Answers to our most frequently asked questions.
FAQ’s
Please drop us a line if you don’t see your question.
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A tonic is another way of saying tincture; these are synonymous. A tincture is generallya an alcohol and water extract, sometimes with a little glycerine, that holds the phytochemicals of the plants. Alcohol, water and glycerine act as the solvents that extract the medicinal constituents from the plants, which is what make up your formula. Think of a tincture or tonic as liquid plants- a concentrated liquid form of that plant or herb’s medicinal properties.
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Tinctures are concentrated liquid herbal extracts, while teas are prepared by steeping herbs in hot water. The main difference between them is the strength of the herbs they offer; a tea is softer while a tincture is much stronger. Each offers a different way to incorporate herbs into your daily routine.
You may drink a cup or two of tea, while you’d only take a dropper full or two of a tincture. We like to describe a tincture bottle as having the same medicinal contents as 300 cups of tea, though don’t quote us on this math.
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You can take your tonics straight, in a little water, add it to hot tea, to your coffee, your smoothie, or however else you’d like. They are versatile and can be taken many different ways according to your preference and the time of day.
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All of our products are shelf stable. They don’t require refrigeration though you may prefer to store them there. We do recommend storing them in a cool, dark place away from direct heat and light to preserve freshness and to avoid potential evaporation of key phytochemicals.
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Plants have always been some of our greatest allies in health. Long before modern medicine, people turned to herbs to support the body's natural ability to adapt, restore, and thrive. In fact, the original doctors were botanists, because you used to need to know plants in order to prescribe medicines because plants were all we had. Today, herbal medicine combines this time-honored wisdom with modern research to offer a thoughtful, natural approach to everyday wellness. Rather than chasing quick fixes, herbs can help support the body's normal functions and encourage long-term balance as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Plants are on a spectrum, with food on one side, and medicine on the other. Tonics lie somewhere in between, offering us small doses of plant medicine by way of foods and extracts.
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Many herbs have a long history of traditional use and can be a valuable part of a wellness routine when used appropriately.
That said, "natural" doesn't always mean suitable for everyone. Some herbs may interact with medications or may not be appropriate during pregnancy or certain health conditions. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider.
Always consult your doctor if you are taking medications to prevent any interactions.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding are times when extra care is especially important. We review our formulas using established botanical safety guidelines and evaluate the safety profile of each ingredient, including traditional use, available research, and known precautions. That said, even herbs that are generally considered appropriate for some individuals may not be right for everyone.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, taking medications, or under medical care, we recommend discussing any herbal product with your healthcare provider before use. Full ingredient lists are available on each product page to help support an informed conversation with your practitioner.Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.
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How soon you feel a difference varies depending on the individual and the herbs being used. Some people notice effects quickly, while others may benefit from consistent use over time as part of a broader wellness routine.
That being said, all herbs and formulas are different. You should feel the effects of the Deep Sleep No. 3 formula within 15-30min of taking it, whereas it may take a few weeks to notice that the Restorative Tonic or Heart Harmony has made a difference. This is due to the underlying co-factors but also the system the herbs are working on; some target surface level imbalances while others work on a deeper level, and thus may take a little longer before you feel a notable difference. That does not mean they are not working, we simply may not notice subtle shifts right away.
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The dark residue you may notice on the dropper is completely normal. Because our tinctures are made in small batches using whole-plant extracts, naturally occurring botanical compounds can concentrate or settle around the dropper over time. This is simply a sign of the rich plant material in the extract and does not affect the quality, safety, or effectiveness of the product. This is a normal characteristic of whole-herb extracts.
Herbal Medicine
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Herbal medicine is the practice of using plants to support health and well-being. For thousands of years, cultures around the world have relied on herbs for everyday wellness, and many of those traditions continue today. Modern herbalism combines this traditional knowledge with current research and quality manufacturing practices.
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You can take your tonics straight, in a little water, add it to hot tea, to your coffee, your smoothie, or however else you’d like. They are versatile and can be taken many different ways according to your preference and the time of day.
