Help Center

We are a worker owned, artisanal batch, herbal folk medicine apothecary company in Ohio. 

We make remedies, tonics, and body care and sell retail online, at events and pop-ups, and we sell wholesale to myriad locations throughout the area. 

Lots of ways! We are woman-and-enby-owned, worker owned, and unlike many fly-by-night operations making "natural" products, a trained herbalist with decades of experience creates and/or approves all our formulas. 

We use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, supporting the local economy through relationships with local farms and homesteads. Our herbalist lives on a farm and grows many of the botanicals herself.

We also source all ingredients according to a sustainability and environmental ethos: preferring minimally processed or raw ingredients, fair trade ingredients, and the like. We are members of Fair Trade Columbus and United Plant Savers!

We create in small batches with minimal ingredients and no added shelf stabilizers and artificial preservatives. (Body care and remedies should be seen like food- buy smaller packages and use up what you have to keep it fresh. It should not sit in a medicine cabinet gathering dust for years.)

We use reusable, recyclable, and compostable packaging intentionally. It's heavier in shipping, but better for you and the planet. No Plastic- as that toxifies your natural product and harms the planet. We infuse intention, compassion, and right livelihood in everything we make and do!

Boline Apothecary was Lily's (our staff herbalist) former brick-and-mortar shop in Clintonville- one that carried her formulations but much more: other herbal brands, homeopathy, essential oils, a bulk herb/spice/tea section, and other locally-made body care. It was a well-loved, 1000 square foot, eclectic imprint of awesome. 

Sadly, small business is difficult, and so is brick and mortar selling. There is little markup in supplements in general, and Lily wanted to keep her formulas affordable. The overhead to operate Boline each month was too much. Lily went into much debt trying to make it all work.

Haven Herbs is a collaborative effort, not just Lily (thank goodness!). There are worker owners to share the load instead of a project of one. We have less overhead because we do not do our own a brick and mortar retail shop. We sell wholesale to other brick and mortar shops, have a monthly subscription program for loyal customers, and sell retail direct online. While Lily misses seeing all your faces and getting to touch base, this new smaller, more nimble business model will ensure longevity and sustainability.

Those seeking herbal advice or classes should check out Lily's personal website, lilykunning.com

If it was a Boline Apothecary formula, it was Lily's formula. She is making 90% of the products you bought there on the regular, and any product she no longer makes regularly can still be ordered as a custom item. (Short answer: yes!) 

Some of the names may be unfamiliar to you, though- as we changed all the "boring named" products when Lily dissolved Boline. So here is a quick guide to the old name and the new!

Cardiovascular Tonic = Change of Heart
Cold and Flu Tea = Under the Weather
Eczema & Psoriasis Salve = Rash B Gone
Eye Cream = Crow's Feet Fly Away
Facial Scrub = Daily Cleanse
Facial Toner = Phabulous Phace
Gas and Bloating Remedy = Pop the Balloon
Gum & Mouth Rinse = Swish & Spit
Herbal Steam = Full Steam Ahead!
Herbal Wormer = Early Bird (Gets the Worm)
Hemorrhoid Suppositories = Bum Candy
Insomnia & Stress = Bleary Eyed
Menopause Tea = Wise Woman Tisane
Migraine Remedy = Migra-Ease
Milky Time Tisane = Milky Mama Tisane
Mint Neem Toothpaste = Fancy Fangs
Nervous System Tonic = Frazzled
Ohio Allergies = Aller-Geez!
Pain Relief = The Gripes
Poison Ivy & Bug Bite Salve = A Jewel of a Salve
Remineralizing Tooth Powder = Solid Smile
Sore Muscle Salve = Knead It
Sore Muscle Soak = Aaaaah!
Stressless = Smooth Sailing
Stop the Crud = Berry Blast Elixir
Sunscreen = Beau Soleil
Toothpaste = Fancy Fangs
Urinary Tract Health = Urine It to Win It!
Women's Reproductive Tonic = Equilibrium
Wound Wash = Puncture Proof
Wrinkle Serum = Unflappable
Yeast Infection Boluses = Beat the Yeastie Beastie!

No longer made by Haven, but available from Lily:
Cough Syrup = Tussa-lixir
Divurticulitis Capsules = Digest-Eze
Hot Oil Treatment = Crowning Glory

Lily and Haven have also added some new products since Boline's demise:

• A new whitening tooth powder: Black and White
• Several Herbal Smoke blends (instead of just one): Tobacco Free (for those actively trying to quit), Heart's Ease (for emotional support/emotional smokers), and Life of the Party (for social smokers/those who smoke while drinking)
• A new kids and baby line and Midwifery line for pregnant people and their offspring.

Great! We want to buy from locals who cultivate using organic methods (with or without certification), non-GMO plant stock, and wildcraft ethically. If this includes you, see our list below of what we will always need more of. If you have something else, please contact us. We may want it!

