If you have ever wondered how to safely use herbal medicine, you have come to the right place. While many herbal medicines are beneficial, some can cause adverse reactions if you are allergic or take other medications. There are a few things to keep in mind when using them, so read on for more.

Liquid extracts are more concentrated than tinctures

Liquid herbal extracts are made by soaking plant parts in a solvent such as water, vinegar, or alcohol. This method of extraction is a popular way of preserving medicinal herbs for future use.

Many people take liquid extracts internally. They are a fast and convenient way to absorb active ingredients from herbs. However, they are not suitable for everyone. Those who are pregnant, have allergies, or have a compromised liver may want to avoid them. Likewise, those who are breastfeeding, have infants, or have pets should be careful about using them.

In general, the strength of a liquid extract is greater than the strength of a tincture. While a tincture has some of the same properties as a liquid extract, a tincture is less concentrated. The strength is dependent on the amount of herb and liquid and the ratio of the two.

Alcohol is the most common solvent used in tinctures. A dropper of echinacea tincture with 50% alcohol concentration yields one ml of alcohol.

Some tinctures have the alcohol content lowered to 20-25%. Some companies also use vegetable glycerine as a solvent. These extracts are more stable than alcohol-free glycerites.

If you are looking to buy a liquid extract, the best option is a standardized extract. A standardized extract is an extract that contains a fixed amount of a specific active ingredient.

Herbs that increase digestion and detoxification may affect absorption

Phytotherapy is a thriving industry in the medical community, but the jury is still out on the best way to approach a diseased gut. The good news is there are numerous modalities to choose from and a few proven winners to boot. As a matter of fact, some of the best herbs can be incorporated into your daily regimen without the fear of overdosing. Moreover, there is a plethora of information on the web regarding the best ways to treat digestive disorders. Thankfully, a balanced diet paired with regular exercise is one of the best defenses against an overburdened gut. Having said that, a comprehensive review of a few key nutrients such as folic acid, b vitamins, vitamin E, and zinc should be on your list of things to do. However, a visit to the doctor is always a prudent if you're suffering from one of these debilitating afflictions. So, what are your top choices for herbal cures in your cabinet? Fortunately, most are easy to find in your local supermarket or a reputable health food store.

1. John's Wort can interact negatively with other medicines

St John's Wort is a plant native to Europe. It has yellow star-shaped flowers and grows 50 to 100 cm tall.

It is most commonly used for depression and mood disorders. However, there are a variety of other uses for the herb. Among them are treating menopause, opiate withdrawal, and a variety of other ailments.

When taking St John's Wort, it may interact with some drugs. This may lead to serious effects. Medications that can interact with the drug include nefazodone, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and triptans.

Other drugs can interact with St John's Wort by causing it to become less active or by reducing the amount of St John's Wort that is available. These interactions can have a negative effect on the mental state of the person taking the medicines.

If you are pregnant, it is advisable to avoid St John's Wort. The herb has been shown to cause birth defects in rats.

St John's wort has also been associated with breakthrough bleeding in women who take birth control pills. Women who are breastfeeding should consult with a doctor before consuming it.

While St John's wort has been shown to improve the symptoms of somatization disorder, it does not appear to reduce the severity of the disorder. Some people with mild depression have reported that St. John's wort has not improved their sleep.