Herbs

Herbs.

  

                                             Echinacea

Standardised Herbs.

In the 1970s, the herb industry was plagued by problems resulting from poor quality control.‘Standardisation' was thus introduced to regulate herbal extracts to a specific standard of quality. A standardised herb provides a specific level of a certain compound in the herb to ensure that the level of active ingredient in the herb is consistently delivered. Herbs, as natural ingredients, will vary in their content due to climatic and seasonal changes, soil and other growing conditions. Variability results in inconsistency and standardisation is a Way to reduce this inconsistency. It assures the consumer of consistent benefits and quality. Actually, a standardised extract contains not one, but dozens or hundreds of natural compounds originally present in the plant.

There are a few methods of standardising herbs. One way is to blend herbs of varying strengths to achieve a consistent or standard potency level. Or, herbal products can undergo varying levels of processing to isolate and standardise certain ingredients. Of course, standardisation must be backed by robust research.

It is important to note that standardisation of herbs (especially herbal supplements) can be an expensive process as it involves using a very large quantity of the raw herbs to deliver the required amount and is not willingly initiated by many manufacturers. it is important to consume herbal supplements supplied by a reputable company as this ensures a consistent amount of herbs that are free from toxicity and are standardised to provide the exact amount of ingredients.

Natural Remedies.

Nature is truly a wonder to behold. Among the various flora are a variety of plant species, loosely classified as herbals. Herbs offer unique beneficial effects for the well-being of mankind. Our early ancestors had only nature to turn to for natural remedies. They had no medicine chests, but meadows. They did not have pharmacies then, but had to go to the farms or into the forests to look for plants with medicinal value. For example, prior to the discovery of antibiotics, the herb Echinacea (commonly known as purple coneflower) was one of the most widely prescribed medicines in the United States. Herbal remedies have been used by every human society to treat different ailments.

Why Process Herbs?

Herbs are processed so as to deliver Convenience and save preparation time for consumers. In some instances, processing reduces toxicity and adverse effects. For example, certain herbs in their raw states can irritate the throat, but through processing, this effect can be eliminated. Alkaloids in certain herbs are virtually insoluble in water, but after vinegar processing they are readily soluble and their potency enhanced.

Why Should We Take Herbal Supplements?

• Herbal remedies are gaining wider acceptance as their effectiveness is demonstrated by ongoing scientific research. They offer drug-tree alternatives for people who take a proactive role towards their health.
• Herbal supplements allow for a consistent intake of herbs. For eXample, cooking with garlic does not ensure that one consumes the garlic. Furthermore, garlic, which usually leaves an unpleasant aftertaste,.
• Herbal supplements can be taken anytime and anywhere, and are convenient for people on the move.
• Herbal supplements that are supplied  by an organic farm that  grows them without herbicides or pesticide would obviously be a smarter and better choice.