Can I give adult formulas to kids?
For children under 12: in some cases, yes - in the proper amount. However, we recommend you stick to the children's products as these have been formulated specifically with kids in mind. Consult an herbal or natural therapies practitioner before giving any adult formulas to children. Children 12 years and older can take adult formulas.
What does "as needed" mean on the label?
We are all unique and herbs can work differently for different people. The usage instructions on the label are written to be applicable to a general population. However, that doesn't mean they are optimum for you and the discomforts you are experiencing (small vs. large body types for example). "As needed" means you should take the amount listed at a needed frequency until you feel the desired effect (paying attention to any maximum or frequency limitations listed).
I'm on a gluten-free diet. Are there any formulas that I should avoid?
None of our formulas contain gluten. The pure Italian wheat-based grain alcohol we use leaves all gluten behind when distilled, and comes with a gluten-free test certificate. The only other grain used in any of the formulas is Milky Oats, which is sustainably harvested and sorted in a botanical house. It is not processed with, or contaminated by, other grains.
Can I mix two or more formulas, or take them together?
Many people enjoy mixing combinations; however, those with a complicated medical history or on prescription drugs should consult their natural therapies practitioner.
Are there any formulas that I should not mix?
We recommend that you avoid using the adult formulas while pregnant or breastfeeding unless advised to do so by your natural therapies practitioner.
Will I still get the same effect if I put the extract in another liquid (juice, tea, etc.)?
Yes for most formulas diluting them in common drinks can improve taste, and will not compromise the formula's effect. Just use the recommended amount, and repeat if necessary for full effect. Please note that to receive the full effect of bitters, you must taste them and dilution is not recommended.
Can diabetics take glycerin?
Yes. Glycerin is also called glycerol and is a plant-based substance that is molecularly similar to alcohol. It belongs to the family of sugar alcohols, such as malitol, sorbitol, and xylitol, considered safe for diabetics.
How do herbal extracts compare to tablets or capsules?
Most capsules either contain powdered, dry herbs, or a tiny bit of liquid extract (gel caps). Tablets are powdered herbs that are held together by pressure and other chemicals. The beauty of liquid extracts, or "tinctures," is that they absorb quickly and the body receives the full benefit of the plant in a very bio-available solution. Liquids also allow you to customize your serving freely so you can best meet your needs at the time. Liquids are inexpensive and easy to swallow. The droppers and pump top dispensers are also convenient for when you're on the go.
Should I take your formulas under the tongue?
While it is true that the area under our tongues is highly absorbable, we do not recommend placing our products under the tongue, as the alcohol content can be irritating to this sensitive area. It is not necessary for the formulas be be effective.
What type of alcohol do you use in your products? Is it gluten-free?
We use a certified organic wheat based alcohol from Italy. It is certified gluten-free. As alcohol does not contain protein in the finished product, it cannot contain gluten.
Where do your herbs come from?
We get our herbs from various sources. Most are grown or wild harvested in the United States and Europe. We do also receive a handful from Asia (all organic). We have some local farms that also supply some of the herbs we use. All of our vendors must go through a rigorous in house verification process to be approved. Additionally, all of wild crafters also have to pass a rigorous verification process.
How do we test the herbs we receive and use?
In order to be approved into our vendor verification process, they have to prove that their herbs are properly tested for microbial counts, properly identified to genus and species, etc. Even with our verified suppliers we also still do random spot testing for all of this as well, some of it in-house and some sent to external labs. If we find any issues we will remove a supplier from our verified list. In addition, our QC team will personally test each batch of herb that comes in organoleptically (sight, smell, taste, etc.) and microscopically (as needed). In addition, our products are also tested during and at the end of the production process. Our QC team includes a botanist and a clinical herbalist.
How long will it take for the formula to have an effect?
Many of our common symptom-soothing formulas are designed to take effect within 5-10 minutes if used properly. To get these fast-acting results, we recommend 3-4 droppers full, or 6-8 pumps, per use to start. If you are not yet feeling the full effect within the first 5 minutes, repeat the original serving. You can do this up to 4 servings back to back. Note that some of our formulas are tonics and are meant to work over longer periods of time.
