Zizia FAQ

Common Questions About Herbal Medicine:

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is the practice of utilizing plant-based medicinal preparations to support a variety of health conditions. There are many types of herbal preparations that can be utilized; teas, capsules, tinctures, powders, glycerites, sitz baths, suppositories, oils, honey, and vinegar. Herbs contain a complex array of phytochemicals, often referred to as secondary metabolites. These phytochemicals or constituents have particular actions within the human body that have the ability to support a wide range of health disruptions.*

Why take herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine can be used to support a wide variety of health concerns. Herbs are often nutritive, nourishing, and contain a complex range of phytochemical (these phytochemicals create actions in the body to support our health). For nearly every pathology (illness or symptom) there are herbs to try along the way, whether it is treating a urinary tract infection, soothing a bug bite, easing anxiety, or simply giving someone a nourishing tea to take in tandem with their other treatment plans. Herbal medicine is a great addition to anyone looking to support their general health or to address more complicated health issues. Often, people going through major transitions can greatly benefit from nutritive teas and herbs to support and promote restful sleep or ease anxiety and mental issues that may accompany such an issue. In addition, herbs can simply be tasty and comforting to use. As 7Song says, “Herbal medicine is the beautiful medicine."*

What is a tincture; how do I take it?

A tincture is made by adding together plants (either fresh or dry), alcohol, and water. There are various methods for going about this. You then chop the plant or blend it into a powder, and combine it with the water/alcohol mixture, let it sit in a jar with plant matter, wait a minimum of 2 weeks, then strain. The liquid from this is what you take internally, either in water or directly in the mouth. The benefits of tinctures: easy to take, easy to travel with, fast acting in some circumstances, and contain phytochemicals that play specific roles in supporting our health. For those who prefer to avoid alcohol for various reasons (sobriety, religion, personal preference), tinctures should be avoided.*

What is a powder; how do I take it?

Powders are made by drying whole plants and then grinding them into powder form. They can be stirred into water and drank, added to smoothies, made into a tea, or as an added ingredient in cooking. No additives, fillers, or preservatives are added (if you are obtaining from a reliable source).*

How do I make an herbal tea?

There are many ways to make a cup of tea. Some people will make herbal teas in a quart mason jars (add 1oz dry herb, pour water on top, put a lid on it, let sit for a minimum of 20 minutes, strain, and drink), or in a french press or vacuum coffee maker (put herbs in place of the coffee). They can be added to a cup of hot water, then strained, or added to mesh or muslin reusable bags.*

Should I be concerned about combining herbs and pharmaceuticals?

The answer is yes and no, and we don’t really know. While there are a handful of reference books out there on drug-herb interactions, there is still a lot we have yet to learn. In regard to herb-drug interactions and more specifically how herbs create actions within the human body given their complex phytochemical makeup. For the most part herbs and drugs can safely be administered together, in some cases creating more beneficial results when used in tandem with one another. However, for more serious health conditions, it is really recommended to approach herbal care with caution as there can be drug interactions. Some common herbs to avoid when taking pharmaceuticals are and are not limited to (there are more, these are just a few), Licorice, Ginkgo, St. John’s Wort, and Willow. If you are taking a medication with a low therapeutic window, that means if that medication is essential in maintaining life for you, I would absolutely avoid taking herbs to avoid any risk of the herb decreasing or increasing the efficacy of that drug. Be cautious with using herbs if you are on the following class of drugs: Blood thinners and anticoagulants, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antihypertensives, immunosuppressants, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, statins, or oral hypoglycemics. The reason for this being that herb and drugs sometimes work on the same enzymatic pathways in the body, the cytochrome P450 pathway. Due to this, the risk factor entails that by taking herbs, it may interfere by weakening or increasing the drug effect, and or increasing or slowing the action of that drug. If you are on medications and you are interested in herbal medicine, discuss it with a trained clinical herbalist, who most often will have many resources to best assess your situation including a network of other herbalists, medical care professionals, and reference books. Using the internet search bar is NOT a reliable resource for obtaining high-quality herbal information, so it is better to ask an herbalist or other practitioners directly.*

Questions About Zizia

What does Zizia mean?

Zizia is the genus of a plant in the Apiaceae family (Carrot family). When I was studying herbal medicine in upstate NY with 7Song, we would always see Zizia aurea (Golden Alexanders) on plant walks. I took a liking to the phonetics of Zizia, so decided to commit to it as a name for my herbal pursuits.*

Where do you source the plants in your products?

Zizia products are made using predominantly certified organic herbs and a few sustainably wildcrafted botanicals. No fillers are added to any of the powder formulas.

Who makes your products?

All the products are made in Los Angeles in small batches using whole high quality sourced plants.*

When will my products arrive in the mail?

Orders are sent out once a week, if you need something faster, email me with the date you would like it by and I will try to arrange a quicker shipment.*

What is your return policy?

Due to the nature of the products, I do not accept returns at this time. All sales are final. If for some reason your product arrives damaged (leaked, broken, etc…), please email an image within 3 days of arrival and we'll resolve the issue by sending a replacement.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, Zizia ships internationally, however, Zizia is not responsible for taxes and duties imposed by your country. You are expected to pay taxes and duties upon receiving your package. Please ensure your shipping address is correct. Zizia is not responsible for replacing packages that customers fail to pickup at their local postal service location due to custom delays.

Do you take apprentices or volunteers?

I currently do not take apprentices or volunteers in my apothecary or during herb clinics.*

**These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
**Applies to the entire contents of all Zizia newsletters and E-Booklets. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Seek expert medical advice before consuming during pregnancy, nursing, or if you are taking medications. *The contents of this newsletter is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any of Zizia's educational content including newsletters, social media, and website resources.