[Vana_B]

If you had any reaction to applying the herb to your skin then do not use that herb, even from a different vendor.  The little bit of the herb got into you blood stream and caused the reaction you describe.  If you do want to try a different vendor, do the same experiment with the lotion + herb on your skin.  Do not take the herb internally without testing it first.  And if you do not get a reaction with the new vendor's herb, then maybe try just a little of the herb internally.  I personally would steer clear of any herb that I had a bad reaction to.

I second this.  I am prone to many food allergies.  A dab on the under side of the wrist and wait a couple hours to see if redness or rash.  I do this with any type of seasonings and even prescription meds.  Can't be too careful.