When Shopping for Herbs: Buyer Beware

I didn’t think I’d be doing any posting today. And, because of what day it is, I honestly thought I’d stay away from Facebook, hunker down and get some work done. I have student papers to grade and a massive pork shoulder slow roasting in the oven (halfway on its way to being pulled pork tacos for dindin)….but while doing a quick eyeball, I came across an interesting post in my newsfeed. It was by Dream Catcher Botanicals and it was about an herb that has been tickling the corners of my mind since I first heard about it at an herbal conference: Bobisana.

Anthony and I attended the Herbal Imaginarium’s first herbal conference in NYC back in May. For a first time con, it wasn’t bad– but it wasn’t great either.  The absolute highlight of the event was hearing Susanna Raeven talk about Amazonian “Teacher Plants.” I’ve been practicing herbal medicine for nigh on 20 years. My husband has been delving ethnobotanicals and shamanic herbs for about as

long.  Neither of us has yet had the opportunity (or the financial means) to visit the Amazon, so much of the herbs Raeven discussed were new to us and many were particularly intriguing to me because of my longterm health issues– namely chronic pain, arthritis, and issues with the spine, not to mention epilepsy.  Bobisana didn’t jump out at me as an herb that I wanted to investigate, namely because it’s use as a “dream herb” and with my epilepsy, I wasn’t sure how I would react to an herb that, while it’s used to treat pain, inflammation, and arthritic conditions, can also induce vivid dream states.  Being related to mimosa and my knowledge ahyahuasca (both the brew and the plants involved), I thought that it was better to leave bobisana on the shelf, for now.

Then, Raeven treated attendees to some of her Icaros…. I was the first on stage after her programming to get my hands on her album “Green Tears in the Dark” and when listening to it at home, bobisana was theme that kept coming up. 

So, when I saw that post by Dream Catcher Botanicals in several herbal forums that my husband and I subscribe to on our FB newsfeed, I was interested. Here’s the post. I have to quote it here, because the poster removed it from the forum– after I commented.

See below.

Open up your heart and listen to your body, it needs you! An herb for lucid dreaming, pain and grief!
Bobinsana

Other common names-Balata, Bobensana, Bushiglla, Capabo, Chipero, Kori-Sacha
Latin-Calliandra angustifolia
Parts used- Bark, Leaf and Flower
Constituents- Various alkaloids, amino acid, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and sterols.
Properties- Anti-rheumatic (to relieve or protect against rheumatism), anti-arthritic(To relieve arthritia), anti-inflammatory(Reduce inflammation), anti-cancerous(used to treat cancer), contraceptive(prevents pregnancy), stimulant(Stimulates the nervous system), depurative(To purify and detoxify), oneirogenic (Induces dreams during sleep) and diuretic(Increased urination).
Uses-As a tea or tincture it is used for arthritis, rheumatism, minor pains, aches, fevers, uterine disorders and a general energy tonic. Bobinsana is also used for its potent dream inducing effects.
A relative of the mimosa tree. It is a water loving plant that belongs to the Pea family (Leguminosae). It grows around 4-6 meters high and is usually found alongside, rivers, streams and bodies of water in the Amazon basin. It is found in regions of Ecuador, Columbia, Peru, Brazil and Bolivia. It produces an abundance of gorgeous pink to reddish powderpuff-like flowers. The tree also secretes a usable resinous gum. In the Amazon many indigenous peoples use bobinsana for its pain relieving, fever reducing and uterine tonic effects. Traditionally Bobinsana is taken by tincture in aguardiente or a strong tea. All parts of the plant are used for healing. Bobinsana is a well-known “plant teacher” sometimes used in conjunction with a psychedelic amazonian brew called “Ayahuasca”. While bobinsana alone is not hallucinogenic, it is considered a plant teacher and is sometimes added to ayahuasca recipes to help the shaman connect to and learn from the plants. It is also used to produce strong lucid dreaming. Among other benefits Bobinsana is said to open the heart and give space for it to heal from intense grief, loss and sadness.
Cautions-It is traditionally used as a contraceptive in Peru. While there is no research to confirm this possible action, those seeking to get pregnant should probably avoid this plant. Should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. Otherwise there are no contraindications when used properly.
Steep 1/2-1 tsp of powdered bark in 2 cups of hot water for 5-7 minutes. Drink 1 half hour before bed for it dream enhancing qualities. Or you can make a strong tea for its healing benefits by boiling 1-2 teaspoons of herb on low heat in 2-3 cups of water for 10 minutes. Drink as needed.
Written By Aaron Weis
If you’re interested in purchasing this ethically wild harvested jungle botanical please visit~
http://www.dreamcatcherbotanicals.com/…
And please be sure to check out our other amazing products!
http://www.dreamcatcherbotanicals.com/
Dream well, Live better
Aaron @DreamCatcherBotanicals

