What is an Herbal Extract?

Liquid herbal extracts (or tinctures) are considered one of the most effective ways to take herbal supplements. Unlike pills and capsules, liquid herbal extracts are immediately absorbed and assimilated into the bloodstream. Liquid herbal extracts are created by soaking herbs in a liquid menstruum of either pure grain alcohol, water, kosher vegetable glycerin or any combination of these. This herb and menstruum mixture is mixed and turned for a minimum of 2 to 4 weeks and then pressed and filtered to leave a pure liquid herbal extract. Each Simplers extract is prepared according to the current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) procedures. We use only certified organic or grown-without chemicals herbs to make our extracts and use only the freshest most vibrant plants available. We do not standardize our extracts according to so called "active constituents."

How to Take Liquid Herbal Extracts

Liquid Herbal Extracts can be taken on an ongoing long-term basis (tonic use) or for specific symptoms associated with colds and other minor conditions (acute use). Liquid herbal extracts have a strong taste when taken directly from the bottle. We suggest taking extracts in a small amount of water or juice (about 1-2 ounces). Some herbal compounds such as Simplers Bitters Compound should be taken in a little water only and held in the mouth for a short period of time. This allows the bitter stimulation on the tongue to activate the digestive system. If alcohol poses a problem, try dropping your extract in hot tea to evaporate off some of the alcohol (note that 1 ml of an alcohol extract contains about as much alcohol as a ripe banana).

One dropperful (one squeeze) of extract is equal to 1 milliliter (ml) and there are approximately 30 milliliters per ounce. Tonic protocol generally suggests you take 2 ml of extract 2-3 times per day. At this dosage, 1 ounce of herbal extract will last 5-7 days. Simplers bulk tinctures, available in 1oz, 2oz & 4oz sizes, are cost effective and environmentally sensible. The recommended adult dosage is listed on each label for each particular herb or compound. Dosage and results may vary depending on the individual so we recommend seeking the advice of a qualified practitioner for any serious medical condition.

How Many Milligrams of Herb Does My Extract Contain?

Here is a guideline to help you figure out how much plant material is represented in each dosage. The weight to volume ratio indicates how much plant material and menstruum (water/alcohol) was used to extract the vital constituents of the plant. 1:2 means one part plant material to two parts menstruum. You can locate the weight to volume ratio (Herb/Menstruum ratio) on a bottle of Simplers Liquid Herbal Extract and follow the guidelines below for approximate milligrams of herb.

Water weight in fresh plant material is extremely variable. To ensure consistency and potency of the finished product, Simplers makes most extracts from dried plant material. The following chart represents the approximate number of milligrams of herb in 1 ml of liquid herbal extract.

Weight to volume Milligrams of herb in 1ml of extract
(about 1 dropperful)

Example: If you have a fresh Echinacea extract that is 1:2, and you take 1 ml, you are consuming approximately 125mg of Echinacea. If you have a dried Valerian extract that is 1:3, and you take 1 ml, you are consuming approximately 333mg of Valerian.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a health care professional if you are pregnant or have any serious medical conditions.