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Category: Herbs and Nutrition

Herbal Extracts also those known as Tinctures are most often used for healing. The healing capacity is very similar to an herbal tea.  Tinctures are made using alcohol.  With extracts however, the active constituents of the plant are extracted using either alcohol, food grade glycerin or Apple Cider Vinegar.

This Concentrated liquid is then taken orally. Two droppers full of tinctures are equal to one 8oz cup of herbal tea. Tinctures concentrate and preserve the properties of the herb, making them more effective and longer lasting.

Essences work on a vibrational level to encourage balance. The herb or flowers are placed in a bowl or jar of spring water and left in the sun or maybe a full moon. The vibrational resonance of the plant is memorized by the water. The water is then preserved in alcohol. The essence is then used by putting 4 - 6 drops under the tongue up to 4 times per day - or more. You can also put them on your skin or mist them into the air. The speed at which change is noticed can vary, but the change is typically subtle.

Essential Oils are the aromatic volatile liquids distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds. Essential oils are highly concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs. It may take an entire plant or more to produce 1 drop of distilled essential oil. Any given essential oil may contain anywhere from 80 to 300 or more different chemical constituents. The chemistry and medicinal action of an essential oil can vary depending on the process of distillation or extraction.  My personal favorite are Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils. Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils are used topically with Massage, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Warm Packs, Cold Packs, Bath, Shower, Hot Tubs and Saunas. They are used for Diffusing and/or Direct Inhalation.  They are used as Cleansers and Insect Repellents. Essential Oils are also used in Cooking for flavor and Internally and/or orally as dietary supplementation. Some oils should be diluted, others are fine used undiluted (called "Neat"). Some can be consumed others should not be used internally. Some are used as aroma therapy and others are rubbed into the skin. Always know about where your oils are coming from to trust the quality and learn how to use them.