I thought, wow. Maybe I should check this out. So I did. I followed their link, which led me here– to a page not currently listed on their site. Then I saw the innocuous $14.95 sitting there without any size information telling potential customers how much of this mysterious bark can you get for $14.95…. I clicked the pull-down menu and drumroll please: an ounce. Yes. You heard me– a measly ounce. I thought– that can’t be right. Then I thought, as an herbalist, I know that an ounce sounds like a tiny bit but it can be a decent amount… sometimes….. when dealing with a lighter product.  An ounce of something that’s very light, like white sage can be an enormous volume.  When I started ordering my herbs in bulk, I ordered a pound of white sage from my most favoritist herbal supplier in the world– one with whom I have zero affiliation (especially since my affiliate account has been disabled and they won’t reactivate it, regardless they are still the best)– Mountain Rose Herbs. I was thinking of a pound in terms of heavier things, like sugar and rice and so on.  When I got my pound of white sage, a full 16 ounces, it was nearly the size of a standard sleeping pillow.  Other things, like mugwort, still light but a little more compact– without the stems– still have enormous volume for the weight.  I ordered a pound of mugwort 5 years ago, spent about $10 on it, and because I store it in a strictly controlled environment (no light, no humidity), it’s still viable. 

The point of this? 1 ounce of bobisana for $14.95 PLUS shipping, handling, and tax is a rip off. My first reply post to Dream Catcher Botanicals said as much, but in a nice, gentle sort of way.  The

person posting the information which appeared in my newsfeed wasn’t Dream Catcher Botanicals. It was another person sharing Dream Catcher’s post. I didn’t realize at the time that I commented that that person was also the proprietor. My comment:

Some great info on the products– but horribly overpriced. Some of the herbs are difficult to find in the States, but the ones that are, there’s just no reason to charge this much for herbs that people will be using for their health. You can find sustainably harvested, fair-trade herbs elsewhere (NOT EBAY) for better prices. Thank you for the information though.

I thought it was fair. I held my tongue…. until I looked more closely at the website and saw how much this place was charging for Mugwort.  Then I got annoyed– and still I didn’t realize the poster was the proprietor.  So I followed up with a longer, more informative post:

I’m curious why these folks are charging $9.95 for 2 ounces of Mugwort from China– when anyone can get an entire pound of Certified Organic Mugwort, from the USA, for $10 at Mountain Rose Herbs. Same goes for Bobisana– Maya Botanicals is selling 50 grams for $4 and this place wants $14.95 an ounce? Some really great information on the site but shameful prices. Folks– shop around. There are some amazing herbs from the Amazon that are gaining popularity here in the States but unscrupulous entrepreneurs who are just inflating prices. I came across Chuchuhuashi at an herbal conference & had read some great things about it on Kilham’s Medicine Hunter. But, it’s hard to find. Sun Foods was selling a 3.5 ounce bag for about $12. I tried it, but went through it very quickly. With some perseverance and patience, I found a site herbs-america.com selling it for $69 for a kilo. That sounded like a lot to me, until I did the math. The price of the Sun Foods, Chuchuhuasi is about $50 for a pound, a little more. Herbs America (an organization that uses fairtrade and sustainable practices) is selling the same bark for a little more than $30 a pound. As an herbalist, I find it distressing that there are a lot of folks going into the trade and massively inflating prices. I’m sure I’ll get some venom for this– but people need to know when the prices are good– and when they’re not. ~J

And within 20 minutes the entire thread had been deleted– either by the forum or the poster, I’m not sure which.  I admit, my second comment was harsher– especially taking into account that the proprietor was the one who started the thread. However, it doesn’t change the fact that a) someone removed the thread possibly to remove my comment and b) the whole herbs being sold at this site, Dream Catcher Botanicals, are overpriced consistently and throughout the site.