Are your products organic?
We source organic raw ingredients whenever possible, including any cultivated herbs used and the alcohol in the tinctures. Many of our raw herbs are also wildcrafted. However, our products are not currently USDA certified organic.
Are your products Non-GMO?
Yes, we make a point to ensure that our raw ingredients are GMO-free. Most of the herbs we use are not at risk of being GMO. For ingredients that are at risk, they are almost always certified organic. Certified organic ingredients and product cannot, by law, contain GMO. For any non-organic at-risk ingredients, we do our best to insure that they are GMO free. However, our products do not currently have Non-GMO Verification or any other non-GMO certification.
Why is there 190 proof Alcohol in your formulas?
Alcohol is a sustainable and body-friendly extracting medium. It effectively releases the active constituents from coarse plant material. Alcohol also prevents the product from spoiling. Extracting herbs this way is an age-old technique that effectively carries the constituents into a liquid "plant soup", called a "tincture". WishGarden has developed a proprietary process that uses alcohol to maximum benefit during the extracting phase, while minimizing it in the finished product (our finished product has as much as alcohol as a ripe banana per serving!).
I'm a recovering alcoholic. Is it safe for me to take your product? Is there any way to get rid of the alcohol?
We do not recommend alcohol extracts for those recovering from alcohol addiction. This is to prevent even the smallest amount of alcohol from re-triggering any vulnerable addictive pathways. In this case it is not the volume, or quantity, of alcohol present that is relevant, but rather the sensitivity of the individual. We recommend that water extracts such as teas and infusions, or powdered herb (non-alcohol extracted) capsules be used. The practice of evaporating off the alcohol in hot water or tea significantly lessens, but may not completely eliminate all of the alcohol present.
Are your products Kosher?
While some of our ingredients are kosher, we are not a certified kosher facility. We receive raw materials from various suppliers.
Is your glycerin sustainable?
Yes, we take sustainability seriously. All of our glycerin is palm based. We source it from small plantations in Columbia that are certified by both RSPO and Rainforest Alliance. They are also currently ranked the highest globally for sustainability by third party evaluators. We never hesitate to change our sources if they do not meet our strict sustainability standards.
Are there common allergens in your products, such as soy and corn?
Our products are gluten and dairy free. Most of our products are also free of soy and corn. The exception would be any formulas that contain cornsilk, including UTI Urinary, Growing Pains for Kids, Herbal Cal, and Kidney Strengthener. Catnip Oil Bug Spray contains soybean oil. Our Ear-Be-Well Ear Oil, Oh Baby! Oil, and Pregnant Belly Oil do contain almond oil.
What formulas can I take while breastfeeding?
WishGarden's Pregnancy and Children's formulas are the products of choice while nursing. We suggest you consult a natural therapies practitioner before taking any other formulas.
Is it okay to take multiple formulas while breastfeeding?
It is okay to take more than one of the pregnancy and lactation formulas at the same time while breastfeeding.
Why does WishGarden use alcohol in children and pregnancy formulas?
Using a small amount of alcohol in the Pregnancy and Children's lines was a conscious decision. It enables us to keep the strength and efficaciousness of the formula intact but is also gentle and appropriate for women and children. Extracts made with only glycerine or water limit the constituent profile. WishGarden's finished extract contains a minimal amount of alcohol, which, per serving, is at a very low dietary level (similar to what is found in kombucha and ripe bananas). You can also further reduce the alcohol content by stirring your droppers full, or pumps, into hot water or tea for a few minutes.
Do you offer subscriptions / Auto-Ship?
Yes, most of our products have a subscription option. Be sure to choose the "Subscribe & Save 10%" option to subscribe. Can I apply discounts when I enroll to Auto-Ship or can I apply additional discounts / promotions during my enrollment? Yes. Most promotions, discount codes or limited time offerings can be combined with Auto-Ship Subscriptions. However, unless otherwise specified, the discount is on the initial subscription only.
Is your Auto-Ship Subscription offering a long term obligation?
No, you have control over how long you'd like to subscribe to WishGarden products. You also have control over how frequently you receive the products.
