In today’s world, herbs are not equivalent to medicine. Since humans have been walking the Earth, they have relied on nature and plants. Humans would not be able to survive without them. Not only can plants provide nourishment for humans and animals and produce breathable oxygen, they may support health challenges and concerns. Herbs and pharmaceutical medications are different in several ways.

Herbal Preparations

Not all herbal products and brands are the same or interchangeable. One product may work well for you, but a different brand may not. There are many reasons why that may be; such as plant quality, preparation method, manufacturing process, or intermediary ingredients not listed on the label. 
When selecting herbal products, be aware that not all are “All Natural”. Even certified organic products are allowed to have a small percentage of non organic ingredients and there could be non-organic chemical solutions and solvents used during the manufacturing process that are not included in the label. Contamination could occur if Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or Organic Good Manufacturing Practices (oGMP) are not followed. Results can also be influenced by unlisted ingredients. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal products, the FDA does restrict what claims can be made about herbal products. According to the FDA, herbal products cannot claim to diagnose, treat, or cure any health conditions or illness. Any product claiming such in the U.S. is considered fraud.
Herbal Extraction Methods
Herbs can be extracted through a variety of different natural and synthetic compounds. Intermediary extraction processes usually include alcohol or synthetic compounds to break down a plant before it is extracted in a different medium (reference Types of Herbal Product below). For example, when working with a resin (i.e. Myrrh) to utilize in an oil infusion, it is typically soaked in alcohol for 24 hours before it is infused in the oil. The manufacturing process is expected to “burn off” any of the remaining traces of the intermediary medium used so it is not present in the final product; therefore, this intermediary process is not called out in the product description nor is the intermediary medium listed in the ingredients. However, it is possible that there are trace amounts of the intermediary medium is still in the product. 

Types of Herbal Products

Herbal products come in all sorts of different types of products and how they are processed can potentially impact how the herb works. 

Edible Products 
These are herbal products that are consumed by mouth. These types of products should be manufactured in a professional kitchen or under a cottage food license. Certified organic products are manufactured in a certified organic professional kitchen.

Tincture: herbal extract utilizing food grade alcohol. The alcohol percentage will vary based on the herb and if it was tinctured fresh or dried. Fresh herbs contain more water and require a high percentage alcohol to preserve it.

Glycerites: herbal extract utilizing food grade glycerine. There are two types of glycerine; natural and synthetic. Natural glycerine is derived from vegetables or animal fats, though vegetable glycerine is more common. Synthetic glycerine is produced through a chemical process often utilizing petroleum-based products. Most products with labels that list glycerine instead of vegetable glycerine typically include synthetic glycerine. 

Powders, pills, and capsules: herbs are dried and ground into a powder. To ease of use, the power is pounded into pills or filled in capsules. 

Infusions (teas and decoctions): herbs are infused (soaked) in water. Teas are typically a shorter infusion time with boiling water added to the herbs and then allowed to steep between 5 minutes up to 20 minutes. A decoction is usually used for roots and the herbs are added to simmering water and simmered for 10 to 30 minutes. Often times, an infusion can include both, where a pot of water is simmered with the roots for 10 to 15 minutes, removed from heat, then the remaining herbs are added and the mixture steeps for another 10 to 15 minutes, then strain both the herbs and roots.

Syrups: herbal extract utilizing water and preserved with sugar or honey. This is a way to make a herbal Infusions shelf stable by taking the infusion by volume and adding twice the amount in sugar (one (1) part herbal infusion to two (2) parts of sugar). Herbal syrups are often used as cough and throat syrups and make can make great mock-tails. 

Vinegars and Oxymels: herbal extract utilizing vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is the usual vinegar used, but any fruit vinegar will work. A vinegar extract is a great way to get the vitamins and minerals out of herbs. To extend the shelf life of a vinegar extract or to make it taste better, honey is added to make an Oxymel. 

Externally Used Products

These are herbal products that are used externally and should be manufactured with good manufacturing processes.

Oil: herbal extract utilizing a carrier oil. There are many carrier oils that can be used and oils themselves can have many different characteristics. Oils should be selected based on your skin type and usage. 

Salves: herbal extract utilizing a carrier oil with beeswax or other emulsifier that makes a balm. This allows the herb to soak into the skin at a slower and longer rate. Salves are shelf stable, but look for Vitamin E or Rosemary EO as an ingredient to prevent spoilage.

Creams and Lotions: herbal extracts utilizing both oil and water. Some herbs extract well in water but not well in Oil and visa versa. Creams and lotions allow for including both an oil extraction and a water extraction. Body butters are utilized to make the mixture more creamy and provide additional moisturizing benefits. Since water and oil do not mix, an emulsifier wax is needed bond them together. The difference between creams and lotions is the percentages of oil to water to body butter. Creams are thicker and have more oil/butter than lotions, which are thinner and have more water.

The type of herbal product is really going to depend on several factors. The most important factor when selecting a herbal product is selecting a product that you will actually use. Make sure you review the list of ingredients for any allergies, sensitives, or drug interactions and understand if there could be any potential unlisted ingredients to watch out for. Be sure to check with your doctor and/or pharmacist before starting any new herbal product. 

FDA Disclaimer

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is for informational purposes only.