Ayurvedic Herbal Extracts
Banyan Botanicals makes taking your herbs especially easy with multiple methods of administration. We offer formulas in tablet form, herbs in their bulk powdered form, and in liquid form as a liquid extract. For the sake of clarity, herbal tinctures are a subset of liquid extracts. The difference lies in the herb strength ratios and sometimes the type of solvent used to suspend the herb. Liquid extracts generally have a lower herb to solvent ratio, which means a higher concentration of herb. Many of our liquid extracts have an herb to solvent ratio of 1:2. We refer to our products as liquid extracts and not tinctures.
Benefits of Liquid Extracts
One of the large advantages of taking liquid extracts is that they do not have to be broken down by the digestive system, thus making the herbal properties readily and easily assimilated. This can be particularly helpful if one has a slow or weak digestion. The small amount of alcohol in most of the liquid extracts can also help to stimulate your digestive fire. Additionally, herbalists say that the herbal properties in an alcohol base will remain preserved for approximately five years. Another benefit is that they are especially convenient for people with a busy lifestyle or those who may have difficulty swallowing tablets, like children. The taste and smell of the herb have been preserved during extraction which offers benefit to our senses and the digestive process according to Ayurvedic principles
Popular Formulas
Some of our more popular liquid extract formulas include Shatavari, Brahmi/Gotu Kola, Ashwagandha, and I Travel Well. I Travel Well is a blend of traditional Ayurvedic adaptogens, like ashwagandha and tulsi, suspended in a base of organic vegetable glycerin and deionized water, suitable for anyone who may be sensitive to the alcohol alternative. All liquid extracts are easy to take by simply adding them to a liquid of your choice. If you are unsure which formula may be best for you, our Ayurvedic Profile quiz™ is a fantastic place to start, offering insight into your special constitution, your current state of being, and product suggestions to support your overall well-being.
Why Alcohol?
Alcohol has long been used as a natural solvent in the extraction process of plants. From an alchemical perspective, it can dissolve a much wider range of molecules than many other solvents. In short, alcohol is best able to preserve the whole plant and its constituents. Alcohol makes up approximately 45 to 55% of the liquid extract, depending on the exact herb ratio. The amount of alcohol in one dropperful (1 serving) of liquid extract is about 1/10th of a teaspoon, essentially the amount of alcohol contained in a ripe banana. The alcohol can be reduced by adding the drops to boiled water and allowing it to sit for a few minutes.
