FAQ
WHAT IS AN HERBAL HONEY TONIC?
An herbal honey tonic, aka, oxymel, is an herbal extraction using apple cider vinegar and honey. Oxymels are an important part of the Western herbal tradition dating back to Hippocrates. Herbal honey tonics are intended to promote the body's inner vitality. They are nourishing, gentle, and generally safe for long term use. Our Honey Tonics are as effective as they are delicious!
WHERE DO YOU SOURCE YOUR HERBS?
We source our medicinal herbs from small scale, certified organic producers. We source locally and farm-direct whenever possible.
WHY RAW LOCAL HONEY?
Local honey refers to honey that is harvested on a small scale from beekeepers we know and trust. Raw honey is very minimally heated and is considered to be a living food - it retains delicate flavors, enzymes, and nutrients. Raw honey is one of nature's oldest remedies. Our honey is always local and always raw.
IS MICKELBERRY GARDENS HONEY CERTIFIED ORGANIC?
There are currently no standards set for Certified Organic honey that is produced in the United States - this is the only reason why our products do not carry the USDA Certified Organic icon on the front panel. Our honey comes from Pacific Northwest beekeepers who use conscientious beekeeping practices and keep their bees on pristine farms and wildlands in our region. We test our honey for the presence of antibiotics, adulteration, and pesticide residue, and are confident it is the highest quality local raw honey available.
DOES YOUR APPLE CIDER VINEGAR CONTAIN "THE MOTHER"?
Yes! Our raw apple cider vinegar is full of probiotics and contains the Mother of Vinegar. It is made from locally sourced, certified-organic, whole apples using traditional fermentation methods.
ARE YOUR TONICS AND SPRAYS GLUTEN FREE?
Yes! There is no gluten present in our production process, or in any ingredient used.
ARE YOUR TONICS AND SPRAYS ALCOHOL FREE?
Our Ginger Tonic and Spray, Relaxation Tonic, Bee Calm Spray, and Pollen Tonic are 100% alcohol free. There is less than 1% alcohol in the Honey Propolis Throat Spray, Elderberry Tonic and Spray, and Throat & Lung Honey Tonic. We use certified organic alcohol distilled from cane sugar.
HOW MUCH/HOW OFTEN DO I TAKE THE TONICS AND SPRAYS?
Our Tonics are designed To be Taken either seasonally or as needed. Our recommended serving size for adults is 1 - 3 Teaspoons. Please refer to the serving size suggestions on the labels for product-specific info.
HOW LONG WILL THE PRODUCT KEEP?
Raw honey and apple cider vinegar will not spoil. We give our tonics a Best By date of 2 years from when they are made, so that the medicinal strength of the herbs are at their peak. This date can be found on the product label.
SHOULD THE TONICS BE REFRIGERATED AFTER OPENING?
For long term storage, refrigeration is recommended to preserve the medicinal strength of the herbs. For short term use, it is not necessary to refrigerate but avoid exposure to direct sunlight and extreme high temperatures. The herbal honey sprays do not need to be refrigerated. Shake well before each use.
WHERE ARE YOUR PRODUCTS MADE?
We craft our unique honey tonics and beeswax-based skin care at our facility in Portland, Oregon.
WHAT DOES GMP CERTIFIED MEAN?
Enforced by the US FDA, a company bearing GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Certification means that they manufacture supplements that are made to the highest quality and standards the world over.
WHY HAS MY HONEY CRYSTALLIZED? HOW DO I FIX THIS?
Crystallization happens naturally over time to raw honey and actually helps preserve the nutrients and quality. To slow this process, store honey at room temperature or warmer (the warmer the better).
DOES YOUR HONEY EVER GO BAD?
Our raw honey does not have an expiration date and will not spoil.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE THROAT & LUNG TONIC AND THE PROPOLIS THROAT SPRAY?
The Honey Propolis Throat Spray has all of the same ingredients as the Throat & Lung Honey Tonic, although the tonic has some additional ingredients: Mullein leaf, wild cherry bark, nettle leaf, and essential oil of lemon.
DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes, we do (international shipping rates apply).
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE MICKELBERRY GARDENS?
By purchasing one of our products, you become part of a community dedicated to supporting the health of bees and our planet.