Embark Herbals

Often, there are DOZENS of herbs good for a certain ailment. But the one or ones that are RIGHT FOR YOU depend on so many factors, like your constitution and the herbs' specific indications and contraindications (like other conditions you may have or other medications you may be taking). Herbalism is about treating the PERSON, NOT the disease. Therefore, the herbs that are right for one person, may not be right for another. Unfortunately, we cannot give herbal recommendations without a proper intake. You may click on the "Book a Consultation" tab to make an appointment OR sign up for our classes that provide you with the materia medica sheets that explain each herb's indications, dosages, and contraindications.

The dosage amount is frequently requested. There is no one "right" dose for everyone because the amount can really depend on a few factors. Even if the dosage range is on the bottle's label, it is usually based on 150 lb person (use the Clarke's rule to recalculate), and meant only as a guide. Furthermore, not all herbs are right for everyone, especially children. Depending on the herb or formula's constituents or strength, it is often a good idea to start off with a small quantity and work your way up. Your optimal dosage may depend on things like your metabolism, liver function, the severity of your symptoms or other herbs and/or drugs you are taking. This kind of information is found on each herb's materia medica sheet, provided in our classes. Also, when an herb is combined in a formula the full, regular dosage may not be necessary. This is because of synergistic effects, or multiple herbs in the formula contributing to the same physiological response. Again, the same considerations of an individual’s constitution and circumstances applies as it would with single herbs. Seem overwhelming? It can be. That’s where our personalized consultations or herbal classes can be helpful!

Use Clarkes Rule! Divide your weight by 150 lbs. This will give you the fraction of the suggested dose you may want to take. For example, 50/150 = 1/3, so take 1/3 of 15 drops. He would take 5 drops, three times a day. Similarly, 200/150 is 1.34. Multiply that by 15 and you would take 20.1 (20 drops is fine), three times a day. Furthermore, not all herbs should be taken by children, so Clarke's rule should not be used indiscriminately.

It really depends on the herb and the intended use. For some herbs, it's good to isolate the herb from anything else just to optimize the absorption. An exception is when something helps the herb absorb; you'd want to take it at the same time, or prepare it with that substance. Another exception is when herbs, drugs, supplements or other substances are contraindicated with one another or block absorption of another. These are often listed on the materia medica sheets for each herb, provided in our classes. Bitters taken for digestion are meant to be taken with meals, or, generally, 20 minutes before the meal.