Herbal extracts refer to both, powdered and liquid herbal concentrates. They are a solutions or preparations containing the active principles of herbs. Herbs are dissolved in some solvents such as distilled water, vinegar, wine, glycerin or a neutral alcohol to obtain herbal extracts. Simply told, herbal tea is also a herbal extract. When a herbal tea bag is put into hot water, the color, taste, and aroma dissolves into the water and make a herbal extract. However, some parts of the herbs present in the tea bag do not get mixed in water. This is because water can not dissolve the oily, waxy, detergent, enzymatic or hormonal content of the herbs. Vinegar, wine and glycerin can, on the other hand, dissolve a small amount of all these materials. Therefore, when herbal extract manufacturers produce the extracts commercially, they prefer to use alcohol. As far as application of herbal extracts is concerned, they are widely used for culinary, aromatherapy and skin care purposes apart from being administered as Ayurvedic medicines and dietary supplements.

Manufacturing Process of Herbal Extracts

Most of the herbal extract manufacturers make herbal extracts through the following method. There can be some differences regarding proportions, mediums in which herbs are dissolved or other aspects but the basic process remains the same.

• • A water solution containing 40% alcohol, 60% distilled water is prepared. Generally, ethyl alcohol from grain (ethanol) is used for the purpose. Some herbs have such active constituents that are only alcohol-soluble. In such cases, higher proportion of alcohol is used to make herbal extracts by the herbal extract manufacturers.
• • The solution is mixed with the herb for two to six weeks depending on the herb's requirement. Generally herbs and liquid are mixed in the proportion of 1:4, i.e. four parts of liquid (alcohol/distilled water) added to one part of dry herb. However there are exceptions related to certain herbs. For example, Marshmallow and Ginger extracts are made in the ratio of 1:6. Further, herbs like Cassia Tora, Celosia Seed, Fig, Milk Thistle, Poria, Rose Hip, Pumpkin Seed, and Spirit Poria are extracted with ratio of 1:2. But if fresh herbs are used for making the herbal extracts then 1:1 ratio of herb to liquid is taken.
• • The solution pulls out the water-soluble and alcohol-soluble constituents present in each herb and gives the herbal extracts longer shelf life.
• • The process prescribed in the original scriptures of Ayurveda tells to obtain extracts from herbs through cold processing. Generally, heat is not applied while extraction.
• • Pressure is applied to the mixture to transfer all the natural properties and flavors of the herbs in the final product.
• • The solution thus obtained is then filtered in unbleached filters and are bottled.
• • Bottles are sealed with tamper-proof seals.
• • Many herbal extracts go through a second extraction process where a second batch of dried herb is added to the original extract for another two to six weeks. It produces a highly concentrated extract with superb flavor and quality. After the second extracting process is over, pressure is applied, herbal extract is filtered and then bottled.

Most of the herbal extract suppliers supply all kinds of extracts depending upon the availability of the herb in a particular season.

Difference Between a Tincture and a Herbal Extract

Sometimes the term tincture is used interchangeably with herbal extract. However, there is a basic difference between the two. Herbal extract usually refers to both powdered and liquid herbal extracts. On the other hand, a tincture is a liquid herbal extract made with alcohol as the solvent. Sometimes glycerin is also used as solvent in place of alcohol to make a tincture. Glycerin based tinctures, generally, do not have very long shelf life and are also not very convenient to use in personal care applications. Glycerin based tinctures are best suited for uses like salt/sugar scrubs and for mouth care products such as mouth rinses.

Benefits of Herbal Extracts

All kinds of herbal extracts whether powder or liquid herbal extracts are very easy to carry and make. Different herbs are used for different purposes so have different benefits. Some of these are:

• • Black Walnut herbal extract is used as antiseptic, against intestinal parasites and worms, constipation and many skin problems.
• • Licorice is an adrenal tonic that is used to cure cough, cold and sore throat. Many types f ulcers, coffee or caffeine addiction, menopausal complaints are also cured with licorice herbal extract.
• • Olive leaf herbal extract is used to improve the immune system. It does not harm the useful bacteria.
• • Oregon Grape is used to cure the liver and lymphatic congestion, skin problems like eczema and psoriasis.
• • Catnip and Fennel is a wonderful herbal extract that is appetite stimulant, used for indigestion, upset stomach, fever and teeth pain.

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