Here is a list of things we will always take from you (see below on when to harvest and how to process):

Arnica flowers
Aztec Dream Herb leaf
Burdock root
Calendula flowers
Catnip leaf
Chamomile flowers
Chickweed
Chicory root
Cleavers
Comfrey leaves
Comfrey root
Damiana leaf
Dandelion leaf
Dandelion root
Echinacea tops
Echinacea root
Elderflower
Elderberry
Elecampane root
Eyebright tops
Ginkgo leaf (yellow leaves in the fall)
Hawthorn berries
Holy Basil (Tulsi) leaves
Hops flowers
Horsetail
Hyssop leaves, especially Anise Hyssop
Juniper berries
Lady's Mantle herb
Lavender flowers
Lemon Balm
Lemon Verbena
Linden leaf & flower
Lungwort
Milk Thistle seed
Mint (any variety)
Motherwort herb
Mugwort herb
Mullein flowers
Mullein leaf
Oats (straw, tops, esp in milky stage)
Parsley root
Passionflower herb
Plantain leaf
Red Clover blossoms
Red Raspberry leaf
Rose petals
Rosehips
Saint John's Wort herb
Skullcap herb
Spicebush
Stinging Nettle herb
Sumac berries
Valerian root
Violet leaf and flower
Wild Lettuce herb
Yarrow flowers, White 
Yellow Dock root

Have something else not mentioned here that you think we may want? Contact Lily- she may be able to use it for our limited edition CSH boxes!

"Tops" or "Herb" refers to stems, leaves, and flowers taken at time of flowering. 
Roots are taken in the fall, after much of the plant dies back. 
Leaves alone are taken just before plant goes to flower.

We pay going wholesale rate (which varies from season to season) on dried, cut, and sifted botanicals. You can do this work yourself and know exactly how much you will be paid for, or you can have us dry, cut, and sift for you (dropping off good condition fresh plant material) for 80% of the wholesale rate. Your choice!

You will want to talk to our staff herbalist, Lily. She makes custom formulas for people from things that they request or from a consultation she has with you based on her assessment. Book a consultation or request a custom blend from her directly. Her website is here.

Shipping: 

We ship all orders Mondays-Fridays. Orders placed after 2 PM on Friday will ship on Monday. We will notify you if an item is on backorder or will be delayed. Please note that shipping times indicated during check-out come from the shippers. Shipping entities are having more and more delays in the age of COVID, so if you need something fast, choose expedited shipping (3 day, express- not "priority" as those ranges are not guaranteed).

We also may be making your item after you order it (items like this are noted in the description), to ensure freshness and longevity. We produce new items on a few Mondays a month- so your order may be held until the following Tuesday in this case. Our order fulfillment center will inform you of when your item ships and you will be emailed a tracking number.

Pickup Options:

We also offer two local pick-up options as an alternative to shipping. If you choose local pickup in lieu of shipping, there is no shipping charge applied to your order. However, we only drop off local pickup items once per week.

To get a Saturday pickup, you must order by Thursday at 11:59 PM. Any order placed after that will be delivered the following week.

Pickup locations:

Clintonville Natural Foods (Portias)
4398 Indianola Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

World Peaces
15 W. Dunedin Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

Returns:

Due to the nature of the products we make, returns based on aesthetics are not possible. We do replace an item if it is actually defective. Defective is something like a pump bottle that does not pump or mold growing in a product (heaven forbid!). It does not include "not liking the scent" or "it didn't work for me". 

We stand by the efficacy of our products for the vast majority of people. Due to individual biochemistry variations, there is a small possibility a product might "not work" for you. That just means you should try a different one, like any pharmaceutical or body care product- using herbal supplements and natural body care is sometimes trial and error to you find that amazing product that you love. Everyone's biochemistry is unique- so if the Pit Paste (for example) did not do exactly what you wanted, contact us and we may be able to make you a custom product that suits you better.

Items that are damaged in shipping: please take a photo of the item and the packaging (for insurance purposes) and email us. We will ship a replacement ASAP.

If you are a small independent business or a coop (either worker or member owned) you are in luck! We do wholesale for businesses like yours. Contact Bethany, our worker owner in charge of wholesale, to get a price list emailed to you, and to set up a visit (with sampling!) after you read more here.

Welcome! We are excited that you love Haven. We need to want you though: we are not your typical workplace.

We are worker owned, which means everyone here is an owner, not just an employee. We employ democracy at work, meaning all worker owners get a say in large decisions. It also means each owner has personally invested time, sweat, and money to own this company equally. It means working more when the company needs it, and forgoing money sometimes when worker owners vote to leave money with the company for a big project.

We are a small business. Owners are expected to work more when there is more to do, work less when things are slow. We are paid monthly and our payouts are based on profit- not a guaranteed wage. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, this could be a place for you!

While everyone who works here is enthusiastic about herbal medicine, not everyone works with herbs. Some are wholesale account reps, marketing folks, or workers that plan and staff events. We have room for many skillsets!

