FAQs

HOW LONG DOES THE SCENT LAST?

In general the scent lasts approximately 1 ½ years. How long the scent in your Herbal Animal lasts is a function of how often you rub it. The more you rub it, the faster the scent is used up. For maximum longevity, rub your Herbal Animal only when you need it, just before using it. But don't be overly concerned about the scent being "used up." It's for relaxing after all--enjoy your Herbal Animal!

HOW DO I RENEW THE SCENT?

Your Herbal Animal is filled with a blend of organically grown flax and herbs. To renew the scent, just rub him or her gently. No oils are used in the manufacture of Herbal Animals, as they would stain the cotton "skin." The herbs themselves contain minute amounts of oil. When you rub your Herbal Animal, you are breaking open these herbs and releasing the oils, hence the scent. Just rub and enjoy!

HOW DO I CLEAN MY HERBAL ANIMAL?

Being made of flax seed and herbs, your Herbal Animal CANNOT be machine washed. (Every once in a while we hear from a customer whose Herbal Animal has suffered this fate. The best thing to do at this point is give the little fella a proper burial in the backyard and start over with a new animal). If your animal gets a small spot, you can try spot washing with a damp sponge only. Then towel dry and blow dry your Herbal Animal either in the clothes dryer on low heat for 15 minutes or blow dry it by hand with a blow dryer.

However, spot washing is not for the faint of heart and is done at your own risk. The best solution is prevention: buy a nightshirt and protect your Herbal Animal from the start. You can machine wash your Herbal Animal's nightshirt, and he or she will look very chic!

WHY DOES THE PACKAGE SAY, 5 Y TO 105? WHY NOT FOR 4 AND UNDER?

We are very conservative where children are concerned. Herbal Animals are not appropriate for babies, and by extension small children. As with any toy, the parents must ultimately make decisions which products are appropriate for their children.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH SCENT IS RIGHT FOR ME? WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT SCENTS DO?

Which one is best for you is a question of personal preference. All of the scents used are selected for their relaxing or health benefits.

CAN I MICROWAVE MY HERBAL ANIMAL?

Yes, you can. However, we believe that when you microwave herbs, they lose their potency. Since our herbs are certified organically grown, they have a wonderful scent that you will want to keep for a long time. In short, we don't recommend microwaving.

However freezing does not appear to have the same effects on herbs as microwaving. You can put your Herbal Animal in the freezer in a sealable plastic bag for a lovely cold pack good for refreshing puffy eyes. Or for children, keep an Herbal Animal in the freezer at all times for those everyday bumps and bruises that benefit from the application of a cold compress. It will take your child's mind off of what's hurting!

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND AN HERBAL ANIMAL TO SOMEONE THAT I KNOW. CAN YOU SHIP TO THEM DIRECTLY?

Yes, we "drop ship." And we can include your choice of card with your personalized message. Please visit our Gift Giving Service for details.

WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?

All items sold by Herbal Animals may be returned within 30 days for a full refund. Items must be returned unopened, unused and in original condition. We will pay the return shipping cost if the return is a result of our error or manufacturer's defect.

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GLOSSARY OF HERBS

Chamomile ~ Grows as a yellow daisy-like flower with a fruity aroma. The Egyptians used it in massage oils for relieving aching muscles. As a compress for the eyes it helps to brighten them and to relieve inflammation. Chamomile is used for various nervous conditions, including insomnia, headaches and nervous tension. In some countries, for example Denmark, it is used as an everyday tea.

Echinacea ~ A native perennial plant with distinctive purple florets. The mature (3+ year old) rootstock is considered the medicinal part of the plant, long used by the Native Americans as an immune system tonic. Echinacea also is antimicrobial and an aid to good digestion. Considered to be one of the most useful herbs in the home medicine chest.

Hops ~ The name Hops refers to the yellow-green cone-like fruit that come from the female flowers of a climbing vine found all over the world. Their most common use is as a sedative: just as the ripe female flowers are used to flavor, clear and preserve beer, in sleep pillows Hops relieve insomnia by exerting a calming effect on the nerves.

Lavender ~ A queen of herbs, lavender is a Mediterranean shrub cultivated in Europe and the U.S. for its aromatic flowers. Used in cosmetics, aromatherapy and herbal medicine lavender is an aromatic, carminative and nervine. It also has some antiseptic properties. Lavender is used to relieve nervous tension, headaches and insomnia, and is used in everything from massage oils to sleep pillows to potpourris.

Lemon Balm ~ Commonly found in the Mediterranean and Near East, but also naturalized in some places in the U.S., lemon balm grows wild and in gardens to heights of three feet tall. The stem and leaves are somewhat hairy, and the flowers blossom in clusters varying from pale yellow to rose to blue-white in July and August. When bruised, the plant smells like lemon. Lemon balm is an antispasmodic, calmative, carminative and diaphoretic. It is useful for all sorts of nervous problems, hysteria, melancholy and insomnia.

Mugwort ~ Mugwort is a perennial plant that grows wild in Europe, Asia and North and South America. When taken internally is said to benefit bile production and thus aid digestion. In the bath mugwort is used with chamomile to relieve sore, aching muscles. In Chinese medicine, mugwort is used in moxas. Sleeping on mugwort is said to reveal dreams of the future.