Fresh, dried, capsules, oh my!

I have had people ask me frequently about the different forms of herbs.  Which is the most effective, which is most potent, which is safest, etc.  The form in which you take your herbs may vary depending on your desired outcome. 

Capsules - These are an easy form to take herbs or herb combinations, as long as you don't have problems taking pills.  The pros of this form are you know how much you are receiving, it's easy to add to your routine, and they can be kept for a while when stored properly.  Standardization (the pills will be labeled as standardized) means the pills contain a standard level of specific parts or nutrients of the herbs.  Frequently, standardized herbs are the way to go, but I know of occasional testing where standardized still didn't deliver, so I prefer to go by brand.  I also really like an expiration date, that tells me these herbs are not old.  Some companies don't provide these because they don't have to, but I prefer them.

Loose - Loose herbs can be fresh or dried, and be added directly to foods, made into teas, or made into topical treatments.  The value of fresh herbs is that they are the most complete in their herbal value, because like all plants, once picked they begin to loose nutrients.  The problems will be that they will begin to rapidly loose their medicinal value if not stored properly.  It can also be difficult to get enough of the herb to have the desired benefit.  (It's like taking vitamin C pills vs. an orange.  The pill has a large set amount equal to MANY oranges and can be stored, the orange provides additional benefits though.)  Dried herbs can only be stored for a limited time, for most herbs about a year.  Loose herbs are a great form for direct treatment of something, a daily additive to foods, or to have living in a garden or pot. 

Tinctures - Most often steeped to concentration in alcohol, but they do have some in glycerin are also available.  These provide rapid and concentrated herbs for specific ailments.  The carrier will breakdown overtime, and the tincture often does not taste good.  I do recommend these for specific treatments because it's easy to absorb and be put to use in the body.

Powders are also available, but I seldom recommend these.  Herbs breakdown very quickly in powdered form, and even more so when exposed to light.  It's difficult to use them in an effectively and timely manner in powders, especially if you do not know how fresh the powder is.

There are a great many book about specific herbal remedies, suggestions and supplements, and if you're following the advise of one of these books or consulting a herbalist, you will probably be guided to a specific form, otherwise, use your best judgement!  See you tomorrow!