Pukka Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take these herbs alongside other holistic treatments e.g. homeopathic, other herbs, herbs from my herbalist-Chinese practitioner, supplements? Will any of them be adversely affected by another?
1) Homeopathy: Yes, but inform your homeopath.
2)Herbalist-Chinese herbs: Yes, but inform your herbalist-Chinese practitioner
3) Supplements: Yes

If the Pukka Herbs and other remedies are for the same condition they should complement each other.
If they are for different conditions it is fine, but may be advisable to seek the advice of your therapist.

Are your remedies safe to take with pharmaceutical medication?
All of our remedies are safe to use with pharmaceutical medication but we advise that you take them at least two hours apart from each other.

However, we would advise caution when using certain specific formulas with pharmaceutical drugs that are for the same condition as there may be a positive cumulative effect such as with. Consult your health practitioner or ring our herbalist if you are using the following together.

• Gymnema Plus when taking hypoglycaemic, anti-diabetic medication.
• Gokshura & Shatavari formula when taking any diuretic medication.
• Turmeric & Boswellia formula with any anti-coagulant medication (heparin, warfarin).
• Ashwagandha and Valerian & Ashwagandha formula with any sedative (barbiturate).

Do your herbal remedies have any side effects?
There are no general side effects associated with our remedies but idiosyncratic reactions are always possible. If you take a remedy and felt anything strange please give our qualified herbalist a ring and they will be able to help.

Can I take XXX if I am pregnant?
We would advise against taking herbal remedies whilst you are pregnant without the advice of a practitioner.

Is XXX safe to take whilst breastfeeding?
We would advise against taking herbal remedies whilst you are breast-feeding without the advice of a practitioner. It is however safe to take Shatavari as this actually helps to increase the production of breast milk.


Are Pukka herbal teas safe to drink during pregnancy?
Yes, all our teas are safe to drink during pregnancy. There are some reports that Gotu Kola and Ginger should not be used in pregnancy but the doses of herbs in our teas is too low to cause problems or any adverse effects. Basil is also contraindicated in pregnancy but used at normal levels causes no harm.

Can I take these herbs if I'm on the Pill?
Yes, there is no known interaction with our herbs and the contraceptive pill.

What if I get pregnant while I'm taking these herbs? Is it safe to take them while we're trying for a baby?
Generally we advise not to take the herbs when you are pregnant without the advice of a practitioner. However, Shatavari, Shatavari Plus and Ashwagandha are fine if you are trying to conceive as they are used as fertility tonics.

Is XXX safe for a child to take? If so, what is the dosage?
Generally we recommend that only children over 16 use our products at adult dosage unless you have the advice of a practitioner.

• Chywanaprash is safe for children over 5 at ½ tsp 2x/day. Above that age from 10 can be increased to 1 tsp 2x/day.
• Aloe vera juice and hemp seed oil are safe for children above 5 years old at 1 tsp 2x/day.

Is it okay to take herbal remedies if I'm about to have surgery?
We advise stopping herbs 7 days before surgery to avoid any complications.
All of our formulas are safe to take for surgery, but due to the associated risk of affecting blood clotting we advise that they are avoided prior to surgery.

I have asthma & high blood pressure and know to avoid licorice. Can I therefore not take Licorice & Ginger Formula?
Licorice can increase blood pressure as it can cause water retention and therefore increase blood pressure. The amount of Licorice in Licorice and Ginger Formula is too low to cause this.


I'm diabetic on insulin, can I still use Gymnema Plus?
Yes you can, but whenever you use herbal remedies that have the same function as the medication that you are taking it may cause a positive interaction, ie the combined effect may be too strong and so it is essential that you monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust your insulin accordingly. The benefit of our formulas is that they treat the root cause of the problem and not just the symptoms.