If you are interested in finding out about ownership possibilities and if there is a need to add a worker owner, contact us!

Berry Blast, Tussa-lixir, Inflasyrup, Fire Cider, or a seasonal tonic- these are the products talked about in this article.

In the case of Berry Blast, Seasonal Tonics, and Fire Cider- you can take one dose daily to prevent illness and stay well, or take more, if you are indeed ill. 

Adults take 1 tablespoon, Kids take 1 teaspoon. Wellness dose is once daily, Acute dosage is 2-3 times daily.

As with all remedies, whether pharma or herbal, effective dosing is based on body mass and metabolism and varies from person to person. These are tonics, meaning food grade- so you may take this up to 6 times daily without issues. But we doubt you'll need that much.

Tinctures are our herbalist's favorite way to take herbal medicine. It's portable, you take less than if you were taking tea as your remedy, and they last a long time (a worthy investment!) Those avoiding alcohol can let it evaporate in a cup of steaming tea.

Generally Speaking:

A dosage is based on body mass, metabolism, and sensitivity. There is no one universal dose, ask your herbalist or naturopath how much you should take with your circumstances. But here are some general guidelines: start with a smaller dose. You can always take more, you know?

If you are taking a remedy (for an acute situation like a headache or menstrual cramps), Start with 30-45 drops (approximately half the the dropper vial in a one ounce dropper or 3.5 ml). You can either put the dose directly in the mouth or in a liquid that you drink entirely. Wait 30 minutes and see if you need more. Most tinctures are safe to take up to 6 times a day, but we don't think you will need that much, honestly.

If you are taking a tonic (something to take regularly to keep in your system and promote wellness, like Adapt or Liquid Health), take twice daily (usually AM/PM) at least every other day.

For children under 100 pounds, start with half of an adult dose.

Specifically Speaking:
Digestive Bitters: is best taken 15 minutes before meals on the regular. If you skip a dose or day, no worries, just start back up again. We are meant to eat a varied diet, and this replaces bitter foods most people do not eat.

Early Bird: Use this product thrice daily (15 minutes before meals to avoid queasyness). A full half dropper for adult humans, half that for children or animals. It is potent and should be taken on-again, off-again: one week on, three days off until you see worms coming out in the stool for several days.

Equilibrium: This is a temporary tonic to help the endocrine system rebalance hormone levels and find a "golden mean", especially between estrogens and progesterone. Take the tincture twice daily (AM/PM) for three months. If you have a chronic underlying issues (such as PCOS) you may need to take the tincture as a permanent tonic instead.

Find Your Way By Moonlight: This tincture is designed to be a part of a bedtime routine. Take as you are getting ready to retire and prepare your area for a night of productive dreaming: do you have a journal and pen nearby or a digital recorder? Do you diffuse essential oils or have a sound machine? Take a half dropper before you drift off to enhance your dreaming and dream recollection.

Glandu-Riffic: For prevention: We recommend getting one or two 1 oz. bottles and taking twice daily (AM/PM).
For treatment: We recommend getting a 4 oz. bottle and taking thrice daily (AM/mid-day/PM).

I'm S.A.D.: is a tonic to be taken during the darker part of the year by folks prone to getting Seasonal Affective Disorder. You take it 2-3 times daily (either AM/PM or the addition of mid-day, depending on the severity of your condition).

Lyme Protocol:
Lyme Aid protocol has three tinctures. Lyme Aid #1 and #2 are taken the same way, at the same time. We recommend putting both doses in a shot of water and down them both (you do this twice daily until the bottles are gone).

The Teasel tincture is potent and it is important that you follow the microdosing directions specifically. Day One- take one drop (not dropper, a DROP). Day Two, take two drops. The dosage increases by a drop each day until day nine- you stay at nine drops until the bottle is gone.

Urine It to Win It: This tincture can be used in two ways: As a tonic for those prone to chronic infections or stones (to keep them at bay) and as a remedy for those that have an active infection or problem in the tract. Take several times in a week as a tonic, take up to three times a day for an active infection.

Haven tisanes come in airtight tins and are filled by volume. Weights range between 2 oz. and 5 oz. depending on their weight of the botanicals. Tinned tisanes come with brewing instructions and a reusable cloth infuser bag inside.  Each tin makes approximately 30 individual cups of tea.

Tisanes can be brewed multiple ways depending on what's in the tisane, if you want it hot or cold, and if you are drinking it as is, or using the brew to further make another product (like a syrup or hard lozenge, for example).

All ready-to-drink tisane ratios start with 1 tablespoon of herbs per 8 oz. of water.

Hot infusions: This is the most familiar way people "make tea". Boil water and pour over plant material and let steep. If it is truly "tea" (Camillia sinensis), then no more than 3-4 minutes is required. If it is other plant matter (chamomile, peppermint, a blend), you should steep, COVERED, for a minimum of 15 minutes. Longer steep = stronger flavor and more potency.

