Herbal Extracts
Herbal extracts are the foundation of herbal medicine and have been used by various cultures for over 5,000 years. From a simple cup of tea to a standardised alkaloid extract, the principle remains the same: active compounds are isolated from plant material using a solvent, resulting in a product that is more concentrated and potent than the raw plant.
At Avalon Magic Plants, we offer a wide range of extracts: from herbal powders and resin extracts to alkaloid tinctures and standardised extracts. All our extracts are prepared in professional laboratories under strict quality control. Below, you can read everything about the different extraction methods, types of extracts, and what to look for when choosing the right product.
Herbal Extracts: From Tradition to the Laboratory
What Are Herbal Extracts?
A herbal extract is the result of a process in which active compounds, known as phytochemicals, are separated from plant material. This is done using a solvent (menstruum) such as water, alcohol, glycerine, or CO₂. The goal is always the same: to concentrate the active constituents into a smaller, more potent form than the original plant.
Every plant contains hundreds of unique phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, and glycosides. These substances often work synergistically and determine the plant's effects. Extraction allows you to consume these compounds in a more targeted and efficient way.
Human knowledge of herbal extraction dates back at least 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence reveals extraction pots from ancient Persia (3,500 BCE), and both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine describe extraction methods that are thousands of years old.
Extraction by Solvent Type
The solvent determines which compounds are extracted. Water dissolves different substances than alcohol, and both dissolve different compounds than oil or CO₂. This explains why so many different types of extracts exist.
Water Extracts (Infusion and Decoction)
The oldest and most accessible extraction method uses water. An infusion, commonly known as tea, is technically already an extract: hot water is poured over plant material, releasing water-soluble compounds such as vitamins, minerals, and mucilage. A decoction goes a step further: tough plant parts like roots, bark, and seeds are simmered for 20 minutes or longer to release their active constituents. This method is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.
Alcohol Extracts (Tinctures)
Alcohol is the second most effective natural solvent after water. It is particularly suited for extracting alkaloids, resins, and tannins, compounds that barely dissolve in water. Tinctures are made by soaking herbs in a mixture of alcohol and water, typically in a ratio of 1:6 to 1:10. The alcohol also acts as a preservative, giving tinctures a shelf life of several years.
A combination of water and alcohol is often most effective, as both solvents capture a different spectrum of plant compounds. The exact ratio is adjusted to suit each specific plant and the desired profile of active constituents.
Our range includes various herbal tinctures, including our Blue Lotus tincture 15x. Tinctures are easy to use: a few drops under the tongue or dissolved in water.
Glycerine Extracts (Glycerites)
For those who wish to avoid alcohol, glycerine extracts offer an alternative. Glycerine is a sweet, viscous liquid used as a solvent. However, its extraction capacity is significantly lower than that of alcohol (less than half), which means glycerites are generally less concentrated.
Supercritical CO₂ Extraction
A modern extraction method in which carbon dioxide under high pressure (above 73.8 bar) and temperature (above 31.1 °C) is used as a solvent. In this supercritical state, CO₂ combines the solvation properties of a liquid with the penetrating power of a gas. The result is an exceptionally pure extract free of solvent residues, ideal for fat-soluble and thermally sensitive compounds. This method is widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Extraction Methods in Practice
Maceration
In maceration, coarsely ground plant material is soaked in a sealed container with a solvent, typically for at least three days at room temperature. The mixture is stirred regularly. After the soaking period, the liquid is filtered and the residual material (marc) is pressed. This simple method has been used for centuries to produce tinctures.
Percolation
Percolation is more efficient than maceration. The dried and ground plant material is placed in a cone-shaped glass vessel and first moistened with the solvent for four hours. Fresh solvent is then continuously added from the top, while the extract slowly drips from the bottom under gravity. Because the saturated solvent is constantly replaced by fresh solvent, the extraction is more complete.
Soxhlet Extraction
An automated method in which the solvent is repeatedly evaporated, condensed, and passed through the plant material. This ensures a highly efficient and complete extraction, though it is less suitable for thermally sensitive compounds due to the high temperatures involved.
