Herbal research involves several different questions: which plant and plant part are being discussed, how the herb has traditionally been used, what scientific evidence exists, which preparation was studied, and what safety limitations apply. Our research process keeps those questions separate before bringing them together in a practical page.
1 Topic selection
We choose topics that fit the site’s focus and answer a practical reader question. Before creating a new page, we check whether an existing HerbalMixes page already satisfies the same purpose. When it does, we update the existing page instead of creating a near-duplicate.
2 Botanical identification
For an herb profile, we confirm the accepted botanical name, common names, plant family when relevant, plant part used, and possible confusion with similarly named species. Information about one species or plant part is not automatically applied to another.
3 Traditional use
We look for documented traditional uses in recognized monographs, pharmacopoeias, and established herbal references. We describe the tradition and its context without presenting historical use as clinical proof.
4 Scientific evidence
We look for authoritative summaries, systematic reviews, clinical research, and relevant preclinical studies. Human evidence receives more weight for claims about human outcomes. Laboratory or animal findings are identified as preliminary and are not presented as established clinical effects.
5 Constituents and herbal actions
We review relevant constituents and traditional herbal actions when they help explain preparation choices or complementary roles. We avoid claiming that a single constituent fully explains the effect of a complex plant unless the evidence supports that conclusion.
6 Preparation and recipe review
We identify the plant part and preparation method used in the cited evidence. Tea, tincture, glycerite, powder, oil, and standardized extract are not treated as interchangeable. Recipes include practical measurements, preparation steps, storage guidance, and safety notes when available.
7 Safety and interactions
We check authoritative safety references for adverse effects, allergies, medication interactions, contraindications, pregnancy and breastfeeding cautions, age limitations, and concerns related to surgery or existing conditions. We also identify symptoms that require professional evaluation.
8 Product information
For product pages, we use current manufacturer or seller information for ingredients, form, package details, certifications, directions, and warnings. We distinguish researched product information from personal use. Prices and availability may change and should be dated when mentioned.
9 Writing and citation
The draft should answer the main question early, use plain language, link important claims to their sources, and avoid overstating certainty. AI-assisted drafting tools may help organize or edit language, but they are not cited as evidence.
10 Human review and publication
Before publication, a person checks the page for accuracy, source support, safety language, working links, internal connections, and readability. A qualified professional is named as reviewer only when that review actually occurred.
11 Updates
We review a page when important evidence, safety information, product details, or site relationships change. The updated date reflects a substantive review rather than a cosmetic edit.
Source hierarchy
Government and public-health resources, including NIH and NCCIH.
Recognized regulatory or professional herbal monographs, including EMA and WHO resources where relevant.
Systematic reviews and peer-reviewed clinical research.
Established pharmacopoeias and botanical reference works.
Manufacturer information for product-specific facts, not independent proof of effectiveness.
Questions about our research
If you believe a claim is unsupported or a source is outdated, send the page URL, the statement in question, and any relevant source through the Contact page. We will review the issue under our Editorial Standards.
Contact HerbalMixes
For privacy questions, requests, or concerns, please use our Contact page.
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