What's in your Extract? Natural Product Terms and Herbal Extraction Processes Explained

Compound An end product that is comprised of two or more substances mixed together. Herbal compounds may have an end product in a salve, tablet, gel-cap, tincture, or oil form.

CO2 Extractions Super-critical CO2 distillations are a cold-temperature extraction process considered to be superior to other methods because during the technique of CO2 extraction the plant material is not exposed to heat. In this process, CO2 is pressurized to become liquid, macerates with the plant material, and then is filtered out. The resulting material is allowed to come to room temperature so that the carbon dioxide can vaporize off, resulting in a think waxy end product. While CO2 distillations are becoming more popular in the essential oil market, as they allow for a more delicate distillation of plant matter, it is arguable if a Super-critical CO2 extract can be considered a true essential oil by definition due to the waxy nature of the end product. Essential oils by definition are miniscule molecules that can pass through the skin and are volatile by nature. (Read more about how CO2 distillations compare to Essential Oils here.) In the Super-critical CO2 distillation process, the majority of these volatile compounds and terpenes are destroyed, however in the sub-critical CO2 distillation process, they can be saved. Where we most often see CO2 extractions, is in the realm of food and drink flavorings, and recently in the realm of the hemp industry. While in the former the CO2 extracts can be referred to as true extracts, in the latter realm we see a range of products classified as CO2 extracts that have ultimately gone through many other clarifying processes ranging from winterization, fractionizing, and filtering, among others in an aim to refine the end product.

Decoction A medicinal tea made from boiling plant material, usually the bark, rhizomes, roots or other woody parts, in water. May be used therapeutically. Natural dyes are often also made this way.

Flower Essence Homeopathic dilutions of flowers systematized by Edward Bach, MD that are most commonly used to address emotional and subtle mental imbalance. Flower Essences are very subtle energetic medicine. One could say that an imprint of the energetic qualities of a flower or plant are captured and cured for use to remedy various “negative” emotional states. Flower essences do not have a scent of their original mother plant and are primarily made up of water and small amount of brandy. A trained therapist is able to create a customized flower essence that helps to shift the energetic patterns of an individual to a state of well-being over time. Flower essence remedies are typically taken in water, and have a flavor of faint brandy, as this is the spirit most are cured and purified with. If a person is sensitive to alcohol, disperse of it by dispensing the 3-4 drops of flower essence blend into 1 cup of just boiling water, pour into clean ceramic cup and allow to cool prior to drinking. The minute amount of alcohol will vaporize out.

Homeopathy Classically referred to by using the phrase “like cures like,” Homeopathic medicine is able to stimulate the body’s response to an illness or disease by introducing very minute dilutions of the same substance causing the negative reaction. By taking theses plant substances and diluting them, for instance, 1 drop in 99 drops of water, and then again, and then again… Homeopathic medicines are able to stimulate the body’s response to an illness or disease by introducing very minute dilutions of the same substance. For instance, while a tea of Arnica Montana has been found to be poisonous if ingested, a homeopathic of Arnica Montana is often used to reduce swelling, bruising and pain prior to surgery, as well as traditionally being used topically for the same purposes. A Homeopathic formula that is labeled 6X, has been diluted 6 times, 10X has been diluted 10 times, and 10C has been diluted 100 times. The more dilute, in this instance, the more potent the homeopathic remedy.

Infusion  A tea made by pouring water over plant material (usually dried flowers, fruit, leaves, and other parts, though fresh plant material may also be used), then allowed to steep. The water is usually boiling, but cold infusions are also an option. May be used therapeutically, as hot tea or wound wash. Infusion preparations are an excellent way to administer herbs into the body as the mineral component of herbs can be readily absorbed.

Essential Oils Volatile aromatic oils extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, and other parts of plants by means of either steam distillation, hydro-distillation, or cold-pressing. Therapeutic use traditionally includes a 2% dilution due to the nature of the highly concentrated oil.

Glycerite  An herbal glycerite is an alternative to an alcohol tincture. The benefit of taking herbal preparations this way is that it allows one to avoid the ingestion of alcohol, and is often best suited for children. While sole passive glycerin extractions are said to not extract much medicinal compounds when compared to alcohol. Alcohol extractions have shown to denature and render inert many of the organic compounds.  Recent herbalists have discovered that a combination of water and glycerin in a ratio specific to each plant, yields a much more superior end material that is truer tasting to the fresh plant. At typical dosage for this type of medicinal varies depending on the plant but is typically ¼ tsp. 1-3 times per day.

Herbal Infused Oils A process of extraction in which the volatile oils of a plant substance are obtained by soaking the plant in a carrier oil for approximately two weeks and then straining the oil. The resulting oil is used therapeutically and may contain the plant’s aromatic characteristic.

Percolation  A process to extract the soluble constituents of a plant with the assistance of gravity. The material is moistened and evenly packed into a tall, slightly conical vessel; the liquid (menstruum) is then poured onto the material and allowed to steep for a certain length of time. A small opening is then made in the bottom, which allows the extract to slowly flow out of the vessel. The remaining plant material (the marc) may be discarded. Many tinctures and liquid extracts are prepared this way.

Tincture  An extract of a plant made by soaking herbs in a dark place with a desired amount of either glycerin, alcohol, or vinegar for two to six weeks. The liquid is strained from the plant material and then may be used therapeutically.

Liniment Extract of a plant added to either alcohol or vinegar and applied topically to employ the therapeutic benefits.

Poultice A therapeutic topical application of a soft moist mass of plant material (such as bruised fresh herbs), usually wrapped in a fine woven cloth.

©Esenta Botanicals 2016

Kathryn Delaney is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, Flower Essence Therapist, and Practicing Herbalist. She compounds herbal formulations with more than 20 years of experience and also offers consultations and holistic education. The above list is a small compilation of some of the definitive terms from the Urban Shaman Workbook that will be going into print soon. If there are additional terms you would like explained in this blog, please leave a comment below. Fall classes will be offered through the internet soon, to be invited, Kathryn can be contacted at esentabotanicals@gmail.com.