Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How to brew and dose each herb, what our Organic Smells bags contain, and how shipping and orders work.
How to use the herbs
Every herb is loose-leaf and comes with its own method on its product page. Two simple rules cover almost everything.
How do I brew the tea herbs?
Leaves and flowers — chamomile, damiana, muicle — are gentle: steep 1 heaped teaspoon per cup of just-boiled water, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Roots and bark — burdock, sarsaparilla, yellow dock, valerian, cuachalalate — release more when simmered: gently boil about 1 tablespoon per 2 cups of water for 10–20 minutes, then strain. Each product page lists the exact method for that herb.
How do I use raw sea moss?
Rinse it well, soak in spring water with a squeeze of lime for 12–24 hours, then blend with a little fresh water into a smooth gel. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks and take 1–2 tablespoons daily in smoothies, tea, or soups.
Do I need to cook elderberries?
Yes — always simmer elderberries for at least 15 minutes before eating. Raw elderberries are not safe to eat, so use them only in cooked tea or syrup. Full instructions are on the elderberry product page.
Can I cook with the herbs?
Nopal rehydrates beautifully into soups, eggs, and stews. The roots, leaves, and bark are best taken as tea — we don't recommend adding loose tea herbs directly to food.
Dosage
Start small, listen to your body, and keep to the traditional amounts below.
How much should I take?
Start with one small cup daily, using 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of herb per cup. Most of our herbs are traditionally enjoyed 1–2 cups a day, chamomile up to 3 cups, and sea moss gel 1–2 tablespoons daily.
When should I take them?
Calming herbs — valerian, chamomile, damiana — suit the evening, with valerian taken 30–60 minutes before bed. Cleansing roots — burdock, yellow dock, sarsaparilla, cuachalalate — are traditionally taken before or with meals. Immune herbs like elderberry can be enjoyed any time of day.
Can I combine herbs?
Many pair naturally — burdock with yellow dock, chamomile with damiana. Start with the usual amount of each. If you take medication, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition, check with your practitioner first.
What the bags contain
One herb, honestly labelled, sealed fresh in our Organic Smells kraft bags.
What exactly is in the bag?
A single herb and nothing else. Each Organic Smells kraft bag holds 100% of the named botanical — cut-and-sifted root, whole flower, leaf, bark, or raw sea moss. No fillers, no flavours, no mystery blends.
What are the Organic Smells bags like?
Food-grade kraft pouches with a clear window and a resealable zip, printed with the Organic Smells name. They keep the herbs aromatic and fresh when stored in a cool, dark cupboard.
How does the bundle work?
Build your own 3, 5, or 7-bag bundle of your favourite herbs — each sealed in the same branded bags, arriving in a jute carry bag with tissue, ready to gift. Just note your herb choices in the order notes at checkout.
How long do the herbs keep?
Best used within 12 months of opening. Keep the bags sealed in a cool, dark, dry place away from sunlight, steam, and heat.
Safety
We share traditional use, honestly told — we never promise cures, and your practitioner does the medicine.
Are these herbs safe?
Our content is traditional-use information only and has not been evaluated by the FDA. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition, talk to your practitioner before using any herb.
Is there anything I should avoid?
Valerian root should not be combined with sedatives or alcohol. Elderberries must always be cooked. Chamomile is in the daisy family — skip it if you're allergic to ragweed. And stop using any herb that doesn't agree with you.
Shipping & orders
Packed by hand and posted within 1–2 days, with your order history saved to your account.
How fast do orders ship?
Orders are packed and posted within 1–2 days, Monday–Friday. Standard shipping is a flat USD 10.00 and Express is USD 19.95.
How do I see my orders?
Every checkout creates a secure customer account. Sign in via the My account link to see past purchases, tracking, and receipts.
How do I reach you?
Email info@organicsmells.com and we reply within one business day.
Still curious?
Email info@organicsmells.com — we answer every message ourselves within one business day. Already ordered? You can sign in to your account to see past purchases.