| FAQ
- WHAT ARE LIQUID HERBAL EXTRACTS?
- WHAT ARE STANDARDIZED EXTRACTS?
- WHY AREN'T YOUR HERBS
STANDARDIZED?
- HOW SHOULD I TAKE AN HERBAL
EXTRACT?
- HOW MUCH ALCOHOL IS IN A DOSE?
- WHY DO YOU USE ALCOHOL?
- DO YOU SELL ALCOHOL-FREE EXTRACTS?
- WHAT IS THE SHELF-LIFE OF AN
EXTRACT?
- DO YOU USE FRESH OR DRIED HERBS?
- HOW MANY
MILLIGRAMS OF HERB ARE USED TO CREATE EACH SERVING?
- ARE YOUR HERBS ORGANIC?
Liquid herbal extracts are fresh or dried herbs that have been processed in a liquid
medium such as alcohol and water. The medium is used to extract the active components of
the herb, as well as to preserve the herb. Because the herb's active components have been
separated from its indigestible cellulose, liquid extracts are often absorbed up to 40%
better than capsules or tablets and are faster acting. Tasting the herbs also facilitates
additional biochemical and digestive action to support the herbs' assimilation and
function.
A standardized extract contains a specific amount of one (or a few) of a plant's active
constituents. To arrive at that specific level, the plant must be selectively extracted
with toxic solvents, throwing off the natural balance of the plant. These drug
concentrates are not naturally occurring and can have more side effects.
Medicinal herbs contain a broad spectrum of active constituents that work
synergistically, most of which we have been unable to identify. These full spectrum
extracts are extracted to assure that the final product closely resembles the naturally
ocurring herb in a digested and absorbable form. Vitality Works supports this kind of
traditional and successful herbal use.
We recommend putting the indicated dose in a little bit of juice or water. It won't
hurt to take the extract "straight"-- but be careful, our herbs taste potent!
For the bitter herbs, usually a week of daily use will acclimate the taste buds.
Each dose contains about as much alcohol as a ripe banana. If desired, the alcohol can
be removed by putting the dose in boiling water and letting it sit for a few minutes.
We use alcohol as our solvent because it is non-toxic (in small doses) and because it
extracts the components from an herb better than water, glycerine or your own digestion.
Also, many active constituents are not water or glycerine soluble. This allows for better
assimilation and success with herbs.
Yes, we do sell alcohol free extracts. However, our alcohol free extracts are first
extracted in alcohol. Then, the alcohol is carefully removed and replaced with glycerine
and a small amount of clover honey. Our glycerites are full potency extracts. And they
taste good!
Alcohol extracts last at least 3-5 years. A glycerine extract lasts about 2 years.
We use both fresh and dried herbs. Some herbs are better extracted fresh (St. John's
Wort, for example), while others are better extracted dry (like Cascara Sagrada). We
process each herb in order to maximize effectiveness and results.
This can vary from 155 to 516 milligrams in a 30 drop dose. A 90 drop daily dose will
contain from 465 to 1548 milligrams. On average, a 30 drop dose contains 310 milligrams of
herb.
Our herbs are either organic, ETHICALLY wildcrafted by hand-selected harvesters, or
selectively imported. We first use certified organic herbs when available. (We will begin
using certified organic goldenseal in the fall of 1999).Our herbs are never fumigated or
irradiated.
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