Cold infusions: To make a cold brew, use the same ratio above, but put your plant in room temperature water overnight. Strain, then refrigerate. This keeps 3-4 days in the fridge.

Decoctions: This is boiling the plant material with the water, covered, for 20 minutes. This is used for barks and roots and other woody material, or for when you are making a strong liquid to make a syrup.

Aromatherapy, or the therapeutic use of essential oils, is powerful.
So powerful in fact, it can harm you if you do not use them safely and
properly. If it is powerful enough to heal, it can also harm.

Not all oils are safe for children, infants, immuno-compromised
people, pregnant women, and the elderly. You should also never use
essential oils topically on cats or birds. 

Aromatherapy works by entering the bloodstream, and there are two effective ways to do that:

1. Inhalation. Gas exchange in the capillaries of the lungs ensure
the fastest method of getting essential oils into your bloodstream. This can be done by inhaling directly from the package or by using a
diffuser.

2. Topical application. Again, these are highly concentrated
substances that need to be diluted before use. Not only are you throwing money away by applying essential oils undiluted, but you could be damaging the skin and liver. Our roll ons are already diluted to a
therapeutic dose of 5%-10%.

PLEASE DO NOT INGEST essential oils. Ingestion is not only less
effective in getting the constituents quickly into the bloodstream, it
is also unsafe for the mucus membranes and liver (which they come into contact with in the digestive tract).

ALWAYS dilute your essential oils if they come in contact with your skin- in baths, in massages, in products. Or simply buy pre-diluted roll ons like these.

Herbal remedies, supplements, and tonics are fundamentally different
from pharmaceuticals (and we like it that way). They are designed to
restore your body and its systems to homeostasis gently- working with
your body.

These can be rolled into cigarettes or used in a pipe or other smoking accessory.  (Add a dug out when you check out for a convenient way to store and smoke these on the go!) They are free of tobacco, cannabis, and other regulated substances.

This FAQ refers to AAAAAH! Sore Muscle Soak, Rash Bath, and Sitz Bath.

For Sitz Bath, you may want to use less in myriad ways:
There are three possible ways to use this versatile product:

1. As a bath/soak: Brew the contents as a tea in the infuser bag. If using a sitz basin, use 2 heaping tablespoons in hot water. Let cool and immerse your bottom and perineum area in the basin for 15-20 minutes.

2. As a wash, in lieu of toilet paper after using the toilet. We recommend using this in a high pressure squirt bottle (also known as a peri bottle).

3. As a compress. Brew the "tea" and use it to soak old school thick maxi pads or cloths. Freeze these and then sit on them.

Salves and Balm are topical remedies for specific conditions. We at Haven have a family of salves that includes:

Salves in metal tins:

A Jewel of a Salve: For Poison Ivy and bug bites. Also a great preventative if used between gloveline and sleeve when gardening!

Baker's Balm: for burns

Boo Boo Balm: for cuts and scrapes

BFF Balm: for sore cracked nipples from breastfeeding
Fungus Amungus: antifungal

Knead It: sore muscle rub

No Itch: just like it sounds, regardless the cause!

Rash Be Gone: for rashes like eczema and psoriasis

Salves in paperboard tubes:

Cold Sore Lip Balm: to prevent and treat lesions
(For folks that haven't used a paperboard tube yet- you push up using a finger on the bottom (there is no screw mechanism to advance the lip balm upward) to get more out of the tube. The first push may need more force, but after that, it advances easily.)

Salves in glass jars:
Crow's Feet Fly Away: an eye cream for wrinkles and fine lines.

You should know that topicals never cure a problem (psoriasis, for example, is an auto-immune disease that requires internal treatments and lifestyle changes), they only treat symptoms and discomfort (which has its own merits, to be sure). Apply liberally to an affected area, repeat as necessary.

We have two kinds of suppositories at Haven:

Beat the Yeastie Beastie (for vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis) and Bum Candy (for hemmorrhoids/piles). Each kit works the same way:

Insert the suppository with your fingers before bed.

We recommend using a towel or chuck under you in case of leakage.

The suppository is designed to slowly melt and release plants right where you need them, overnight.

Use all 5 suppositories in the kit, even if you think your issue is resolved.

The slave is there for external topical itch and irritation.

Our sunscreen (Beau Soleil) is a simple formula with no extra chemicals or fragrances added. Since we eschew shelf stabilizers, homogenizers, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals, some separation may eventually occur in a natural lotion such as this one. If this happens to you, simply shake vigorously to re-emulsify. Voila!

There is a best by date on this product, please do not use after that date, as oils can go rancid and the formula can get less effective over time.

Safe, natural sunscreens must be reapplied after getting wet, overly sweaty, or after 4 hours in the sun. Any sunscreen that claims it is waterproof, a higher SPF, or lasts longer is using something fishy! Caveat Emptor!

