Questions regarding our products:

1. Are your products standardised extracts?
   Most of our stock is ground down from pure, unadulterated dried herbs. You can open any of our pure herb capsules and use the herb in tea or cooking. The smell and flavour of freshly ground and encapsulated herbs is an experience our family and customers treasure.

   However, we have sourced high quality, ratio concentrates and Concentrated ingredient extracts. A list of our concentrates can be found at the top of our Full Product List page.

2. Why should I take your products instead of other brands?
   You shouldn't! If you're doing well with another product, then you should stay with them. Seriously. We have no interest in converting people to our products who either don't need them, want them or are receiving benefit from another brand.
   
   Beware, many commercial standardised extracts are diluted, poor quality, use a non-important ingredient, use fillers to make up weight, advertise the serving size as the capsule weight, and some are also notoriously falsified, tainted and some even found to be mixed with drugs to accentuate the advertised benefits. Do read the product labels of commercial products very carefully. Visit www.consumerlab.com to read reports on the variability of many supplements.

   What you get with us is clarity and transparency, meaning you know exactly what you're getting. We use clear capsules that show you the unaltered dried herb or extract. You can open any of our capsules and smell or taste the freshness. However, please remember, this is what works for me, my family, associates and our customers. Our freshly ground herbal capsules are for those that want their herbs that way.

3. Why should I take concentrates instead of pure herbs?
   If you need a reliable herbal composition, then a standardised extract is a good choice. If you need very high doses, then an extract or concentrates are a good choice, because it means taking less capsules. A good option if in doubt is to visit a good Herbalist, Nutritionist or Naturopath thus getting access to top class liquid extracts that can be blended to your specific needs.

4. Why are the servings of some dried herbs so high?
   The serving we recommend is obtained from herbal texts and other authoritative sources. Of course, this is a guide only as every one is different. 

   A good option if in doubt is to visit a good Herbalist, Nutritionist or Naturopath thus getting access to top class liquid extracts that can be blended to different strengths and your specific needs.

5. What is the expiration date on your herbs?
   We don't use any preservatives or fillers of any kind. Contrary to common knowledge, powdered herbs don't stay fresh for very long. They start to lose their potency after 12 months. You can see this for yourself when you buy some pre-packaged turmeric from the shop and open one of our turmeric capsules to smell and taste the difference. You can do this with all our herbs, but the aromatic ones (garlic, fenugreek, rhodiola etc) will be a more sensory experience.

6. What is the difference between ‘Vege Capsules’ and ‘Loose Powder’ on the product page?
   ‘Vege Capsules’ means you'd like your herbs encapsulated (100 Capsules per bottle), while ‘Loose Powder’ means we don't encapsulate your herbs but send you the powdered herb in a packet. Some customers prefer the herbs unencapsulated so they can make teas, creams or tinctures.

7. Is there a variation in the weight of the herbs per capsule between bottles?
   Yes, herbs will have different densities at different times of the year and also coming from different regions. This is normal and the weight we put on our labels is an average or the most common weight throughout the year. A +/- 5% variant is expected. However, the volume is always the same. IE: the amount in the capsule. All our capsules are the same size therefore the same amount of herb is always packed in them, despite weighing differently due to humidity, density etc.

8. Why isn't there more information on your labels?
   We are an online only business and you're buying directly from the family that encapsulates your order, all information is on the product webpage. Therefore, on the label we only include the suggested serving as a reminder. Please remember, the information is for your assistance but we are under the assumption that when you purchase from us (ask for herbs to be ground and encapsulated) that you know what you're getting and why. If you're in doubt, we always recommend you see a qualified, Nutritionist, live herbalist for a personal evaluation.

9. Are your products registered with the TGA?
   No, registration with the TGA is required for herbal products IF one is selling those products specifically as therapeutic/medicinal products AND/OR making therapeutic claims about those products. 

   As herbs are classified as food and we are supplying them to you AS Food and we are not selling herbs as Therapeutic pre-packaged products or making therapeutic claims about our products, we don't fall within the TGA jurisdiction. We've liaised with the TGA regarding this matter.

   We don't alter, add or subtract anything from these herbs, and they are encapsulated (for ease of consumption), as requested by you at order. If you choose to use herbs therapeutically, that's your right and choice. However,  if you feel more comfortable buying Ginger, Garlic, Cinnamon etc. from another supplier that's registered with the TGA and therefore able to make therapeutic claims, we understand and won't attempt to convince you otherwise.

10. Where do you source your herbs?
    Australian and International suppliers. 

11. I have noticed that sometimes the colour, smell, and even taste of the same kind of herb will vary when ordered at different times. Why?
    Herbs can vary in these ways, depending upon weather conditions at the time of growth, the soil in which the herbs are grown, and the time of year at which the herb is harvested, dried, and processed.

12. I have trouble swallowing pills; how can I still use your products?
    If you order our herbs in capsule form but have trouble swallowing capsules, you may break open the capsules and mix the powder with a flavorful, pleasant-tasting syrup, such as chocolate or strawberry, maple syrup, or even honey. Some herbs have a pungent taste, so you may wish to mask that taste with a sweetly flavored syrup when mixing the two together. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate.
    Please note that some of our herbs will not make effective teas.

