Herbal Plants & Teas FAQ – Dosage and Safety

Herbalism is a traditional practice focused on the knowledge and preparation of plants. An herbalist is trained to recognize plants in their natural environment, cultivate them, harvest them, dry them, and prepare natural remedies such as infusions, decoctions, or tinctures.

Phytotherapy, on the other hand, focuses more on the study of plant properties and their use for health. A phytotherapist is trained to understand the effects of plants and how to use them in a targeted manner, often in the form of standardized extracts, capsules, or supplements.

In summary, the herbalist works with the plant in its entirety and in its natural form, while the phytotherapist uses their knowledge to apply plants therapeutically.

Plants offer their best benefits when integrated into a holistic lifestyle approach. It is recommended to combine them with other natural health-promoting factors:

• a balanced diet

• sufficient hydration

• regular physical activity

• restorative sleep

• moderate sun exposure

• stress management

This synergy supports the body's natural self-regulation and defense mechanisms.

Not all plants are created equal. While many are gentle and well-tolerated, some can cause adverse effects or interact with medications. It is essential to respect recommended dosages, inquire about each plant, and seek advice from a healthcare professional if in doubt.

No. Plants can support well-being and alleviate minor ailments, but they never replace prescribed medical treatment. For persistent or severe symptoms, always consult a healthcare professional.

An infusion refers to a preparation method: simmering water is poured over a plant and allowed to steep for a few minutes. This method applies to both tea and medicinal plants.

An herbal tea (tisane) refers to a drink prepared from plants other than tea (Camellia sinensis). It is therefore naturally caffeine-free (theine-free).

In summary:

• A tea infusion may contain caffeine (theine)

• An herbal tea (chamomile, verbena, mint, etc.) is always caffeine-free (theine-free)

• Infusion: for delicate parts (leaves, flowers). Pour simmering water and let infuse for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Decoction: for hard parts (roots, bark, seeds). Plants are brought to a boil then simmered for a few minutes.

• Maceration: cold extraction, in water, oil, or alcohol. It is ideal for heat-sensitive plants.

Pour simmering water over the plants, cover the cup, and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes before straining. Covering helps preserve aromatic compounds and volatile active ingredients.

Yes, herbal teas contribute to daily hydration. However, some very active or diuretic plants are not recommended for prolonged use without professional advice.

In traditional herbalism, plants have a wide margin of tolerance. It is not necessary to measure with extreme precision.

Guidelines for adults (250 ml cup):

• Infusion: 20 to 30 g per liter → 5 to 7.5 g per cup (≈ 1 to 2 teaspoons)

• Decoction / maceration: 30 to 50 g per liter

👉 In practice, an adult can consume 2 to 3 cups of herbal tea per day, depending on the plant and the desired objective.

Fresh plants: use 3 to 4 times more fresh plant than dried plant

Dosage for children:

• 6 to 12 years: ½ adult dose

• 2 to 6 years: ⅓ adult dose

• Under 2 years: ¼ to ⅛ adult dose

⚠️ Only use plants recognized as safe for children.

Herbal teas are ideally consumed plain, but can be sweetened:

• if the plant is very bitter

• for children

• for convalescent individuals

⚠️ For anthelmintic purposes, avoid all sugar or honey.
Honey is the ideal option. For more indulgence, our range of traditional syrups can transform a natural treatment into a real pleasure.

👉 Always add honey or syrup when the herbal tea is lukewarm.

Yes, it is entirely possible to combine several plants in the same infusion. Some combinations can even be particularly interesting when they bring together plants with complementary actions.

Mixing various plants also has the advantage of reducing any potential side effects of each of them, such as a taste that is too strong or slight digestive intolerance, while improving the overall balance and tolerability of the herbal tea.

However, it is important to avoid random mixtures, as some plants can interact with each other or may not be suitable for all uses. This is why our herbal teas are carefully developed: we select plants with synergistic properties to optimize their effectiveness, while ensuring the safety, harmony, and comfort of use of each mixture.

To create an herbal tea that is both effective and pleasant, it is essential to seek balance and synergy between plants.

Start by selecting 2 to 4 main plants with similar properties—for example, relaxing, digestive, or toning—to enhance their effects when combined. This synergy helps optimize benefits while maintaining a harmonious action.

Next, complete the mixture with milder plants, chosen for their flavor, aroma, or color. They help make the infusion more pleasant without altering its effectiveness.

To add a final touch, you can include:

• citrus peels for a fresh, slightly zesty note,

• or colorful flowers like hibiscus, chamomile, or rose, which enrich both the aroma and visual appeal of the herbal tea.

Yes, in most cases, loose leaf plants offer superior quality compared to tea bags. They generally consist of whole leaves or larger plant pieces, which helps preserve more of the aromas, active ingredients, and natural benefits.

Loose leaf plants also allow you to customize dosages and blends according to your needs, while promoting a more conscious and soothing preparation ritual. They are also more environmentally friendly, as they generate less waste and often avoid the use of non-compostable materials.

Conversely, tea bags often contain lower quality plant residues, with a weaker flavor and reduced wellness potential. They remain practical for occasional use, but for a more authentic and natural experience, loose leaf is generally preferable.

We work mainly with small Polish producers, passionate about their craft and committed to environmentally friendly and plant-respecting agriculture.

The majority of our loose leaf plants are not organic certified. This is mainly due to the fact that certification processes are costly and administratively complex, which is not always accessible to small structures. However, this does not question the quality of their work or their agricultural practices.

In cultivation, producers favor natural methods: in case of diseases or imbalances, they notably use traditional plant preparations, such as nettle or comfrey manure, rather than synthetic chemical treatments.

In a dry, cool place away from light, preferably in airtight containers.

Yes. Some plants, such as St. John's wort, can interact with treatments. Consult a healthcare professional for advice.

Some plants are not recommended. Medical advice is recommended.

Yes, especially those affecting coagulation.

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Within 1 to 3 working days, excluding delivery time.

In metropolitan France only.

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