This isn’t a personal vendetta against Dream Catcher Botanicals for removing my comment to their post.  This is about herbal entrepreneurs– who are a dime a dozen– who are selling herbs at horribly inflated prices. I already wrote extensively on the Snake Oil Peddlers making Extraordinary! Claims! About! Your! Health! in my Chronic Illness series, The Cure Is You. So, I’m irritated when anyone makes a claim without backing it up with evidence.  I’m not talking about that here.

I’m also not talking about tinctures, balms, salves, steeped oils, or even teas really.  I know as an herbalist myself, there are equal parts training, tradition, and intuition that go into making such herbal remedies.  Dream Catcher’s prices for tinctures are competitive, not awesome, but fair.  While I’ve been using herbs for ages, I’ve only just begun trusting myself enough to start producing in tinctures, even though I’ve been dabbling in them for a while. And, when I mean producing, I mean for my own use, not for sale.  I also understand that not everyone who wants to use herbs has the know-how to create her or his own remedies, or even to select the right herbs for a condition or situation.  But, anyone and everyone who uses herbs has the right to know what they’re using along with the quality of what they’re using.  Furthermore, anyone and everyone that can boil water has the ability to make his and her own herbal remedies at home.  I know that not everyone wants to or has the time to.

But, I am always suspicious of vendors that have little to no information about the quality of the herbs they sell and folks who make fantastic claims about their products. What conditions were the herbs grown under? Do you as the seller of the herbs have a relationship with the grower, or did you

purchase those herbs from another wholesaler– or Goddess forbid, Ebay?  You note that they’re “organic” but are they certified organic, or are you just making a general claim?  And, I especially have problems with the herbs coming from another country when I know those herbs are widely –and sustainably, organically– available with origins from the USA. Especially when that country is China, with a very poor track record in producing organic products.

Very rarely have I made herbal purchases from vendors other than Mountain Rose Herbs.  The only times are when I am seeking a root, bark, or herb that they just don’t carry– something usually ethnobotanical or Amazonian in nature.  Over the years, their stock has ballooned to include many shamanic herbs from all over the world, but the one thing that Mountain Rose specializes in besides quality, is sustainability.  With them it’s not a catch word. They mean it. Their herbs are organic (and when not certified organic, the herbs are tested free of toxic residues). Their herbs are fair trade (and they were fair trade before it was hip).  And every aspect of the company is sustainable, both in terms of practices but who they support. When you make a purchase from Mountain Rose you are getting the best price for the quality.  That doesn’t always mean the cheapest herb, because you do get what you pay for.  However, if you buy in bulk, you will be getting the cheapest price.  Mountain Rose is utterly transparent when it comes to where the herbs originated and if you follow up with stories on their Blog, you can see that if they have an herb from Egypt– they’re getting it there NOT because it’s the cheapest price, but the best. Reading David Doty’s story about how Chamomile is produced and processed is inspiring, not just because MRH is supporting local farmers, but because the herbs in my home apothecary were processed the same way they have been processed for hundreds of years.

I wrote extensively in my Herbal Apothecary series about buying and storing herbs, and about how to build your own home apothecary. There are other smaller scale local herb farms that I’m marginally familiar with. I know many folks would prefer to find herbs grown locally, which is wonderful when you have a local farm.  (To find local farms near you check out Local Harvest). But, I live in NYC. There really aren’t any truly local farms for me. And, while I appreciate the local farmers, I also appreciate and believe in what Mountain Rose Herbs is doing and has accomplished over the years.  Whenever I’ve branched out and tried another vendor for a traditional herb, especially when my beloved MRH was out of stock on a necessity, I was NOT happy with the quality or results.  Herbs are very much living things.  When you cannot grow it yourself and put your own energy into it, then find a place you can trust, a place

that is honest with you about how their herbs are grown, harvested, and stored, a place that is honest about the price and isn’t trying to get rich off your hard earned coin.  The fact of the matter is also this: people who turn to herbal medicine do often because of financial stress.  I find vendors who inflate prices are trying to take advantage of people who may be at the end of the proverbial rope.  Healthy people don’t usually turn to herbal medicine at the outset.  It’s usually when afflicted with a condition not easily treated by conventional means or a condition that conventional medicine uses a scorched-earth policy to treat. 

But, what do you do when you’re looking for a specialty herb? Something not available at a conventional herbal supplier?  Do your homework.   I noted in my above reply to Dream Catcher’s post about how I came to chuchuhuasi.  At the same conference where I was acquainted with bobisana, I learned about –and got to try– chuchuhuasi. 

