FAQ

How do I use the Fertility and Postpartum Tonics?

It can be taken straight up by the spoonful! Or try it mixed into sparkling water, or into hot water to make a tea. Drizzle it into yogurt, oatmeal, or add it to smoothies. Feel free to experiment.

Why is brandy included in the Postpartum and Fertility Tonic?

The brandy serves two purposes. First it acts as a natural preservative, along with the honey. Honey alone has preservative qualities, but adding a bit of low-proof alcohol adds extra assurance that the Tonic will be shelf stable for a quite a while. 

Secondly, we infuse the brandy with herbs, essentially making it a tincture. The method we use of combing a water based preparation with an alcohol based tincture makes it a stronger, more effective medicine.  

To put the alcohol content in perspective, there is approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of a teaspoon of brandy per serving, and of that only 40% is alcohol ( brandy is 40 alcohol by volume). The alcohol consumed with each tablespoon serving is negligible. 

There is a long tradition of preserving herbal syrups in this way, and we honor tradition over modern chemical preservatives.

Is it safe to use alcohol based tinctures while breastfeeding?

Yes, the amount of alcohol in the finished products is minimal.

What is a tincture and how do I take it?

A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of an herb, that is made by soaking plant material in alcohol for a period of time. The alcohol draws the active constituents from the plant and once strained, the finished product is a tincture. For our tinctures, we infuse fresh plants (rather than dried) whenever possible in organic high proof alcohol for one full moon cycle.

Tinctures are taken by the dropper full, in a bit of water.

I’m past the early postpartum stage, is it too late for me to use the postpartum products?

Not too late at all. Postpartum extends well beyond the first month. If you’re anywhere in the first YEAR or so after having a baby, you’re still in the thick of it. Many of our customers are well beyond what is commonly thought of as the postpartum period.

What is the shelf life of the products and do they need to be refrigerated?

The tinctures are shelf stable and do not need to be refrigerated. They do not “go bad” but they can lose potency over time. We recommend using within a year.

The Postpartum and Fertility Tonics should be refrigerated after opening. They contain honey and a small amount of brandy, which both act as preservatives, but refrigeration will greatly extend the freshness.

Can I use these products during pregnancy?

It is recommended that you check with your midwife, doctor, or a local herbalist to determine if herbal products are appropriate for you during pregnancy.