General

Herbal Gift Guide: Thoughtful Natural Gifts for Every Season
Herbal gifts say care without cliché. Whether it’s a friend’s birthday or a seasonal gesture, plants speak gently and last long. Winter: A jar of No Pressure Tea, raw honey, and a tea infuser.Spring: Lavender buds and a small bottle of Sweet Almond Oil for DIY bath soaks.Summer: Cooling herbal syrups (Lemon Balm, Mint, Hibiscus).Autumn: Cinnamon Sticks, Nutmeg, and Pumpkin Spice blend for cozy kitchens. Everything at Lhasa Karnak is measured by hand — so each ounce you gift was packed with intention, not by machine. Read more...
Building an Herbal Pantry: The Essential Herbs Every Home Needs
Whether you’re an herbal beginner or a lifelong tea drinker, having a few dependable botanicals on hand makes every season easier. Start with daily basics: Chamomile (for calm), Peppermint (for digestion), Lemon Balm (for mood), and Ginger Root (for warmth). Each is easy to brew and delicious on its own or in blends. Add a support tier: Elderberries for immune support, Nettle Leaf for minerals, and Calendula for skin and bright color. Keep roots and barks: Burdock Root, Slippery Elm, and Wild Cherry Bark round out your pantry for more... Read more...
Wild Cherry Bark Tea: An Old-World Comfort
Wild Cherry Bark Tea: An Old-World Comfort
Long before lozenges, there was Wild Cherry Bark. Used in traditional formulas for centuries, it offers a mellow sweetness with subtle almond tones and a grounding aroma. How to Brew:Use... Read more...
Palo Azul: The Blue Tea with a Story
Palo Azul: The Blue Tea with a Story
Palo Azul, or Eysenhardtia polystachya, translates to “blue stick,” and when steeped, it reveals a clear, sky-tinted tea unlike anything else. Traditionally used across Mexico and the Southwest, Palo Azul... Read more...
Osha Root: The Mountain Herb with a Cult Following
Osha Root: The Mountain Herb with a Cult Following
Osha Root (Ligusticum porteri) grows wild in the Rocky Mountains and has long been treasured by Indigenous communities for its strong, aromatic nature. Nicknamed “bear root,” it’s used in small... Read more...
The Difference Between Teas, Tisanes & Herbal Blends
When most people say “tea,” they mean any plant steeped in water — but technically, tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant (black, green, white, oolong). A tisane or herbal blend uses other botanicals — flowers, leaves, seeds, roots. Chamomile, Mint, Rooibos, and Tulsi are classic examples. They’re caffeine-free and infinitely creative. At Lhasa Karnak, we hand-pack both pure herbs and signature blends like No Pressure Tea and Lung Refresh Tea, mixing by the ounce so you can tailor strength and aroma. Whether it’s morning vitality or evening calm, there’s... Read more...
How to Choose Herbs for Mood and Mind
Plants have personalities — some lift the spirit, others steady it. Tulsi (Holy Basil): Bright, clear, centering. Great daily tea. Skullcap: Gentle unwind without grogginess. Lemon Balm: A fragrant mood-brightener for cloudy days. Chamomile: Classic bedtime comfort. Rose Petals: Softens emotional edges; beautiful in blends. Combine two or three and experiment. Start with one ounce of each and brew small batches. Many customers create custom “mood teas” — a Berkeley tradition of self-care. Every herb you buy at Lhasa Karnak has been checked for freshness, so what you’re tasting is... Read more...
Herbal Safety & Contraindications: Using Plants Wisely
Herbs are powerful — and safe use starts with respect. Before adding a new plant to your daily routine, always ask three questions:1. What part of the plant am I using?2. How strong is the preparation?3. Do I take any medications or have conditions that might interact? Certain herbs like St. John’s Wort can affect prescription drugs, while Licorice Root may raise blood pressure in large amounts. Pregnant or nursing customers should double-check every herb for safety. Lhasa Karnak’s staff can help guide your research and recommend reliable books —... Read more...
How to Read an Herbal Label (and Why It Matters)
When you pick up a bag of herbs from Lhasa Karnak, the label is simple — just our logo, the herb’s name, and the size of your order. No glossy branding, no fine print. And that’s exactly the point. In a world full of crowded packaging, simplicity means trust. It tells you that what matters most is inside the bag — the plant itself. Every order has already been measured by hand, weighed on an in-store scale, and packed fresh for you by someone who works directly with the jars... Read more...
Herbal Smoking Blends
Many customers enjoy learning about herbs that have historically been used in ritual, relaxation, or aromatic smoking blends. The same high-quality botanicals that fill our apothecary shelves for teas and tinctures can also offer pleasant aromas when burned or vaporized in responsible, mindful ways. Read more...
Crafting Cocktails
Looking to take your home bar to the next level? Lhasa Karnak’s apothecary shelves are full of ingredients perfect for creative mixologists. From aromatic herbs to vibrant flowers and earthy roots, these botanicals can turn any cocktail into a fragrant, flavorful, and visually stunning experience. Read more...