Apply topically where skin is exposed.

These are safe topical formulations that reduce friction and chafing. Ours are a combination of starch for glide and clay for absorbency.

Apply to areas in need of such a treatment (where skin touches skin, most likely).

Baby/Body is gentle and safe for even infants, and Anti-Funk is fantastic for feet or shoes or anywhere that skin meets skin and causes irritation and yeast/fungal growth.

This spray can be used on skin, dog fur, and clothing. It's safe for children and infants. Just keep out of eyes!

It's smell masks the smell of your blood and deters parasitic insects. Use every two hours while out or if you get wet or sweat a bunch. You can even spray it on Rover before a hike. External use only, please.

This article is about Character (our scar serum) and Unflappable (our wrinkle serum).

Character is a scar serum, meaning you apply it to the scarred area up to 5 times a day (less is fine, but the more frequently you apply, the faster it works). Intended for topical use on unbroken skin.

We have three lozenges, Chill Pills, Rocket Fuel, and Sad Throat. All are meant to be used the same way. Take one at a time, and suck on the lozenge until it disappears. Chewing reduces the effectiveness and exposure to the plants.

We have a line of facial care that works well in combination or as stand-alone products:

Cleansers:

Daily Cleanse: An exfoliant gentle enough to use every day. Simply take a quarter sized amount into your palm, moisten with water, yogurt, or other desired liquid to form a paste, and rub to wash and exfoliate face. Rinse well and apply toner.

Morning Dew: Our oil cleanser for dry sand aging skin. Use this with a cotton ball or round and wipe over enter face and neck to pull out dirt and impurities. Leaves face moistened and clean!

Toner:

Phabulous Phace: Our universal toner to put your skin's Ph back to slightly acidic and firm and hydrate without being oily. Use after cleansing by spraying a light amount over the face (close your eyes!) and patting in.

Treatments:

Crow's Feet Fly Away: an eye cream to build firmness and support aging skin. Use up to twice daily on clean dry skin.

Masks: Our masks come dry so that they last longer and you can choose what type of liquid to use: water, honey, yogurt, goat’s milk? The end treatment is up to you!

We have 4 masks for all skin types and conditions: Acne, Graceful Aging, Rosacea, and Sensitive Skin, which are a combination of clays and botanicals that support these issues. Use the appropriate mask for you.

If you use water, take a quarter sized amount into your palm and create a paste with water in your hand. Apply a thin coat to the areas you wish to apply to (Whole face? T Zone? Just the nose?) and leave until the mask dries completely. Then remove with a washcloth.
If you decide to use honey, yogurt, or milk, (or hey, even avocado or banana!), mix and incorporate in a bowl. Apply to areas you wish to refine, and wait 15-20 minutes before removing.

Spot Be Gone: a spot treatment for pimples and acne. Apply as needed.

Unflappable: a serum for wrinkles and building firmness. Use in desired areas up to twice daily on clean dry skin.

We have several unique products for a healthy mouth. All have been approved by a holistic dentist from Columbus.

Black and White: Our tooth whitening formula. A tooth powder is used by wetting your brush, adding the powder on top, and brushing as usual. Tooth powders precede toothpastes by many years- this is the way people cleaned their teeth long before plastic packaging technology came along for paste! Simply wet your brush first and sprinkle some of the powder into the lid. Then dip your brush in to adhere the powder to the bristles (or take a pinch and spinkle on top). Brush as usual.

Fancy Fangs: Our daily toothpaste. Use as you would any toothpaste.

Gum Treat: This is a topical spot treatment that you pack a pinch onto sore, bleeding, infected, or painful gums. Leave it in place at least 15 minutes. I know, it's bitter- but it is helpful!

If you have a chronic problem, we recommend either Solid Smile (a remineralizing tooth powder), Black and White (a whitening tooth powder), or Fancy Fangs (a daily all natural toothpaste) and our Swish and Spit (a gum rinse).

Solid Smile: This is our remineralizing formula. Great for those with soft, cavity prone teeth. A tooth powder is used by wetting your brush, adding the powder on top, and brushing as usual. Tooth powders precede toothpastes by many years- this is the way people cleaned their teeth long before plastic packaging technology came along for paste! Simply wet your brush first and sprinkle some of the powder into the lid. Then dip your brush in to adhere the powder to the bristles (or take a pinch and spinkle on top). Brush as usual.

Swish and Spit: How to Use: We sell our rinse as a concentrate- meaning that one bottle makes twice as much rinse as packaged. Shake well to combine the two separated liquids before pouring out a small amount (say, a tablespoon). Add an equal amount of water to the cup and use this to swish.

Keep in the mouth for as long as possible (then spit, don't swallow) until your liquid is gone. 

This product stimulates the salivary glands, so you may feel the need to spit a few times more after being done. If your gums were bleeding at all, you will see small bits of coagulated blood in the sink when you spit. These will lessen over time with regular use.

