Your Questions, Answered

This FAQ page answers common questions about our ingredients, sourcing, preparation methods and how we approach wild foods, herbs and mushrooms. It’s intended to provide clarity and context rather than instructions or medical advice. If you’re looking to understand how we work and what to expect, you’re in the right place.

  • KindRoots Collective is a small, independent project creating wild foraged foods, herbal teas, mushroom preparations and handcrafted goods rooted in seasonal practice, traditional craft and a close relationship with the land. Our work brings together foraging, cultivation, slow preparation and community-led values.

  • Our ingredients are a mix of:

    • Wild foraged plants and fungi

    • Carefully cultivated herbs and mushrooms

    • Ethically sourced ingredients where wild harvesting isn’t appropriate

    Wild materials are gathered selectively and seasonally, while cultivated ingredients are chosen to reduce pressure on wild ecosystems. We prioritise traceability, quality and ecological responsibility over scale.

  • Both.

    Some ingredients, such as certain mushrooms or plants, are wild harvested where this can be done responsibly. Others, like lion’s mane, are cultivated under controlled conditions to ensure consistency and sustainability. Where relevant, we clearly state whether an ingredient is wild harvested or cultivated.

  • Many of our ingredients are wild foraged or sourced from small-scale growers rather than certified organic farms. While not all ingredients carry formal organic certification, our focus is on clean environments, careful sourcing and traditional growing or harvesting practices rather than industrial agriculture.

  • Our products are rooted in traditional herbal and fungal practice, but they are not presented as medicines.

    We avoid making medical claims or promises. Any references to traditional use or modern research are provided for educational context only. Our products are intended to be part of everyday rituals, foodways and traditional preparation methods, not substitutes for medical advice.

  • Yes. All of our tinctures are prepared using vegetable glycerine and water rather than alcohol. This approach allows for a gentle extraction that suits long-term, everyday use and makes our tinctures accessible to those who prefer to avoid alcohol.

    Each tincture is made slowly and in small batches, with attention paid to the nature of the plant or mushroom being used and how it has traditionally been prepared.

  • Our tinctures are prepared slowly in small batches using extended extraction methods. The general rule is herbs or mushrooms are combined with a glycerine and water base and left to extract over time, allowing water-soluble compounds to transfer gradually.

    We prioritise patience, material quality and traditional ratios over speed or mass production.

  • Traditionally, tinctures were used in small amounts as part of ongoing routines rather than as short-term or reactive preparations. They were valued for consistency and regularity rather than intensity.

    Modern usage varies, but traditional practice emphasised familiarity with the material, moderation, and attention to how the body responds over time.

  • Preparation depends on the form of the ingredient. Some materials, such as dense mushroom chunks, are traditionally simmered gently over a longer period, while powders and teas may be prepared more simply.

    We include general preparation guidance on each product page, and more in-depth context can be found in our Forager’s Guide for those who wish to explore further.

  • Many herbal teas are traditionally enjoyed daily, particularly those made from gentle, food-like plants. That said, not all herbs are intended for continuous use, and individual needs can vary.

    We always recommend becoming familiar with the ingredients in a blend and using common sense. If you have specific health concerns or are unsure, it’s best to seek personalised guidance.

  • Herbal teas, dried mushrooms and powders are best stored in airtight containers, away from heat, light and moisture. Proper storage helps preserve freshness, flavour and quality over time.

    Tinctures and extracts should be kept sealed and stored in a cool, dark place.

  • Plants and fungi are complex materials, and responses can vary from person to person.

    Traditional practice emphasises:

    • Small amounts

    • Slow introduction

    • Paying attention to how the body responds

    If you’re unsure whether a product is suitable for you, it’s best to start gently or seek professional advice.

  • Some of our products may not be appropriate for children.

    We do not recommend giving herbal tinctures or strong preparations to children without guidance from a qualified practitioner. Herbal teas intended for everyday use may be suitable in diluted form, but this should always be approached carefully.

    That said, I’m sure they would love a bit of pine cone syrup!

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding require particular care with herbs and fungi.

    We recommend avoiding herbal tinctures and seeking professional advice before using any herbal products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • When stored correctly, most dried herbal teas and mushroom products have a good shelf life and remain usable for extended periods.

    As a general guide:

    • Dried herbal teas: often keep well for around 12–24 months

    • Dried mushrooms and powders: typically last 12–24 months, depending on storage and processing

    • Glycerine-based tinctures: generally remain stable for 2–4 years, sometimes longer

    These timeframes are approximate and assume cool, dry storage away from direct light and moisture. Natural products can vary, so we always recommend using your senses — changes in smell, taste or appearance are usually the best indicators that something is past its best.

    Individual product listings may also include more specific guidance where appropriate.

  • Yes, we ship across the UK. Shipping options and timescales are listed at checkout.

  • International shipping may be available on selected products. Please note that customs regulations vary by country, and it’s the buyer’s responsibility to check local import rules.

  • Due to the nature of food and herbal products, we’re unable to accept returns on opened items. If there’s an issue with your order, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.

  • No prior experience is needed. Many people come to herbs and mushrooms through curiosity rather than expertise.

    We aim to keep our products straightforward and accessible, with clear information provided. Starting simply, using moderation, and taking time to learn is often the best approach.

  • You can contact us via the contact form on our website or through our social media channels. We aim to respond as quickly as possible, though replies may take a little longer during busy periods or seasonal harvests.

  • Our Forager’s Guide page is growing resources that explore the plants, fungi and traditions behind our work in more depth. These are living references and will continue to expand over time.

  • KindRoots Collective is shaped by curiosity, care and attention to detail rather than certainty or quick answers. Our approach to plants and fungi is rooted in traditional knowledge, careful observation and ongoing learning, and we encourage thoughtful, respectful engagement over time.