Just like the old TV ad about engine oils, herbal medicines are not all the same. As human beings, we hear or read words, which must, then, be translated into real things. You can’t eat healthy words and expect to remedy an ailment or health issue. You must follow through and find out the details about how herbal supplements are made, if you wish to get the good oil and its resultant healing benefits.
Just Eat the Plant
“Just eat the plant”, this has been the catchcry of Pharma Botanica founders Paul and Melissa Gribble for more than 21 years. Pharma Botanica is the only Australian manufacturer that exclusively uses 100% plants in all of their health formulations. Even their capsules are made from healthy kale.
Unfortunately, herbal supplements largely contain extracts not plants. When you look at the label of an herbal supplement in a store, look for the words, “Extract, Standardised Extract, or Extract Equivalent.” When you see that on a label, this means the product has been made in a factory, not from a plant.
Whole Herbs Are Best
Whole herbs, which is the Pharma Botanica way, are pretty much what they sound like. The herb in natural form – leaves, stems and/or roots – is dried, then, cut and sifted, and, then, milled into a powder. Powders are, either, packed inside a capsule or sold loose, so, that you can add them easily to a juice or smoothie.
“Since you are consuming the medicinal plant, you are getting its full spectrum of plant chemicals, called phytochemicals,” says Paul.
“That’s a good thing, because the herb’s phytochemicals work in synergy together, and we don’t always know how a single plant chemical will perform on its own. We share DNA with the plants, so, your body recognises it and can absorb it effectively. Powdered extracts are made by soaking the herb in a solvent that is later evaporated.”
“What’s left behind is a concentrated powder of one or some of the plant chemicals. Some companies use harsh chemicals in the soaking solvent, which can be found in residual amounts remaining in the extract.”
Extracts Are Not the Answer
Another issue is, if particular chemicals or constituents in a botanical are the only items of interest, then, the botanical source might be immaterial. If all you want is the alkaloid caffeine, for example, it can be extracted from coffee, tea, Yerba mate, guarana, or, even, synthesised. With an extract, you cannot really know what you are actually consuming.
It is comforting to know that in today’s fast paced technological world, we can still make a real difference to our health and wellbeing. It is, often, the simplest things in life, which are the best. Nature really does provide the answers. It’s always been there for us, and with Pharma Botanica, it still is.
To find out more contact:
Pharma Botanica
www.pharmabotanica.com.au
www.facebook.com/earthsmedkit
www.instagram.com/pharmabotanica
