Oh good lisalisa, I am glad he liked it. The more textures, smells and tastes you can get in there, the more lasting play he will get from it.
I think small thick glass objects are fine in a treasure basket - for instance those little mini jam jars, or a thick glass salt cellar. Remember you are going to be with him all the time while he explores the basket so throwing shouldn't be a major problem (your ds is quite unusual to be able to throw age 8 months, I think). I personally don't use herbs because they would get chewed and manky so quickly, but again with careful supervision it is possible to do. Instead I have herb sachets, so the herbs are sewn into fabric and can still be smelt and possibly tasted a bit, but no problems with choking.
The beauty of the activity is that you can tailor it to your child, so if there are things you feel are unsafe for them, you can leave them out. All children are different and what is safe for one may not be safe for another.
We will have you weaving lentils before you know it