What are herbal extracts?

Herbal extracts are a liquid solution of herbs and alcohol. The dried or fresh herbs are combined with alcohol, then the solid matter is removed leaving only the oils of the herbs mixed with the alcohol. This process is called extraction, hence the name, “herbal extract.” For example an extract made from peppermint and alcohol would be called “peppermint extract.” Most commercially sold herbal extracts have a herb to alcohol ratio printed on the label. When dry herbs were used to make the extract the ratio is commonly 1 part alcohol to 4 parts dried herb. When fresh herbs are used the most common ratio is 1:1. This does not indicate the amount of that herb in the bottle of herbal extract, rather the ratio used in making the extract. Example: Dry herb strength: 1:4 means that the mixture used to produce the herbal extract was 4 parts dried herb and one part alcohol. This is not the same as an ingredients list which is also present on most commercial herbal extracts.
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Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other natural aromatic compounds from plants to affect one’s mental or physical health. Essential oils, are known as hydrophobic i.e. non-water mixing or volatile i.e. air mixing. Essential oils are sometimes referred to as an oil of a plant e.g. oil of lavender. Essential oils are referred to as essential because they are the perceived essence of a plant..

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