Blood Stop is a powder that should be kept dry and out of direct heat and light to stay potent. It is used on cuts and other open wounds to prevent infection, stop bleeding, and create a barrier (excellent for puncture wounds and animal attacks- as both herbs fight infection and draw out toxins).

Use the smallest amount needed to pack the wound and staunch bleeding. This is a great product to have on hand for people on blood thinners, people with livestock, and folks with rough and tumble lifestyles.

We have several botanical infused oils:

Earache Oil, Lymphatic Massage Oil, Mittleschmerz Oil, and Teething/Toothache Oil.

Earache Oil: Never use earache oil in an ear canal with a ruptured eardrum. Earache Oil can be used in a couple of ways:

1. As a deep treatment for ear pain, lay down on your side and fill the ear canal with oil. Do 30 minutes on each side (always do both sides, as the eustachian tubes are connected and infection can travel).

2. As a preventative during earache season, place a few drops in the ear canal and rub into the eardrum before going out into the cold.

Lymphatic Massage Oil: Never use on broken skin. Use as a massage lubricant while doing lymphatic massage.

Mittleschmerz Oil: This is a topical massage oil for the abdominal area during hormonally induced pain, such as cysts bursting, painful ovulation, endometriosis flares, or menstrual cramps. Great when used with heat, too! Do not apply to open or not-yet-healed wounds.

Teething/Toothache Oil: Apply topically in the mouth where the pain is. This is a temporary topical pain reliever.

We have several steams, each used a unique way. Full Steam ahead is a sinus steam. Flowers 4 Yr Face is a facial steam, and we have 4 Yoni (Vaginal) Steams, too.

Full Steam Ahead and Flowers 4 Your Face are used the same way: Boil Water, put the bag in the vessle with said water, tent your had with a blanket or towel and allow the steam to carry botanical goodness to your skin (Flowers) or sinus passages (Full Steam). Do for at least 15 minutes.

It's a good idea to cleanse after a facial steam, as your pores are more open than they are normally.

Keep tissues on hand if you used Full Steam Ahead and were congested. Draininage can happen for up to an hour afterwards.

Yoni Steams are quite the fad nowadays, but they have a long history on many continents in helping folks with vaginas and uteruses with specific health conditions.

In some cases, a woman should not do vaginal steam, these are: extremely heavy menstrual cycles (unless recommended by an herbalist or other practitioner), during your period, if you have a vaginal infection, open wounds, sores, or blisters, if you are pregnant (or think you may be pregnant). If you have genital piercings, take them out, the heat will cause the piercing to burn you. NEVER add essential oils to a yoni steam, it can harm you. If you have questions, consult a qualified herbalist.
 
What to do/What you need for a Yoni Steam:
Half the jar of Haven Herbs’ Yoni Steam to 8 cups of purified water, boiled in a large pot with lid, suitable to hold your steaming herbal brew. (A crockpot is excellent to transfer your boiling water into, as it retains heat for longer periods of time.)

Two wooden (not metal) chairs that you will balance your sweet cheeks betwixt. For routine steaming, you can cajole a carpenter friend with a scroll saw into making you a special steaming chair, with a hollowed out center for the steam to rise through. Or, if you’re a fancy pants, you can invest in a right & proper U-shaped medical chair!
Blankets to ensconce yourself in once seated.

Warm clothes to cover your neck and feet. These ensure that the healing ringlets of heat get trapped deep within the body, where they can work their magic and mojo.

WHEN TO STEAM
Most women will benefit from a hearty steam 1-5 days before their period arrives using Haven’s Yoni Steam Strengthening and Tonifying formula. Some, whose wombs do not completely empty during a cycle or have heavy or painful periods would benefit from Haven’s Menses Trouble Steam. Women during their crone years benefit from Haven Herbs’ Menopausal Steams. Looking to conceieve? We have a Fertility Prep Steam, too.

For more tips and tricks, especially for fertility prep, see our website.

