FAQ

Does this stuff work?

Great question and we have no easy answer. Plants are used as medicine in varying forms around the world. Our formulas are based partly on traditional uses and partly on trial and error, to find which combinations work best. We have extensively tested all products on willing friends and family and have received endless testimonials over the past 10 years to help us to fine tune each formula.

Do you harvest this stuff yourself?

You bet! What we cannot grow or harvest ourselves, we source as locally as possible from vendors who share our commitment to quality.

Where do you go to harvest?

Most of our wild plants are collected in various magical locations around Vancouver Island. Our nettles come from a few abundant spots on the Island, poplar buds are collected from fallen branches from winter storms and Coltsfoot from local forests. We harvest Arnica once a year in the southern interior of BC. Other herbs including Calendula, Yarrow, Marshmallow root, Oats and Chamomile, we grow in our garden with natural fertilizers (kelp, compost) and no chemicals. We are also liaising with some local farmers to further expand our growing capacity.

Do you have a farm?

No but we do have a large garden and hope one day to expand to a small acreage where we can dig our heels in and grow even more high quality herbs.  We do partner with a local farmer who gives us some space to grow our herbs.

What is the benefit of wild?

Wild plants are loaded with minerals and nutrients from the rich environments that they grow in. Because they grow ‘at home’ their taste and healing potential is exceptional.

What is the shelf life of your products?  How do I store them?

All of our products are preservative free, though some do have Vitamin E and/or essential oils which are natural antioxidants. It depends on the product...our teas have a shelf life of 18 months – 2 years if they are stored in a sealed container (glass or plastic) out of direct light. Salves have a shelf life of at least 2 years. They do not need any special care in storage and are pretty hardy. Queen Cream has a shelf life of approximately one year and should be kept cold-ish (or refrigerated) for best longevity. We do not use emulsifiers or stabilizers for the cream, therefore the consistency may change with fluctuations in temperature. All products can be stored in a cool dark place to preserve their essential properties.

Why are your products so expensive?

It is expensive, time consuming, and labour intensive to gather, dry, and process high quality wild ingredients. We take pride in supplying the highest quality ingredients and our price reflects our commitment to this. One thing is for sure...you get what you pay for.

Are your products gluten-free?  Is your facility gluten/nut-free?

Although we use 100% gluten free products, we make everything in the same facility, so if you’re very allergic, we can’t absolutely guarantee the absence of cross contamination. That being said, we wash and sterilize the workspace before and after we make a batch of anything.

Are people allergic to these products?

It is uncommon, but some people are allergic to some of the herbs in our products. If you are allergy prone or have a concern about this, consult your doctor and try only a small amount of tea or try a skin test with the salves or cream to begin with to see if they agree with you.

Our products and the information on these pages are not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any medical condition and are not a substitute for the medical advice of a trained physician.

Do you do custom work?

Absolutely! Weddings, meetings, bridal showers, baby showers, etc. Email us at info@nettleandco.ca with a description of your event.

Are these products safe for children?

Yes, these herbs are safe for children and pets if used as directed.

Does wild harvesting endanger wild plant populations?

Not when it is done in a sustainable way by a professional who understands and respects their growing cycles. All of the plants used in Nettle & Co. Products are common and locally abundant. We are serious about land stewardship and respectful harvesting.