey
- Do not consume if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- The alkaloids in comfrey can be harmful to the liver, so be cautious if using on broken skin, or consuming, particularly if taking any medications which interact with the liver.
Coriander seeds
- Some people are allergic to coriander, particularly those with allergies to aniseed, caraway, dill, fennel, mugwort, and similar plants.
- May interact with pregnancy, breastfeeding, blood pressure, and blood pressure issues when consumed.
Cornflower
- May cause a reaction in people with allergies to ragweed and other members of the Asteraceae family.
Cumin
- May be unsafe to eat in more than food-safe amounts if pregnant or breastfeeding. Can interact with bleeding disorders, blood sugar levels, and diabetes medications.
Damiana
- Do not consume in large quantities.
- May interact with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and diabetes medications when consumed.
Dill
- Some people are allergic to dill (especially those with allergies to other plants in the carrot family).
- Large quantities may trigger menstruation, and should be avoided if pregnant.
- May interact with blood sugar and thyroid levels.
- May interact with lithium.
Echinacea
- Can cause severe allergic reactions, especially in those who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.
- Do not consume regularly or long-term.
- Can interact with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and autoimmune conditions.
- May interact with medications, and increase the effects of caffeine.
Elderberry
- Elderberries are NOT safe to consume raw! - Elderberries MUST be cooked or prepared as a tea/tincture/syrup and NOT ingested raw.
- Elderberry may interact with autoimmune conditions.
Elderflower
- Consuming elderflower can interfere with blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Elecampane
- May cause allergic reactions in those with allergies to other Asteraceae plants (e.g. ragweed).
- Can be unsafe if consumed in large amounts, or while pregnant/breastfeeding.
- Consuming elecampane may interfere with blood sugar and blood pressure levels and sedative medications.
Eucalyptus
- Eucalyptus may interfere with blood sugar levels and medications processed by the liver.
Fennel
- Be cautious consuming fennel while breastfeeding. It can also interact with bleeding disorders, hormone-sensitive conditions, hormonal birth control, and some antibiotics.
Fenugreek
- Avoid consuming in large amounts when pregnant. Consuming large amounts of fenugreek seeds can also result in unusual body odour and urine colour.
- May interact with bleeding disorders, anticoagulant & antiplatelet medications, and diabetes medications.
Feverfew
- Do not consume if pregnant or breastfeeding. Consume with caution if you have a bleeding disorder, ragweed allergies, or if you are taking any medications processed by the liver.
- May cause digestive side-effects in some people.
Frankincense
- Be cautious with use during pregnancy.
Garlic
- Can cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis.
- Avoid in greater than food amounts if pregnant.
- May trigger gastrointestinal upsets in some people.
- Can interact with bleeding conditions, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
- May interact with medications.
Ginger
- May be unsafe to consume while pregnant.
- Can cause mild digestive upsets and increased menstrual bleeding.
- May exacerbate bleeding disorders or heart conditions.
- May interact with anticoagulants, and medications for diabetes or blood pressure.
Ginkgo Biloba
- Avoid if pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
- Some people are allergic to ginkgo, particularly those with allergies to cashews, mango, poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.
- Ginkgo can exacerbate bleeding disorders, interfere with blood sugar levels, and cause seizures (particularly in those who have seizure disorders). It has also been known to contribute to severe anaemia in those with G6PD enzyme deficiency.
- Ginkgo can interact with anticoagulants, including ibuprofen.
Ginseng
- Do not consume ginseng if pregnant.
- May interact with hormone-sensitive conditions.
- High doses of ginseng have been linked to insomnia, as well as agitation in people with schizophrenia.
- Ginseng can interact with anticoagulants, diabetes medication, and MAOI anti-depressants.
Hawthorn
- In some people, hawthorn can cause side-effects such as agitation, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, nausea, nosebleeds, stomach upset, and sweating.
- Hawthorn can interact with some medications used to treat heart conditions, high blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction.
Hibiscus
- While uncommon, hibiscus can cause digestive upsets, nausea, headaches, painful urination, shakiness, or ringing in the ears.
- Hibiscus is usually safe in regular amounts during pregnancy, but significant quantities may be unsafe.
- Hibiscus may lower blood sugar and blood pressure.
- May interact with acetaminophen.
Hops
- Can cause dizziness/sleepiness in some people.
- May interact with pregnancy/breastfeeding, oestrogen-sensitive conditions, oestrogen-based medications, sedative medications, and medications changed by the liver.
Horehound
- Do not consume in large amounts.
- Can cause skin irritation.
- May interact with pregnancy, diabetes, heart conditions, and blood pressure levels.