Can Ginger, Turmeric, Turmeric & Boswellia, Trikatu, Arjuna & Hawthorn or Punarnarva Plus be taken with Warfarin or other anti-coagulants?
Yes, they can.
The safe dose of Turmeric when using Warfarin is to keep the dose under 15g/day. Our recommended dose is 3g/day and well within the safety limit.
Can Ashwagandha, Gotu kola, Brahmi Plus, Valerian & Ashwagandha be taken if on Prozac or other anti-depressants?
Yes. Prozac is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). These herbs are safe with Prozac as they do not affect the metabolism of the drug.
However, Ashwagandha and Valerian and Ashwagandha formula should be used with caution if you are taking on sedative (barbiturate) medication due to the cumulative effect.


How does Gokshura & Shatavari remove stones? Will it definitely break them down first or will it move them out wholey & painfully!?
Gokshura is a known lithotriptic herb that chelates and slowly dissolves the stones. It has a long and traditional safe use as a herb for removing stones. The other herbs in the formula protect the mucus membranes of the urinary system and cause diuresis. Encouraging urinary flow also helps prevent the formation of stones.
Is Chywanaprash OK for diabetics?
Refined sugar intake is not a good idea for diabetics. Our Chywanaprash has honey and unrefined jaggery sugar. In low level late onset diabetes it can be taken if the customer monitors their blood sugar levels accordingly.

Can I take Shatavari if I'm on HRT?
Yes, Shatavari treats the underlying deficiency and does not interfere with the HRT.


I am concerned about the alcohol content in tinctures, should I avoid them?
The human liver has developed the natural ability to metabolise small amounts of alcohol through exposure to ripe fruits and other naturally fermented foods. Alcohol only causes toxic effects if taken in large doses, way above the daily requirements of a tincture. Also much of the alcohol is evaporated by adding warm water to the drops causing the alcohol to be evaporated.
Use capsules if your religion or preference contraindicates the use of alcohol.

I have problems swallowing capsules - how can I take the herbs?
You can either take tinctures or empty the capsules into water and drink.
I have poor digestion, how can I take the herbs so they don't upset my digestion?
If digestion is weak take the capsules or tincture after food.


When is the best time to take the herbs and can they be taken with, before or after food?
The best time to take the remedies is 15 minutes before food with warm water. If digestion is weak, after food with warm water. If you have forgotten just take them anytime!
How long does it take for the remedy to have an effect?
This depends on many factors such as how long you have had a problem, your diet and stress levels. Generally speaking you should be noticing an effect within 2-4 weeks.
How long do I need to take the remedies for?
The duration depends on your condition and a number of other factors such as diet, lifestyle and so on. As a rule of thumb, we would recommend taking the remedy one month for every year you have had the condition i.e. if you have had the condition for 3 years you may need to take the remedy for 3 months.

2 capsules 3 times a day seems a lot, can I take less?
2 capsules 3x/day is equal to about 3grams of herbs which is still quite a low dosage. We recommend that you stick to the recommended dosage for best results.


What are your capsules made from?
The capsules are made from vegetarian cellulose and are guaranteed GM free. Each capsule contains pure powdered herb. We do not use binding agents.

Is it better to take the tincture or capsules?
Tinctures are in liquid form and will therefore be absorbed into the bloodstream slightly quicker. However, our vegetarian capsules have a fast solubility time and are easily digested. Tinctures and capsules are as effective as each other, it is mainly down to personal preference, for example some people may prefer the convenience of a capsule. Are your products gluten free?
Yes, all our products are gluten free. Are your products fair trade?
Yes, all our products are fairly traded to our own internal standards. We have set up a number of farming co-operatives in India and Sri Lanka which means we deal directly with the farmers ensuring they are paid a fair price. However we are not listed with the Fairtrade organisation as they do not have standards for any of the herbs that we grow.
Are there any stockists near me?
Click here Where to buy to find your nearest stockist

What's the shelf life of Aloe Vera Juice?
Use within 3 weeks of opening.

What's the shelf life of Rosewater?
Use within 3 months of opening.
Are your teas loose or in bags?
They come in teabags that are sealed in an individual envelope perfectly convenient for taking to work, on holiday or wherever you go!

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