Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How fast will my herbs and/or supplements work?

It depends on the herbs and the reason you are taking them. Some herbs, particularly the medicinal ones that are taken to relieve specific acute symptoms, are taken short-term and act very quickly. Most herbs, particularly the tonic herbs, are foods that nourish the body on a deep level and revitalize the body's ability to function healthily. Instead of a "quick-fix", these herbs provide the foundation for long-term health and the symptoms (for example, fatigue) lessen and disappear over days, weeks, or months.

The same is true for many supplements. Pain relief from osteoarthritis with Glucosamine and Chondroitin frequently takes 10-14 days before relief is noticeable. You cannot expect the quick (but fleeting) relief (or, serious adverse effects) that you might experience from a prescription drug. But, when the supplements begin to work, you will continue to experience increased benefits, over time, as the supplements restore your body's healthy functioning.

So, to find out how fast an herb or supplement will take to work, ask one of our herbalists. They are always available by phone or in person to answer your questions.

If you are taking herbs (or, supplements) to fortify your body's defenses against disease and degenerative conditions, the issue of time is more complicated. For example, to build your immune system, you might take high doses of herbs or supplements for a few months and then reduce to a maintenance dose thereafter. Or, if you want to replenish and increase the level of antioxidants in your blood, you might take large doses for a time, and then have your blood tested to see if you've reached a healthy level. Once you've reached your goal, you can reduce to maintenance doses. However, as soon as you discontinue taking the herbs or supplements, then the body starts to revert to not having the benefits of the herb or supplement and the old conditions will once again begin to manifest.

REMEMBER, in the East the Herbalist is paid when the patient is feeling well, and the herbalist pays the patient when the patient is sick!

So, to find out how fast your particular herb or supplement will take to work, ask one of our herbalists. They are always available by phone or in person to answer your questions.

Should I take my herbs and/or supplements on an empty stomach or with food?

Taking herbs on an empty stomach depends on the formula and on your digestion. With some exceptions (ask your herbalist), it is usually best to take our herbs (which are whole foods) in between meals. However, some of us have sensitive digestive systems and can't tolerate the herbs by themselves. If so, take the herbs with food. This may lower the herb's effectiveness by a small amount, but the herbs will still be effective.

The same principle applies to most supplements (ask your herbalist), with one exception. We recommend that you take your daily vitamins and minerals with food since several ingredients are fat-soluble and will not be absorbed by your body unless accompanied by some amount of fat.

Is it safe to take my herbs and/or supplements with prescribed or over-the-counter medications?

It depends on the specific situation. Usually, there is no problem and no adverse interaction. But, in some cases, you should not mix certain herbs or supplements with medications. For example, some herbs (ginkgo) and supplements (Vitamin E) are blood thinners and should not be taken with prescribed anticoagulants, like Coumadin.

So, be sure to ask your herbalist if you have any questions. Tea Garden maintains several references to drug-herb-supplement interactions and your herbalist can provide you and your physician with up-to-date information.

What is the difference between raw herbs and whole herb extracts?

Raw herbs contain both active ingredients and indigestible materials that bind the herb together. By extracting the active ingredients (in water and alcohol) Tea Garden extracts all of the vital healing essences of the herbs, while leaving the indigestible materials behind.

With rare exceptions, our herbs are all extracted and concentrated. Our Astragalus, for example, is concentrated to a natural extraction ratio of 10:1, which means that it took 10 pounds of Astragalus to make one pound of our concentrated extract.

While raw herbs are much less expensive than concentrated whole herb extracts, they're also much less potent, much harder to assimilate, and ultimately less effective.

What are Tonic herbs?

Out of the 100's of herbs in Chinese Herbalism, there is an elite group of about 60 incredible herbs that are referred to as "Tonic" herbs or "Superior" herbs. For an herb to qualify as a Tonic Herb, it must meet the following criteria - It must contain at least one of the Three Treasures (Chi, Jing, Shen) in sufficient strength to stimulate the building and maintenance of that treasure in the person taking the herb.

Tonic herbs have been revered for 1000's of years for their profound health-promoting actions and their ability to aid in the attainment of a long and healthy life. They are truly one of nature's greatest treasures.

Why is alcohol used in most liquid extracts?

It is the most effective substance for extracting (along with hot water) and preserving herbs. Glycerin can also be used for preserving the herbs (but not for extraction), but the shelf life with glycerin is much shorter.

It should be noted that the amount of alcohol in most of our liquid extracts is negligible. For example, Mushroom Defense Supreme contains about 40% alcohol, which means about 7/10 of an ounce in a two ounce bottle. Since this is consumed over 10-15 days, the amount of alcohol consumed daily is very small.

If you are concerned about consuming even this small amount of alcohol, pour your extract into a cup of steaming hot tea or other hot beverage and the alcohol will evaporate in a couple of minutes.

Does this site include all the products Tea Garden offers?

No, this site does not include all of our products as they are much too extensive to place all of them on one site. We have many other products including bulk herbs, certain supplements and processed herbs we do on an individual basis, as well as our lifestyle products and accessories. If you can't find a product you want, please call us at 800-288-4372 and we'll be pleased to process your order by telephone.

More Questions?

If you have any other questions you would like answered feel free to e-mail us at info@teagarden.com.