There’s a lot to our labels, including the recommended dosage indicated on the bottle. The dose is based on an adult of average (150 pounds) weight. Obviously, dosages can vary based on your size, your issue, the desired strength of the supplement, etc. Our dosages are a general recommendation.
How is a dosage determined?
The recommended dose is based on an adult of average (150 pounds) weight. It is a guideline based on clinical and/or historical evidence. In general, most medicinal herbs require a period of time to become effective. Be patient.
Can I give my young children the herbal extracts that aren’t specifically part of your KIDS line?
Our herbal liquids are safe for adults and children alike. We recommend following Clark’s Rule to adjust the dosage for a child, based on their size.
Clark’s Rule is one of several different methods of calculating pediatric dosages. This method can be used to adjust the recommended adult dosage for children. Clark’s Rule uses the body weight of the child in pounds, NEVER in kilograms to calculate a child’s dose.
Here is the formula:
• Adult dose ___ X by weight of child ÷ 150 = Child’s dose
Here’s an example:
• An adult dose of an herbal extract is 40 drops. A 6-year old child weighs 50 pounds. Multiply 40 x 50 pounds = 2,000 ÷ 150 = to get a child’s dose of approx. 13 drops
Can I take your herbal supplements indefinitely?
Generally, it is best not to take medicinal herbal supplements continuously for a long period of time without a 'rest' period. Intake can be resumed after an adequate 'rest' period. You’ll find information on our labels and this website about the intended long-term or short-term use of a supplement. Keep in mind, each herb is unique and must be considered on an individual basis.
Are your herbal supplements safe for young children?
We offer a small line of Oregon’s Wild Harvest KIDS products specifically formulated for children, ages 2-12. When giving your child our supplements from our regular line, we recommend following Clark’s Rule of Dosage for determining the best dosage based on your child’s weight.
Are your supplements safe for the elderly?
Caution must be exercised when herbs are going to be taken by the elderly. For older people, one-half to two-thirds of the recommended dose is usually adequate.
How can I determine the daily dosage of an herbal supplement?
Herbs are best taken throughout the day to maintain a steady level of the medicinal herb circulating in the body. A person who drinks four cups of coffee daily normally does not drink those four cups in a five-minute period. Instead, they might drink four cups over the course of the entire day. Herbal supplements are the same way. If it is inconvenient to take the recommended dose of an herbal supplement three times daily, try twice daily. For acute conditions such as a cold, it is usually helpful to increase the number of times that the herb is taken per day for an optimum effect.
Most herbs do not have an immediate effect in the same way as, for example, aspirin or Ibuprofen might act on a headache. Therefore, it may require taking the recommended dosage consistently for approximately four to eight weeks before the beneficial effects are experienced.
Can I take medicinal herbal supplements with food?
Please refer to our product label for best results, which offer guidance for taking supplements with or without food. Most herbs are best taken on a slightly empty stomach; ideally about an hour after food, if taken with a larger meal.
When it says to take with food, how much food do I need to eat?
Just a small amount. There is no need for a full stomach.
What if this is my first time taking this herbal supplement?
Try cutting the dose in half for the first two-to-three days. If you have multiple allergies and/or sensitivities, it’s a good idea to start with a quarter of the dose, and gradually work up to the recommended dose by doubling the amount each time the herb is taken.
How do I know which form of herbal supplement is best?
Liquid, powder or fresh whole herb? This really depends on the herb in question and your personal preference. There have only been a few simple test tube studies comparing different types. Fresh whole herb is best for herbs that lose their activity upon drying. For instance, Feverfew is traditionally taken as a fresh leaf. The Feverfew capsules that we sell are made from freeze-dried Feverfew because this herb is probably susceptible to loss of compounds by regular drying methods. This is only one example. Many other herbs are very effective in the traditional dried form and very convenient for you. As in cooking, a dried herb means your dose looks smaller because the moisture has been removed vs. ingesting freshly dried plant material.
Is there a difference in strength between capsules and liquid extract?
There is very little difference between the extract and the liquid, other than the carrier (alcohol or glycerin versus the capsule). Encapsulated herbs contain fiber since they are comprised of the whole herb. Liquids tend to absorb more easily and quickly than capsules. You might try taking both forms to see which one fits your needs better.
Can I take all the capsules together or should I space them out?
It is really your preference. If the label dose states 1 capsule 3 times daily, then we have recommended this because it’s best to take them at breakfast, lunch and dinner for a continued effect.
Can I open the capsule and mix in with my food or water?
If you prefer. Opening capsules can be messy and difficult for some. If swallowing capsules is difficult, consider trying our liquid herbal extracts, which can be mixed with water, tea or taken directly.