Hyssop
- May be unsafe to consume during pregnancy of while breastfeeding.
Jasmine
- Jasmine may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Juniper berries
- Can cause skin irritation in some people.
- Do not consume if pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
- Do not consume in large quantities or regularly over large periods of time.
- May interfere with blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and diuretic and diabetes medications. Can also irritate the digestive system.
Lavender
- May interact with sedative medications.
Lemon Balm
- Can cause some side-effects when consumed in large amounts.
- May interact with thyroid levels and sedative medications.
Lemongrass
- May trigger menstruation, avoid if pregnant.
Lemon Myrtle
No safety information available.
Lemon Verbena
- Can cause skin irritation for some people.
- Consuming large amounts may irritate the kidneys.
- May interact with sedative medications.
Licorice
- Do not consume in large amounts, especially if pregnant.
- May interact with kidney problems, blood pressure, hormone-sensitive conditions, and multiple medications.
- Can increase risk of irregular heartbeat, decrease potassium level, and cause water retention.
- Regularly consuming licorice can cause a number of side effects (ranging from mild to serious).
Linden leaf
- May cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Frequent use of linden tea has been linked with heart damage.
- May interact with lithium.
Linseed
- Can interact with hormone-sensitive conditions (including pregnancy and breastfeeding), anticoagulants, and diabetes medications.
- Consuming can impact on the gastrointestinal system.
Marjoram
- May cause an allergic reaction in those who have allergies to other plants in the Lamiaceae family.
- Consuming large amounts may be unsafe during pregnancy. May also impact on heart rate, blood sugar levels, bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, lung conditions (including asthma), seizure disorders, and blockages in the gastrointestinal, urinary, or reproductive systems.
- Can interact with lithium.
Marshmallow
- Do not consume in greater than food amounts if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- May interact with lithium, anticoagulants, and some oral medications.
Meadowsweet
- Unsafe for internal use while pregnant. Safety during breastfeeding unknown.
- May cause allergic reactions in those with allergies to aspirin.
- Can cause negative reactions in asthmatics.
- May interact with aspirin and some anti-inflammatories.
Mistletoe
- Please consult with a medical professional if planning to use internally, as mistletoe can be toxic, and interacts with a number of medical conditions and medications.
Mugwort
- Mugwort is an extremely common allergen.
- Can trigger menstruation; avoid if pregnant.
- May cause mania when consumed in large quantities.
Mullein
- May be unsafe to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Mustard
- DO NOT BURN - the smoke from mustard seeds is a severe irritant.
- Do not consume in larger than food amounts.
- Likely to cause irritation when used topically or near sensitive areas.
- May interfere with blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and diabetes medications.
Myrrh
- Topical applications can cause a rash in some people.
- Can stimulate menstruation, be cautious with use while pregnant (do not consume).
- May interact with some diabetes and anticoagulant medications.
Nettle
- Do not consume if pregnant.
- Nettle has a diuretic effect, and can cause digestive upsets in some people.
- May interfere with blood pressure, blood sugar levels, kidney problems, anticoagulants, lithium, and diabetes, blood pressure, and sedative medications.
Nutmeg
- Do not consume in large doses or over extended periods, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- May interact with sedative, anticholinergic, and cholinergic medications, medications changed by the liver, and Phenobarbital (Luminal).
Oak bark
- May interact with heart conditions, skin conditions, hypertonia, kidney problems, and liver problems.
- Avoid oak bark if you have a fever or infection.
Olive leaf
- May lower blood pressure.
Orange peel
- Do not consume in large quantities.
- May interact with some medications.
Oregano
- May cause an allergic reaction in those who have allergies to other plants in the Lamiaceae family.
- Do not consume in larger than food amounts during pregnancy.
- May interfere with blood sugar levels, bleeding disorders, and lithium.
Parsley
- Can cause allergic reactions in some people (aspirin can increase sensitivity in these people).
- Do not consume in larger than food amounts during pregnancy.
- Consuming large amounts can cause anaemia and liver or kidney problems.
- May interfere with blood sugar levels, blood pressure, blood clotting, kidney problems, fluid retention, anticoagulants, and diuretic medications.
Passionflower
- Do not consume if pregnant.
- May interact with sedative medications.
Patchouli
No safety information available.
Pepper
- May be unsafe in larger than food quantities., especially for: children, pregnant/breastfeeding people, diabetics, people with bleeding conditions, and people having/recovering from surgery.
- Ground pepper can sometimes be accidentally inhaled - pepper getting into the lungs has caused fatalities in both children and adults.
- Can interact with a variety of medications.
Peppermint
- Peppermint can cause negative effects in some people, including heartburn, dry mouth, and nausea.
