What is an herbal extract?Updated 2 years ago

Herbal extracts can come in many forms, but one thing they all have in common is that the desired phytochemical constituents have been extracted from the inert structural plant material such as the cell wall of the plant. This allows the active components to be more readily absorbed by the body without having to undergo digestion, which is necessary when we eat herbs in their raw, whole form.

Depending on the desired phytochemical constituents, herbs may be extracted in different mediums. You may already be more familiar with herbal extracts than you realize. Have you ever had an herbal tea? That’s an example of a water herbal extract!

Besides water, other common extraction mediums are alcohol, glycerin, and vinegar. Extracts may be consumed in their liquid form, or dried into a power and then encapsulated, as you’ll find with many of Vital Plan’s products.