Call the airport you will be traveling from and ask them if they have any new regulations regarding medicines or medicinal herbs in particular. They should be able to guide you as to what is the safest way to travel with your herbs.
Study the guidelines provided on the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) website (see References). There you will find a list of items which are allowed and prohibited. Determine the best way to carry your herbs, especially if they are in a liquid form. Currently the TSA does not include medicinal herbs as part of the prohibited items. If you are still unsure, either call or contact the TSA through their website.
Put all your dry herbs in a 1-qt. plastic zip-top bag for your carry-on bags as recommended on the TSA website. Make sure the plastic bag is clear.
Determine the amount of liquids you will be carrying. Currently the TSA allows only 3.4-oz. bottles for carry-on luggage. This is stated under the 3-1-1 rule on TSA's website, allowing each passenger to bring a 3.4-oz. liquid bottle or less, 1 qt.-sized clear, plastic, zip-top bag, and 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bins. The TSA also recommends the 3-1-1 rule for faster and easier screening at airport checkpoints.
Ask your naturopathic doctor or a licensed practitioner to write a statement on your behalf if you happen to exceed the limit. The statement should specify that you are in need of these medicines. This might make it easier for you to get through checkpoint if you do happen to get stopped and questioned about the herbs.
Declare any medicinal herbs exceeding the amount allowed by TSA. If you are carrying more than 3.4 oz. of liquid medicinal herbs, you will have to declare these items at the gate. Make sure to arrive early at the airport to allow ample time for any paperwork so that you have time to receive confirmation from the airport security.
Limit the amount of liquid medicinal herbs to 3.4 oz. and dry herbs to 1 qt.-sized plastic zip-top bag. Pack the rest of your herbs in your checked baggage to avoid any delays.
Determine which herbs you will be taking and make a list of the dry and liquid herbs. You can also present this list at the checkpoint, which might make the process quicker.
Pack any other medicine as you normally would, including any tablets, teas or homeopathic medicine which are also not currently regulated by the TSA.
Mail any extra herbs to your travel destination beforehand using a carrier service, such as FedEx, UPS or USPS. This will help you save time at the airport, and your medicinal herbs will arrive at your desired destination safely. Sometimes this can be done overnight for an extra fee if you request an expedited service.
