From Mountain to Mailbox: How My Herbs Make It Home
I source herbs from all over the world—because some of the best plants grow exactly where they’ve been minding their business for centuries.
But importing herbs isn’t “add to cart” and manifest.
It’s more like:
Me: “Hi, I’d like some Zi Cao, please.”
The Universe: “Love that for you. Which Zi Cao?”
Me: “…The Zi Cao?”
The Universe: “Perfect. We have 14 translations, 9 spellings, 6 ‘common names,’ and one listing labeled PURPLE ROOT STUFF like it’s a craft supply from a haunted JoAnn Fabrics.”
No joke—one single plant can have a ridiculous number of names depending on the country, region, dialect, and whoever wrote the product description at 2:13am with one eye open.
So yes… homework is required.
And Latin names are your forever friend—even if they sound like you’re trying to order a sandwich in a language you absolutely do not speak.
Now… who lets StrangeMakes herbs into the U.S.?(hope you have a minute)
I vaguely remember seeing pictures and hearing about when my great grandma Minnie flew to Hawaii in the 70s. She stepped off the plane and was immediately surrounded by locals—smiles, welcome vibes and a lei placed on her like an official stamp of approval.
That’s what importing herbs feels like… except my herbs don’t get leis.
They get… audits.
Announcing The Herb Welcome Committee
(aka: The Agencies Who Decide If My Box Gets To See Daylight And My Doorstep)
USDA APHIS = Plant-Health Bouncer
Their job is keeping pests and plant diseases out of the U.S. because nobody wants imported mystery bugs moving in and starting a HOA.
APHIS also uses ACIR, which is basically their giant “rulebook database” of what can come in, from where, and under what conditions.
CBP (Customs & Border Protection) = “Papers, Please” Squad
These are the folks at the border who can hold your shipment if anything looks weird, vague, or doesn’t match.
And let me tell you: CBP has elite patience.
They will hold your box with calm professionalism while you, sweating, search your inbox for the:
Final_Final_Invoice_ActuallyFinal_ForRealThisTime.pdf to clear up any questions.
FDA = The “If It’s Consumable, We’re Looking Too” Agency
If it’s food/ingredients/consumable stuff, FDA may review it as part of the import process.
Translation: my herbs need adult supervision.
Sometimes several adults.
Sometimes adults with clipboards.
I bet you didn’t realize that my herbs have actual security security detail…..you’re welcome. :)
Do my herbs need APHIS permits or phytosanitary certificates?
Usually, no.
What I procure are dried/processed botanicals (not for planting). In many cases, that means they’re not subject to special APHIS permits or phytosanitary certificates.
BUT—and this is the big BUT— even when something is totally allowed, it can still get stuck if the documentation is sloppy.
Customs doesn’t care if you’re kind. Sorry, Mr. Rogers.
Customs cares if your paperwork is correct.
They want:
the right product name (bonus points for botanical/Latin name)
accurate weights
clear descriptions (plant part + form helps a ton)
documents that match each other and match what’s actually in the box
Because yes—sometimes they do look.
Sometimes they look aggressively.
Sometimes they open your package like they’re unwrapping a gift they already know they’re returning.
That is why a high-quality supplier matters as much as the herb itself.
Why I like sourcing through Alibaba (smartly)
Alibaba can actually reduce headaches because it gives you tools to vet suppliers and keep transactions structured—so you’re not just throwing money into the international shipping abyss and whispering “please” into the void.
A quality supplier usually looks like:
Verified / established profile
Solid communication (answers specifics quickly… not just “yes friend best quality” on repeat)
Clear product listings + specs
Willing to provide samples + documentation
Trade Assurance options (so you’re not out here playing financial roulette)
Bottom line
I’m not just buying herbs.
I’m buying consistency, clarity, and “this won’t get stuck in customs limbo.”
And that, my friends, is how StrangeMakes herbs travel the globe and still make it to my door and eventually into your hands—without me needing a second career as a customs detective fueled by caffeine, spreadsheets, and sheer disrespect for quitting.
