|
Herbal extract is 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 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 dried plant to 4 parts liquid, (alcohol and water). When
fresh herbs are used the most common ratio is 1:1. This does not
indicate the amount of that herb in the bottle, rather the ratio used in
making the extract. Example: Dry herb strength: 1:4 means that the
mixture used to produce the extract was 4 parts liquid, (alcohol and
water) and one part dried plant. This is not the same as an ingredients
list which is also present on most commercial extracts.
Herbal extracts are sold as dietary supplements and alternative medicine
and commonly used for flavoring in baking and other cooking much like
vanilla extract.
Herbal extracts are often referred to as tinctures by herbalists and
alternative medicine practitioners.
(from Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia) |
