Fact File
Choosing the best herbal preparation
When it comes to herbs, how do you know which preparation is best?
Herbs & Health explains the differences between the various herbal preparations
to help you decide on the right choice for you and your family.
Single herbs
These are from one herb species, ground to a powder and put into capsule or tablet form. Capsules are generally the better option because the herb has not been through a manufacturing process where fillers and binders are used, therefore the integrity of the herb is not compromised. A capsule provides faster absorption due to easier digestibility. Single herbs are ideal for use when a therapeutic action is required for a specific symptom, such as Pau D'Arco for thrush. Herbal capsules can also be opened and made into tea.
Combination herbs
These are a mix of two or more herbs that work together when combined in specific amounts to address one or more symptoms. For instance, a stress-related indigestion formula should contain herbs that not only address the indigestion, but also the stress. Some people find this approach a more convenient and economical way to take herbs. Combination herbs are ideal when you suffer from one or more symptoms.
Bulk herbs and teas
This is an ideal way to take herbs if you prefer to sprinkle them on your food or drink them as a tea. They are more readily absorbed by the body because they are not encased in a tablet or capsule. Bulk herbs can also be made into topical preparations (such as compresses, poultices or lotions) by mixing the powdered herb with a carrier oil such as vitamin E oil or sorbolene cream.
Concentrated herbs
Concentrated herbal powders are sometimes used for incorporation into high potency tablets or capsules where a higher dosage of the herb is required to achieve a therapeutic outcome. Certain ailments are known to respond well to this method of preparation.
Standardised herbal extracts
These are a result of modern day technology where the main active ingredient of the herb is isolated and incorporated into capsules or tablets. This form of herbal preparation ‘guarantees the potency' of the active ingredient allowing for a more accurate dosage each time. Standardised herbal extracts lean towards a ‘pharmaceutical' approach to treatment versus the ‘traditional' pathway. Read the label carefully as often the amount of ‘equivalent' dried herb sounds huge, but does not reflect the amount of extract used. Look for the standardised quantity as this is what guarantees the potency.
The benefits of using the traditional ‘whole herb' often outweigh standardised preparations because they contain more than one chemical fraction that's usually responsible for achieving the desired therapeutic result.
Liquid herbal extracts
These are mostly alcohol-based and, in some instances, glycerine-based. If you can tolerate the taste of liquid extracts they are readily absorbed. They are good to use if a fast-acting herbal preparation is required. The downside is often the taste and, compared with capsules and tablets, the range can be limited. Many liquid herbal formulas are only available after a consultation with a qualified herbal practitioner.