< previous page | page_4 | next page >
Page 4
| of the first significant technological breakthroughs in the utilization of herbal products occurred when herbalists first extracted chemicals from plants: they made a tea by placing herbs in hot or simmering water. This process, called steeping, has been used since prehistoric times to liberate the active chemicals from plants while leaving behind other unwanted substances. While heating can potentially break down and destroy some of the chemicals in plants, steeping retains or even enhances the potency of many botanicals. |
| A second form of herbs comes as ''extracts.'' In the process of making an herbal extract, the active constituents or compounds are taken up into alcohol or water, which concentrates and preserves them and makes them easily absorbed by the body. Inactive constituents, such as starch, are left behind and not included. So an extract is, "a concentrated plant preparation containing a high concentration of active constituents and low concentrations of inactive ones," according to Christopher Hobbs, in his book Handbook of Herbal Healing. |
| Liquid extracts are made by soaking the whole herb in a liquid that will release and concentrate its active ingredients. Water is the most familiar and commonly used liquid for this process, and one could say that a tea is an extractthe activity has been extracted from the herb, and the nonactive parts are discarded. This has several advantages. First, our digestive tracts will not have to expend energy in order to try and break down cellulose, lignin, and other plant structures where the active constituents are being held. Second, the active ingredients are concentrated and rendered soluble in our digestive juices, so they are quickly and efficiently absorbed. It is estimated that many liquid and powdered extracts are probably over 95 percent absorbed, depending on the types of constituents involved. |
| Extracts are very common in many parts of the world where herbal medicine is traditionally used. In Europe, many extract forms are available and are undoubtedly more popular than bulk herbs. In China, and throughout the Orient, thousands of patent extracts are available and extremely popular. |
| Liquid extracts (sometimes called tinctures) come in several forms. A tincture is usually made with a solvent of grain alcohol and water. The proportions vary, depending on what the |
< previous page | page_4 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!