As naturopaths, we’re always striving to offer the most effective treatments to support our patients. But when it comes to choosing between liquid and dry herbs, the decision can often come down to specific patient needs, therapeutic goals, and the practicality of each form. Let’s explore the benefits and limitations of each to help you choose the right option for your practice.
Liquid Herbs
Pros
🌱 Enhanced bioavailability: Liquid extracts are absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream because the extraction process concentrates the active constituents, bypassing much of the digestive process. This makes them ideal for conditions requiring quick therapeutic action—whether it’s anxiety, pain relief, or acute stress. In fact, within 20 minutes, most liquid herbs begin to work!
🌱 Precision and flexibility in dosing: One of the biggest advantages is the ability to fine-tune dosages based on patient needs. Liquid herbs allow for precise adjustments, especially when treating sensitive populations like children or the elderly, where starting with low doses is essential.
🌱 Custom formulations: Liquid herbs allow us to mix several different extracts together to create personalised formulas specific to a patient’s condition. From adrenal support blends to immune-boosting tonics, the possibilities are endless. This holistic customisation is something that dry herbs, especially in capsule form, can’t achieve to the same degree.
🌱 Potency and efficiency: Did you know that 1ml of liquid extract typically equals around 1g of dried herb? This concentration allows patients to receive a stronger dose with fewer milliliters, making it an excellent choice for those needing fast and effective relief. Plus, for herbs that are harder to digest or absorb in dry form (like turmeric), liquids offer greater therapeutic potential.
Cons
🧪 Taste can be a barrier: While the effectiveness is undeniable, the strong taste of some liquid herbs can be off-putting for certain patients. Adaptogens like Withania are more palatable, but bitter herbs such as gentian or valerian can make compliance tricky unless diluted or combined with something more flavourful. It’s something to consider, especially when formulating for children.
💧 Shorter shelf life: Due to the water and alcohol content in tinctures, liquids generally have a shelf life of 2-3 years. They also require careful storage—away from light and heat—to preserve potency. In contrast, dry herbs can last much longer if stored correctly.
🧴 Alcohol content: Many liquid extracts use alcohol as a solvent, which might not be suitable for certain patients, such as those recovering from alcoholism, children, or pregnant women. While glycerin extracts are an alternative, they’re not as widely available or potent.
Dry Herbs
Pros
🍵 Longer shelf life and stability: Dried herbs, especially when stored in airtight containers away from heat and moisture, can maintain their potency for years. This makes them a convenient choice for practitioners who need to keep bulk herbs on hand for teas, capsules, or poultices. They’re also more resilient when it comes to storage and transport.
💊 Capsules and powders for convenience: Many patients prefer capsules or powders for daily use because they are easy to take and can be incorporated into routines without much hassle. This makes dry herbs an excellent option for long-term treatments, especially for chronic conditions like digestive issues or hormonal imbalances.
🌿 More traditional preparation methods: Dry herbs allow patients to connect with the ritual of herbalism. Whether brewing teas or making infusions and decoctions, this slower method can be a therapeutic process in itself, helping patients become more engaged in their healing journey. For some conditions, this mindful approach is as beneficial as the herbs themselves.
Cons
⏳ Slower absorption: Unlike liquid extracts, dried herbs require digestion and breakdown by the body, meaning it may take days or weeks to notice their effects. This makes them less ideal for acute issues where faster relief is required.
🔄 Higher doses needed: Due to the lower concentration of active compounds, larger doses of dried herbs are often necessary to achieve the same effects as a smaller amount of liquid extract. For instance, a patient might need to take 2-4 capsules or drink several cups of tea per day to match the potency of a few milliliters of liquid.
❌ Less customisation: While it’s possible to blend dry herbs into teas or powders, the customisation doesn’t compare to the flexibility of liquid extracts, especially for complex cases requiring multiple herbs in precise doses.
Choosing What’s Right for Your Practice:
At Inner Bloom Dispensary, we specialise in liquid herbs because of their flexibility, potency, and fast-acting properties, but we also recognise the value of dried herbs for more traditional and convenient long-term use. Both have a place in naturopathic practice—whether it’s supporting a patient with acute stress using a customised liquid blend, or guiding someone through a chronic condition with a long-term herbal tea regimen.
What’s your go-to for patients—liquid or dry herbs? Let us know in the comments!