Susanna Raeven not only spoke (and sang) about the Amazonian Teacher plants, but she had some of her own handcrafted tinctures to try.  Prior to this experience, I hadn’t been a fan of tinctures because they didn’t work very well for me, or they were simply obnoxious to choke down.  Some years ago, I was exposed to black cohosh tincture and it made me violently ill.  More recently, I began using Wild Yam with good results, but the tincture is seriously harsh.  Trying Raeven’s tinctures at the conference– single herb formulas and not the same blends she makes at Raven Crest Botanicals– very much broadened my horizons.  The tinctures didn’t necessarily taste good, but they weren’t caustic either.  Prior to attending her workshop, I had been having a very bad day in terms of pain.  Weather-wise, we were expecting a series of rainstorms, and by the time we left the conference, we were in full thunder-storm mode, which flooded the train tunnel as we were heading out of Brooklyn.  When the weather is bad, my pain is in overdrive. Added to that my back went out that morning and I had a massive migraine brewing, thanks to the storm.  I confess the first tincture I tried was chuchuhuasi, and I tried it as a sort of reflex. I had been in a cloud of pain not focusing very well on what Raeven was saying, but when I tried the tincture there was a burst and my pain almost instantaneously subsided.  And that was only 2 scant drops. I tried the tincture before knowing what it was for. Chuchuhuasi is a powerful herb for pain, but specifically for pain related to the spine.  Inside of 5 minutes, my migraine was gone and my overall pain was manageable.  The next tinctures were cat’s claw and pau d’arco, both herbs I was tangentially familiar with, but had never tried.  After those, I felt like superwoman.  My pain was completely and totally gone– and again, from 2 drops of each. 

So of course, when I went home, I immediately looked for these 3 herbs. I had been preparing a monumental herbal order from Mountain Rose and so I tacked on cat’s claw.  They were out of stock on pau d’arco and didn’t carry chuchuhuasi.  I also ordered tinctures of the cat’s claw and pau d’arco.  While I waited for my order to arrive, I grabbed several bottles of brandy from the local liquor store and I set about making tinctures.  The chuchuhuasi proved much more elusive.  As my comment above noted, I did find a 3.5 ounce bag of “chuhuhuasi tea” from Sun Foods at IHerb for $12.94. I ordered it and we started using it, and promptly went through that little bag in about 3 weeks, a little less. I needed a better, more economical option. 

As Raeven noted in her workshop, a lot of the Amazonian herbs and barks are under restrictions coming into the US because of concerns about accidentally importing pests. Biologically invasion is a serious threat to flora and fauna here in the US. Japanese Beetles, Asian Longhorn Beetles, and scores of other insects were accidentally imported, with grave consequences. So I understand the restrictions. Because of this and shady information, I stayed away from the chuchuhuasi being sold on Ebay. I found a place, Herbs America, who specialize in tinctures, teas, and wholesale herbs from South America. They are a fair trade organization and the herbs are sustainably harvested.  The chuchuhuasi was out of stock, but the company emailed me when they got it back in and while it was expensive, $69 for a kilo (2.2 pounds), it was worth it.  The product received was as near whole bark as you can get and while it’s a little difficult to work with, it’s very good quality.  We also found a vendor in the Netherlands selling the bark in powdered form for $3.94 for 50 grams: Maya Ethnobotanicals. 

The same place sells bobisana for the same price, $3.94 for 50 grams. 50 grams is about double what Dream Catcher Botanicals is selling it for.

So, the bottom line– when you see a whole herb, shop around. Look for reviews of the company. Ask friends and look to your social media, especially if you subscribe to newsfeeds from places like Evolver, Singing to the Plants, Medicine Hunter, and so on.  Do the same for tinctures and any herbal remedy.  If you want to try something before investing the time in making it yourself, by all means do so. But, find a reputable vendor. Someone who has a proven track record and isn’t churning out tinctures in a hoarder’s kitchen or their parents’ garage. Then, if something works for you, MAKE IT YOURSELF. Making a tincture is even easier than making tea– and had I known that I wouldn’t have been so nervous about making them. Get books on the craft. I’ve recommended Rosemary Gladstar before, but there are others, Susun Weed, Jesse Wolf Hardin, Kiva Rose, Chris Kilham.  And, above all empower yourself with knowledge. Don’t let someone line his or her pockets and don’t fall victim to an unscrupulous vendor who has no love for the craft– only for your money.