Combining Herbs  

Below are a few tips on combining herbs in the many ways they can be prepared.

1. Don't use to many of the same type of herbs in combination.
   1. This can cause an overload in your system and can lead to the opposite affect you're looking to achieve.
   2. Too many carminatives can result in a very drowsy feeling instead of feeling relaxed.  Too many laxatives can turn your constipation into diarrhea. 
2. Balance different types of herbs in your combination.
   1. Need a cough suppressant?  Try Catnip and combine it Cherry Bark or Licorice root to help break up the phlegm. 
      1. Mixing an anti-spasmodic with an expectorant (Catnip w/ licorice root) will still give you the effect your looking for without the feeling that you're about to hack up a lung.
      2. Mixing an herb that is rich in caffeine (guarana) with one that that calms the mood (Kava Kava), allows you to feel calm, cool, and collected without falling asleep.
3. Make sure you're not overshadowing the effects by putting too much of one and not enough of another.
   1. A perfect way to prevent this is to keep the amount you use consistant throughout your combination.
      1. If you  use 1 tblsp of Chamomile, then also use 1 tblsp of Slippery Elm.  This creates a balance and allows each herb to work together in acheiveing the result your looking for.
4. The stronger the concoction, the faster it works.
   1. True, but also dangerous if you have never used the herbal combination before. 
   2. Start out with the combination at a regular strength at first.
      1. In the case of tea, decoction or infusion,  cut the amount you're using to 3/4.
      2. In the case of herbs in capsules, take one half of the recommended dose.
5. If in doubt, ask...
   1. As always if you are try out a combination for the first time and don't exactly know what affects it will have, feel free to ask someone you know.