Types of Extracts
Liquid Extracts and Tinctures
Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts with a herb-to-solvent ratio typically of 1:6 to 1:10. Fluid extracts are even more concentrated, with ratios ranging from 2:1 to 1:5. Both are easy to dose and have a long shelf life. Our herbal tinctures and alkaloid tinctures fall into this category.
Resin Extracts
Resin extracts are made by reducing a liquid extract into a concentrated, semi-solid mass. Most of the moisture is removed, leaving a very potent product. This type of extract is particularly popular for plants like Banisteriopsis caapi and kratom (Mitragyna speciosa). Our range includes Banisteriopsis caapi resin extract 30:1 and kratom resin. The number (e.g. 30:1) indicates that 30 grams of plant material has been concentrated into 1 gram of extract.
Powdered Extracts
Powdered extracts are created when a liquid extract is dried, often via spray drying, until all moisture has evaporated. The result is a fine powder that is easy to dose and is frequently processed into capsules or tablets. Many of our supplements and medicinal mushroom products, such as our Lion's Mane and Reishi extract capsules, contain this type of extract.
Standardised Extracts
With standardised extracts, the content of a specific active compound is precisely determined at a defined percentage. This guarantees consistency between batches. An excellent example is our Salvia divinorum extracts, which contain an exact level of salvinorin A. Whether it's a 5x, 10x, 15x, 20x, 30x, 40x, or 80x extract: each concentration is carefully standardised. The same applies to our kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) extracts, which are standardised for their mesembrine-type alkaloid content.
Purified Alkaloid Tinctures (TPA)
TPA stands for Total Purified Alkaloids. In this method, the alkaloids are isolated from the herb and then dissolved in a base of ethanol and water. The result is a very pure, concentrated tincture with a precisely defined alkaloid content. Our range includes an extensive collection of alkaloid tinctures, including kanna, Banisteriopsis caapi 20%, ashwagandha 5%, passionflower 20%, St. John's wort 20%, valerian with GABA, blue lotus, wild dagga 5%, and many more.
Quality and Production at Avalon Magic Plants
All extracts we sell are prepared in professional laboratories with strict quality control. From raw material selection to the finished product: every step is carefully monitored. Our suppliers are certified and operate in accordance with GMP guidelines (Good Manufacturing Practices). This ensures not only the purity and potency of our extracts, but also their safety.
Avalon Magic Plants has been active since 2009 and now has over 15 years of experience in the selection and sale of high-quality herbal extracts. Our team, led by Derek (Manager Food Safety & Customer Support), guarantees expert advice and reliable service. We are registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 81180705 (VAT: NL861973069B01).
Want to learn more about who we are and how we work? Visit our About us page or contact us through our customer support.
Extracts in Our Range
Our range of herbal extracts is broad and diverse. Here is an overview of the key categories:
- Salvia divinorum extracts: standardised extracts from 5x to 80x, each with a precise salvinorin A content.
- Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) extracts: from whole herb to 10x extract and full spectrum extract, standardised for mesembrine-type alkaloids.
- Banisteriopsis caapi extracts: red and yellow vine as resin extract (30:1), liquid extract (15:1), and alkaloid tincture (20%).
- Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) extracts: Borneo Red 30x, Maeng Da Red 50x, and kratom resin, concentrated forms of the leaf.
- Alkaloid tinctures (TPA): an extensive line of over 15 purified alkaloid extracts from various herbs.
- Herbal tinctures: classic alcohol-based tinctures, including Blue Lotus 15x and kokmok.
- Herbal extracts: powdered extracts of damiana 10:1, wild dagga 20x, calea zacatechichi 10x, passion flower 5x, and more.
- Medicinal mushroom extracts: Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Chaga as extract capsules or in liquid form.
Many of our supplements in the Healthshop also contain herbal extracts as an active ingredient. Think of standardised extracts in capsules and tablets that you can use daily to support your wellbeing.
Responsible Use
Extracts are considerably more potent than the raw plant. Always start with a low dose and increase gradually. Read the instructions and any warnings carefully for each product. If in doubt, or if you are taking medication, always consult a doctor or pharmacist. Our extracts are intended exclusively for adults (18+).
Do you have questions about a specific extract or would you like advice? Our customer service team is ready to help.