Why Extracts?
An herbal extract is only as good as the plant material it begins with. This is why at Varcho Veda we first start with the finest, highest grade of raw herb. We use herb material that is either certified organic, grown without chemicals (GWC), or ethically wildcrafted.
At Varcho Veda, we extract our herbal preparations rather than using the herb in its raw form. Herb in its raw form (capsule, tablet, or herb powder) can be difficult for the body to break down and often the digestive system is not able to extract and assimilate significant amounts of the bioactive components in the herb. Also, the coating and binder material in some tablets can equal the amount of herb. Raw herb in a capsule or tablet is also subject to oxidation, which causes the herb to deteriorate and lose its strength and effectiveness.
In essence, the Varcho Veda extraction process "predigests" the herb material and results in a faster and more complete assimilation of the active constituents by the body. Herbal preparations in the form of tinctures and extracts are more commonly used by herbal practitioners for their medicinal effects as opposed to the weaker actions achieved by teas and infusions.
Alcohol preserves the stability and strength of the extract for at least three to five years. We use organic USP Pharmaceutical grain alcohol in the extraction process, as grain alcohol extracts the broadest range of active constituents from the herbs. After thorough determination of the plant's bioactive compounds, we select the appropriate methodology, alcohol percentage, and extraction techniques to be used for that plant, bringing you the highest quality product possible.