Why Some Herbs Come With Usage Guidelines
Herb warnings are not meant to discourage use — they are meant to preserve traditional integrity and safety. Many herbs have specific preparation requirements, historical contraindications, or traditional pairing rules.
For example, some roots are not traditionally consumed raw, while certain minerals and resins are never used as food. Other herbs may be traditionally avoided during pregnancy or used only in small amounts due to their strength.
Warnings often reflect centuries of observation rather than modern regulation. Including them helps ensure herbs are used in the same respectful way they were historically prepared.
Reading warnings carefully is an essential part of responsible herbal purchasing, especially when working with whole or traditionally prepared plant materials.