HOW TO STEAM
1. Arrange your steam shrine in a quiet place where you can get down and dirty. Suit up in your ritual garb (keeping your neck and feet covered), being sure to remain pantsless or sans-culottes, as they say in France. Create your throne by placing two wooden chairs far enough apart for the gentle tendrils of steam to penetrate your nethers, with a nice spot between them to place your bowl of herbs (you may want to use a placemat if you have dainty hardwood floors). If you’re using a crockpot, plug it in now so that it’s nice and toasty when it’s time to pour your brew. Kick up the jams, consecrate your herbs with your intention, and work your magic and mojo like a boss.
2. Drape a warm blanket over your chair, so that you don’t have to fuss about once it’s time to steam.
3. Place your purified water and herbs in a covered pot, and bring to a soft, rolling boil for roughly 5 minutes. This is a stellar time for incantations, or a cathartic Bacchanalian dance party.
4. Turn off the heat, and steep your brew for another five minutes with the lid on. You can wrap the pot in a dishtowel to further hold in the heat if you so desire. When ready, place it next to your steam shrine.
5. Pour half of the water into your bowl or crockpot, waving your hand about 10 inches over the water to ensure the steam is not hot enough to burn your precious ladyparts.
6. Finally, sit atop your throne, tilting your pelvis and posture for maximum steam action. This requires some show-ponying around, and will be different for every pelvis. Ensconce your low body in the blanket, making sure no steam is escaping through the pesky crevasses. Should the steam be too much for you, you can control the temperature by venting the blanket as you so desire. This should be pleasantly intense, but not painful or burn-y in the slightest. Be very mindful, m’dears, especially if you’re in an altered state or meditative trance.
7. Allow yourself to stew in the vexing vapors for about 10-12 minutes, or until the heat wanes to tepid and/or ho-hum.
8. Dispose of your wan waters, and replenish with the remaining herbal infusion from the stewing pot. If need be, reheat the brew until steaming. Then, be a dear and repeat steps 5-7.
9. Retire to the bedchamber, and seal the rite under a pile of warm blankets, relaxing and rejoicing in your resilient, rejuvenated womb.
10. Be mindful of your vagina in the days and weeks to come, being sure to check in with the state of affairs hither and thither. You should expect changes in your vaginal discharge and menstruation, signaling that cleansing and healing is transpiring.

Pink Eye Pillows and Puncture Proof are both herbal washes. They are use similarly.

We have two kinds of remedy suckers: Sickie Suckers and Sleepy Suckers. Both are sweet remedies that kids of all ages can use to take some herbal goodness when otherwise resistant.

Unlike fad diets and "cleanses" on the internet, we at Haven know a cleanse is usually not necessary. If you would like a jumpstart of your metabolism after a winter of fatty foods and sedentary living, all that is needed is a bottle of Spring Detox twice a day until the bottle is gone- that's it!

It is always best that you are eating a plant-centered diet and getting 30 minutes of exercise daily. But even for those who can't, this can be beneficial. Shake vigorously, every time! Then just take a tablespoon of Spring Detox twice daily (AM/PM) until the bottle is gone! Adults only, please.

A tincture is an extract that uses alcohol (and possibly water) as its solvents. Most of our tinctures are 100 proof (50% ethanol, 50% water). We make most of our formulas as tinctures, because this combination of solvents gets out the most constituents, making it second in potency only to eating the entire plant at its prime. 

A glycerite is one that uses glycerine and possibly additional water as its solvents. Glycerine only gets out water soluble constituents, making it less potent than a tincture, more akin to a tea. 

A vinegar is one that uses unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar as its solvent. 

And a cordial uses either grape brandy or white wine as its solvent. 

We choose the best solvent for the job, based on the plants in the remedy. We believe it is safe to give children tinctures and do so with our own children. If you have a health or religious reason that alcohol is not for you, Lily, staff herbalist, is happy to do a custom blend for you- it will just take time. And we do offer vinegar Digestive Bitters year round.

Lily, the main formulator of this line (and indeed each worker owner), has put a lot of time, effort, thought, and intention into what is chosen for each formula. The quality and source of each ingredient matters and must add to a formula for it to be included. Here are some of the particulars around our ingredients:

Plants: first preference is given to local plants grown using organic methods, second is certified organic from elsewhere or ethically wildcrafted plants. We work with several local farms and homesteads first. When we do source from herb distributors, we only buy from those that have a suitability ethos, too.

Shea Butter: We buy raw (unprocessed) fair trade Shea from a woman's cooperative.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the USA or Middle East (as opposed to Italy): We choose this as the base of most of our salves, carrier oils for most roll ons, and in lotions, too. Why? It is a cold pressed (as opposed to a solvent extracted) oil, it is easy to find high quality (and when you get Middle Eastern or American it is not adulterated like many Italian ones), olive oil is less likely to cause allergic issues in customers (than say nut oils like almond), and olive oil is AMAZING! It contains polyphenols (antioxidants) and squalene which moisturizes and promotes elasticity. Perfect for skin and hair treatments!

Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil: We also source organic and fair trade for these items. We do good by going the extra mile.

Beeswax (instead of vegan waxes):
We use only local sustainable beeswax in our salves. The beekeepers we patronize care about pollinator health and survival above all else. The bees need our help- so support your local small beekeeper! We do not use vegan waxes in our formulas, because many are sourced from the rainforest (where they clear the earth's lungs to make the way for this crop) or extracted using harsh toxic solvents, which is bad for you and the planet. Beeswax is renewable, sustainable, and medicinal.

Candelilla and Carnauba waxes are often substituted for beeswax to make a formula vegan. We do not do this for deliberate reasons.

First, our beeswax is from small, local beekeepers who do not use their bees to assist agribusiness. Their first priority is bee health and well being. Frankly, bees can use all the help they can get in these days of neonicotinoid pesticides.

