The use of medicinal plants in a health and wellness regimen is becoming more common. Herbs are becoming increasingly popular as a means of enhancing one’s health around the world. As a phenomenon grows in popularity, so does the number of choices available, leading to more uncertainty.
So, how do we go about making a decision in this instance? Do you like eating herbs as they are or are there other factors to consider?
There is a wealth of wisdom and medicinal capabilities in both whole herbs and extracts. Herbs have been around for a long time and have been proven to be safe and helpful for a wide range of physiological functions. The appropriate form for you depends on why you need them.
What are Whole Herbs?
Whole herbs, with flowers, leaves, seeds, stems, bark, and roots, are what you imagine growing in nature. As a result of their intrinsic ability to help support the body and its systems with a complex blend of phytochemicals, whole herbs were the inspiration for early modern medical practice.
The body’s natural processes are supported by the synergy of all of the plant chemicals. Whole herbs can add a vibrant or aromatic touch to a dish, be used medicinally, or even have spiritual significance.
In the same way, as whole foods have numerous health benefits, whole herbs provide many health benefits when consumed in their entirety. There are numerous health benefits associated with both their nutritional and phytochemical components (vitamins, fiber, iron, etc.).
There are many variables that affect the active ingredients of herbs, such as the age of the plant, the soil and weather conditions, harvest time, and processing method.
How to Consume Whole Herbs
- Cooked or fresh to enhance culinary dishes or used as a beautiful garnish
- Dried, cut and sifted for a delightful yet medicinal tea or bath soak
- Powdered and encapsulated or sold loose to add to a smoothie or beverage
- Spiritual rituals for blessings, cleansing, energizing, purifying and more
A variety of health benefits can be gained by consuming entire herbs, whether they are chopped or powdered. You get all of the herb’s nutritional benefits. In a healthy diet, you can eat more because there is no extraction or concentration of nutrients.
When whole herbs are taken in capsules, they can dissolve in the stomach, but the plant fiber must be broken apart by the digestive system before it can be absorbed. Because of this, they are a good beginning point for those who are new to herbal flavors and convenient for those who are always on the go.
Benefits of Herbal Extracts
When a liquid solvent is added to a herbal extract, the bioavailable elements of the herb are preserved. Herbal supplements in liquid form are concentrated powders. Soaking the solid matter in a herb-specific solvent for weeks or months extracts the herb’s most potent medicinal ingredients and serves as a preservation method.
For maximum absorption and preservation of active ingredients, liquid herbal extracts are the best option. Faster absorption than powdered capsules or pills, herbal extracts are easier on the digestive system and are absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly. Single herb extracts can also be combined to create a personalized formula for your health needs.
Alcohol, glycerin, oil, and vinegar are all examples of common solvents. Because of their longer shelf life and the ease with which the dosage may be checked and altered, extracts are considered one of the greatest medical solutions.
Types of Herbal Extracts
- Water Extracts are made by either infusion, like making a cup of tea, or decoction, simmering like we make a good soup.
- Tinctures (aka liquid extracts) are made by soaking herb(s) in alcohol or alcohol and water for full extraction of the desired plant compounds you intend to extract. The most common ratios are 1:4 for dried herbs (1 part herb to 4 parts liquid solvent) or 1:1 for fresh herbs (1 part herb to 1 part liquid). Liquid extracts are easily absorbed by the body even when highly concentrated. Anywhere from 15-60 drops is a typical suggested dose, depending on the herb.
- Glycerites and Solid Herbal Extracts are alcohol-free extracts in a base of vegetable glycerin and sometimes honey. These are great options for those needing or wanting to avoid alcohol.
- Dried powdered extracts are herbs soaked in solvent that evaporates. The concentrated phytochemical powder gets mixed with whole herb powder for capsules, tablets or loose powder form. These are the most potent preparations.
- Essential oils are made by steam distillation of the herb(s), isolating the oil-based chemicals to a concentrated liquid often used for aromatherapy or topical applications. Essential oils are very potent. Just a few drops go a long way. Never ingest essential oils without the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Make the Best Choice for You
One of the key factors in the efficacy of whole herbs and herbal extracts is the potency of their phytochemicals when consumed. The quality of the herbs we use is based on several factors, including their freshness, potency, absorption, and formulation. The use of both whole herbs and herbal extracts in a healthy diet is acceptable.
These are the most frequent methods for producing whole plants and herbal extracts. Before beginning any new supplement regimen, always get the advice of your primary care physician or another qualified healthcare professional.