13. What are the capsules made of?
    The vege capsules are derived from vegetable cellulose.

14. What size capsules do you use?
    We use size 00 Capsules. This size is suitable for most people in ease of swallowing. Each capsule can hold between 300mg - 900mg of powdered herb, dependent on herb and its density. Refer to specific herb for details.

Questions regarding the use of herbs:

1. Are there side effects I should be concerned about when taking herbs?
   Herbs are a natural source of food and work in harmony with your body when taken properly. Consult your health care professional before dealing with any serious medical problems or Symptoms

2. Can herbs be used along with prescription medicines?
   Some will diminish or potentiate the effects of some drugs. It is strongly advised, though, that you seek the advice of your health care professional.

3. Can children take herbs or herbal blends?

   • children under 6 - 1/4 serving
   • children 8-12yo - 1/2 serving

   However, it is imperative that servings and warnings outlined in the product page are followed closely, as not all herbs are suitable for children. Herbosophy recommends that it is always wise to consult your health care professional before embarking on a course of herbal nutrition for children.

4. Is it okay to take my vitamins and herbs at the same time?
   It is strongly advised, though, that you seek the advice of your health care professional who understands the benefits of herbs.

5. How do I make herb tea?
   Because we use 100% Pure Herbs, you can choose to make a tea if desired, especially from the leafy herbs. To make an herb tea, boil one cup of water, open two capsules of the desired herb and let it sit (covered) for about ten to twenty minutes. Use honey to sweeten if too bitter.

6. Can I continuously use one herb over a long period of time?
   Always use herbs in moderation, and pay attention to how your body is feeling.

7. What is the best way to store herbs?
   Herbs should be stored in closed containers away from direct sunlight, and in a cool, dry area. Avoid exposure to extreme heat and humidity, or extremely cold temperatures.

Questions regarding Herbosophy.com.au:

1. Can I have a custom blend prepared for me?
   Herbosophy offers this unique service at no extra cost. Go to our 2 Herb Custom Blend page and choose any two of our extracts to blended.

2. Where can I find information about specific herbs?
   Herbosophy cannot offer any therapeutic information.

3. I am looking for an herbal supplement for a certain health condition I have. Where can I find suggestions for what herbs to use for my condition?
   Herbosophy cannot offer any personal therapeutic information. 

4. I am looking for an herbal supplement with a particular action or property; eg, an adaptogen, anti-viral or carminative.
   Herbosophy cannot offer any personal therapeutic information.

5. What are your shipping options?
   Herbosophy offers Express and Platinum Express Postage in Australia.
   
   Be sure to review our Shipping Policy prior to ordering as there is a wealth of important information that you should know about regarding each of these services.

6. What is our return policy?
   Click the following link to view the Herbosophy Return Policy.

7. Where can I find information about your company and its history?
   Our About Us page will introduce you to Herbosophy and who we are, our history and our goals, and why Herbosophy is your best choice for herbal encapsulation. There is also a link to it at the bottom of any page of this website.

8. Where do I go to order herbal products on your website?
   All herbs are shown and may be purchased through their individual pages. Just click the Add to Cart button next to the one you want - it's that easy. A complete list of our stock can also be found in our Herbs page.

9. Why don't you supply a phone number?
   We don't have the facilities to receive phone orders, we can't give advice on usage of our products and I personally can't talk to you because of Motor Neuron Disease. Via email I can answer you directly.

10. I am uneasy about using my credit card on the internet. How do I know your website is secure?
    You can tell when you're on a secure site by looking at the image of a padlock or key somewhere along the bottom of your browser's window or the address bar. If the key is unbroken, or the lock is closed, and the image is golden, green or glowing, that means you're connected under the cloak of SSL security. Most browsers can also be set to alert you when you enter and leave a secure site.

11. I get an error message when I'm going through checkout. It warns me about your site.
    We've contacted paypal and they've advised this happens with the Chrome browser primarily as it's not yet paypal certified. They suggest and recommend using Firefox or Internet Explorer. This should make your checkout process bug free.

12. I do not have a Paypal Account. May I pay with a credit card?
    Absolutely! You can pay with a Visa, MasterCard.

13. May I pay by bank transfer?
    Yes! Our shopping cart supports National bank transfers. Once you make the transfer, email us the receipt number so we know when to check our account. As soon as the funds are in, your order will be freshly made and posted out.

14. I live nearby to your suburb; can I pick my order up instead of having it shipped?
    No. We understand the convenience that this would give to our local customers but unfortunately, we are an online only business. We assume when you were searching online for a product, you were prepared to have it shipped to you from anywhere in the world. Don't let our locality change your expectations. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes, but any orders that you would like to place with us will need to be shipped out per our Shipping Policy.

15. Why do you only have a PO Box address?
    We used to have our office address up but no matter how explicit we were in disallowing pick ups, some people still felt like turning up unannounced and try to guilt us that way. Eventually, we decided it was just easier to have a PO Box for deliveries

16.  I feel entitled to pick up my orders and if I can't I don't trust you're a real company. 
    Your entitlement is to receive what you pay for and we do our utmost to supply an exceptional product with great speed and service. If that isn't enough and you can't trust us, we understand and won't try to debate with you otherwise.

Make Herbosophy Your Home for Good Health!
Do you have a question that is not on this page? Please e-mail us your questions.

We appreciate your participation! You might see your question posted here in the future!