Second, the vegan waxes are either from a place where the rainforest is being destroyed to make way for cash crops for Americans or are extracted using a harsh solvent that toxifies its ingredient. We would rather use local wax that supports ethical beekeeping.

Third, beeswax, in and of itself, has amazing medicinal properties and actually adds to a formulas medicinal value instead of simply acting as a solidifier. To us, this is a no-brainer. Beeswax is more environmentally conscious and medicinal!

If you are vegan, please consider these issues- which affect all life on earth before dismissing beeswax formulas and choosing vegan waxes. Quality beeswax is simply better and MORE cruelty free.

Preservatives: We use naturally sourced and extracted preservatives, and never any formaldehyde, parabens, or other toxic ingredients that you find (even in many "natural" brands"). We inhibit mold with a natural fermented product and beneficial bacteria, we stabilize our fat based formulas with vitamin E oil and rosemary antioxidant, and we use some essential oils for this purpose too. This means our formulas are less shelf stable and have a quicker expiration date than something from Whole Foods, Walmart, or CVS. But it's also a better product for you and the planet, not packaged in toxifying plastic, and we make it in small batches to ensure a decent shelf life.

We firmly believe the less ingredients the better for you and do not add unnecessary shelf stabilizers just so your product can sit in a warehouse or store shelf longer.

What kind of preservatives, you ask? Vitamin E Oil, Rosemary Anti-oxidant, probiotics, plant ferments, and essential oils. All natural, naturally sourced and extracted!

Herbal remedies, supplements, and tonics are fundamentally different from pharmaceuticals (and we like it that way). They are designed to restore your body and its systems to homeostasis gently- working with your body.

We post basic dosage guidelines, but keep in mind if you have more body mass or a faster metabolism than the average bear, you may need to take a larger dose than indicated.  If there are hard-and-fast limitations on how often you can take the product, it will be listed on the package. Most can be used up to six times daily without problems (but we doubt that you would need to do that). For tinctures, children under 100 lbs can start with half of an adult dose.

Remember, there are no "magic bullets" in life, and any product (herbal, pharmaceutical, or otherwise) claiming 100% success without knowing you, your constitution, and your lifestyle is lying and trying to get into your wallet. Often, herbalists (and MDs) need to try several products before we find the one that works for your unique biochemistry.

Feel free to email us if the product didn't quite do the job. We can recommend another that could do the trick. If you have questions about the suitability of a product or dosage ask your herbalist, naturopath, or health care provider how much you should take for your specific circumstances.  For personalized herbal consultation, you can also contact Lily Kunning, our Community Herbalist.

TTP is a great shortcut to getting activated Turmeric into your body regularly. With it, you can make delicious golden milk in 5 minutes. One of our worker owners makes a quart each Sunday and uses it in her coffee all week. Another spreads it on toast, and still another adds it to soups, ramen, and smoothies.

The paste is ready to dissolve in warm liquid, and you can use any milk (dairy or non) to make it. The fattier the better, as Turmeric is lipid soluable. Simply use a teaspoon per 8 oz of milk and heat on a stovetop in a pan. Whisking makes the melting process go faster. In 5 minutes or less, you have golden milk!

Specific Contraindications & Warnings:

Turmeric may strengthen the effects of drugs such as blood thinners and diabetic stabilizers (possibly causing hypoglycemia as a result). Consult your health practitioner to see if Turmeric is right for you.

You decide what you want in your monthly box. Select those items that you "must have" each month and we'll always have it in stock for you. Many monthly boxes start with toilette: deodorant, tooth powder, etc. and then people add their favorite remedies: Migra-Ease, Bleary Eyed, Digestive Bitters and Aller-Geez! are very popular in this program.

We will enroll you based on what you would like, and then send a reminder that billing happens a week ahead of shipment each month. You can pause, cancel, or edit your subscription at any tie by contacting customer service.

You can either pay  for shipping (as always orders over $75 get free shipping) or pick it up at Clintonville Natural Foods or World Peaces (if you are local to Columbus).

If you want to edit, add to, or subtract from your box, simply do so before billing time and we will change your invoicing to reflect those changes.

You decide how many months you would like to enroll yourself (or a friend- this is a great gift!). Each month (shipment is based on when you enrolled), you will be sent an herbal tisane in a reusable vessel- along with information on the blend and its ingredients. 

If you enroll in the 6 or 12 month plans, we include steeping accoutrements! 6 month subs get an organic cotton muslin bag to use and over and over when steeping tea. 12 month subs get a metal mesh tea ball.

You can enroll in as many of these quarterly boxes as you like, up to a year at a time. Each box ships mid month specified: Spring (March), Summer (May), Autumn (September), Winter (November).

Each box is a delight to the senses and an education- enclosed are limited edition herb products from locally sourced botanicals and a guide to a plant ally that can assist you in the time of year. It includes botanical and medicinal information on that plant as well as recipes for you to try!