- May interact with medications processed by the liver.
Pine needles
- Should not be consumed while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Some people are are allergic to pine.
- May interact with anticoagulants, diuretics, and diabetes medications.
Poppy seeds
- Some people are allergic to poppy seeds, especially those with opioid allergies, or allergies to hazelnut, rye, kiwi, sesame, or buckwheat.
- Poppy seeds should not be used in teas or high-liquid contexts.
- Do not consume poppy seeds in large amounts.
Pumpkin seeds
- Consumption of pumpkin seeds may interact with lithium.
Raspberry leaf
- Raspberry leaf can interact with blood sugar levels and hormone-sensitive conditions.
Rooibos
- Drinking large amounts of rooibos tea (10+ cups/day) for an extended period can cause liver problems.
Rose
- The high vitamin C content in rosehip can interact with estrogen-based medications, anticoagulants, lithium, fluphenazine, and aluminium (eg in antacids).
Rosemary
- Can cause allergic reactions in those with allergies to aspirin.
- Can cause side-effects if consumed in large amounts or over extended periods.
- Do not consume in large amounts if pregnant.
- May exacerbate bleeding and seizure disorders.
Sage
- Be cautious of sage consumption if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Sage is high in thujone: Do not consume in large amounts, or regularly over extended periods.
- May interact with seizure disorders, blood sugar levels, diabetes and seizure medications, and sedatives.
Salt
- While some people use salt to mark the outline of their ritual circle, PLEASE ensure this is not done outdoors, as salt is incredibly damaging to plants and soil ecosystems.
Sesame
- Sesame may cause allergic reactions in some people.
- May interact with blood pressure or blood sugar levels.
Skullcap
- May increase the effects of sedative medications.
Sloe (Blackthorn)
- Do not consume in large amounts, or if pregnant, due to toxins in the seeds.
St Marys Thistle (Milk Thistle)
- Some people may be allergic to St Mary’s thistle, especially those with allergies to other members of the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies, and marigolds.
- Consumption may cause digestive side-effects in some people.
- May interact with hormone-sensitive conditions, hormone-based medications (including birth control), cholesterol medications, and medications processed by the liver.
Star Anise
- Star anise may cause skin irritation in some people.
- It has been known to cause negative reactions in children.
Sunflower seeds
- Sunflower products may trigger reactions in people who are allergic to other members of the Asteraceae family.
Tarragon
- Tarragon is unsafe for those with ragweed allergies, or sensitive to other plants in the Asteraceae family.
- May interact with anticoagulants or bleeding conditions.
Tea
Tea is high in caffeine. This may:
- Be passed through breastmilk to nursing infants.
- Exacerbate anxiety, bleeding disorders, heart conditions, digestive issues, seizure disorders, high blood pressure, or affect blood sugar control in diabetics.
- Interact with a wide range of medications.
It may also interact with anemia, glaucoma, osteoporosis, and anticoagulants.
Thyme
- May cause an allergic reaction in those who have allergies to other plants in the Lamiaceae family.
- Thyme can cause digestive upset, headaches, or dizziness in some people.
- May interact with hormone-sensitive conditions, bleeding disorders, and anticoagulants.
Valerian
- Some people experience the following side-effects from taking Valerian: drowsiness, dry mouth, excitability, headaches, heart disturbances, insomnia, mental dullness, slowed responses, uneasiness, vivid dreams. It can also lead to sluggishness and difficulties waking up, if taken the evening before.
- May be unsafe for extended periods of use, as well as while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Valerian slows the central nervous system - treat it with the same respect as sedative medications.
- May interact with sedatives, CNS-depressants (including alcohol), and medications processed by the liver.
Vervain
- Probably safe to consume in regular food amounts.
- May interact with medications processed by the liver.
Willow
- Can cause allergic reactions, especially in those with allergies or sensitivities to aspirin.
- Can cause diarrhoea, heartburn, and vomiting in some people when consumed.
- Should not be consumed if breastfeeding, by children with viral infections, or for extended periods.
- May interact with bleeding disorders, kidney disease, and multiple medications.
Wormwood
- Some people are allergic to wormwood, especially those with allergies to other members of the Asteraceae family.
- Wormwood can be high in thujone, which can cause a number of side-effects if consumed (ranging from mild to fatal), and should be avoided by people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have seizure conditions or porphyria.
- Is likely to interact with anticonvulsant medications.
Yarrow
- Yarrow can trigger allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with ragweed allergies, or sensitive to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.
- Avoid while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Can cause skin irritation in some people.
- May interfere with blood clotting and bleeding disorders, anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, sedative medications, lithium, and antacids.