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Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.
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Plants contain naturally occurring compounds that interact with the body in unique ways, called herbal actions. Different herbs have different actions and affinities, which is why herbalists carefully select botanicals based on an individual's needs, constitution, and wellness goals. A formula can have one herb, or several herbs combined that work together for a specific intention.
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Some herbs may interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Herbs may interact with other herbs too.
If you are taking medications, pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition, consult your healthcare provider before using ours or any herbal products.
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Bitterness is a natural characteristic of many medicinal plants. In traditional herbalism, bitter herbs have long been valued and are often used as part of digestive wellness practices. Bitter herbs may taste a little shocking at first, but that may be because “bitter” is the most lacking taste in the Standard American diet, so we simply are not very used to it. In Ayurvedic Medicine, bitter is one of the six tastes and is crucial to a balanced internal system.
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Many herbs are traditionally used as part of a daily wellness routine. The appropriate frequency depends on the specific herb, formulation, and individual circumstances.
While most herbs are safe for daily use, keep in mind that dose always matters. Taking a little bit of herbs daily is considered a health tonic, while treating more acute or specific concerns requires a different approach and schedule. Ayurveda recommends taking a break from your herbs every 3 months and cycling through them to keep the herbs effective and the system healthy.
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Herbal products are a category of dietary supplements derived from plants. Herbalism also considers the relationship between the plant, the person, and their overall wellness goals whereas supplements are generally one ingredient or.
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Dietary supplements are regulated differently than pharmaceuticals. Rather than focusing on treating diseases, herbal products are intended to support normal structure and function within the body. This allows us to discuss wellness support while remaining compliant with federal regulations. We don’t set out to “cure” or “treat” conditions, rather support the body’s natural functioning to promote balance and to help the body behave as it would in a healthier state.
Lab and Leaf
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Helen is our founder and chief formulator. She is a clinical herbalist, researcher, and lifelong student of plants.
Helen studied Cellular and Molecular Biology in undergrad, switching to a Psychology major after becoming an Ayurvedic Practitioner through Kerala Ayurveda in Bangalore, India. She ran a clinical practice for 10 years before earning a Master's in Herbal Medicine Product Design and Manufacture from Maryland University of Integrative Health- now Notre Dame of Maryland University. Helen creates botanical formulas that honor traditional healing while meeting the needs of modern life, and pulls inspiration from her patient cases and patterns she has seen in clinical practice. -
We prioritize sourcing high-quality ingredients and work with reputable suppliers. Our products are manufactured according to industry quality standards to help ensure consistency and purity. We are happy to provide the CoA’s of our herbs upon request.
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Flexible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.
-
Plants contain naturally occurring compounds that interact with the body in unique ways, called herbal actions. Different herbs have different actions and affinities, which is why herbalists carefully select botanicals based on an individual's needs, constitution, and wellness goals. A formula can have one herb, or several herbs combined that work together for a specific intention.
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Lab & Leaf was created by a practicing clinician with over 10 years experience working with to real clients. Our formulas bridge traditional herbal wisdom with modern formulation science so you get the best of both worlds. Every product is thoughtfully designed with advanced training in herbal medicine and botanical product development. Our goal is simple: create effective, high-quality herbal formulas that fit seamlessly into modern life and address real world issues. We formulate in small batches to ensure quality control and we are real people who want to hear from you. We are happy to formulate something you may need that we don’t currently offer, just send us an email to reach out!
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Helen is our founder and chief formulator. She is a clinical herbalist, researcher, and lifelong student of plants.
Helen studied Cellular and Molecular Biology in undergrad, switching to a Psychology major after becoming an Ayurvedic Practitioner through Kerala Ayurveda in Bangalore, India. She ran a clinical practice for 10 years before earning a Master's in Herbal Medicine Product Design and Manufacture from Maryland University of Integrative Health- now Notre Dame of Maryland University. Helen creates botanical formulas that honor traditional healing while meeting the needs of modern life, and pulls inspiration from her patient cases and patterns she has seen in clinical practice.