Whole Herb or Extracts

My personal view is biased towards whole plant herbal products as opposed to extracts based on the fact that natural vanilla is superior to manufactured imitation and natural kava has proven to be superior to extracts, the reason is the complex synergistic actions of molecules natures pharmacy creates is difficult to manufacture. Artificial replication of beneficial whole herb compounds is generally uneconomical at the present state of technology. Adding extracted and concentrated active ingredients to our diets may help although I feel the synergistic effect of a whole plant product has additional benefits especially if made a regular part of our daily food intake.

To achieve balance our nutrient requirements at the molecular level is very complex, many micro nutrients and antioxidants enable metabolic activity vital to optimum wellness. There are a vast number of antioxidants involved in different processes, for example virgin olive oil has hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives may reduce arterial inflammation, black pepper contains piperine a powerful antioxidant reported to help reduce effects of oxidated LDL (the real bad cholesterol) and arterial inflammation, cacao especially whole cacao including cocoa butter has over a dozen polyphenol compounds, these antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress in type two diabetes, turmeric has curcumin a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging compound, ginger has zingerone, shogaols and more, these help fight oxidative stress and slow aging. The complex synergistic activity of whole herbs is difficult to quantify, suffice to say they are natures wonderful gift.

The point is plants are sophisticated chemical factories creating a vast array of compounds, nutrient rich foods that we all need to consume regularly to maintain optimum wellbeing, often a little goes a long way in avoiding health care, which is a reaction to loss of wellness. The stresses of city living makes the requirement for superfoods and nutraceuticals particularly important. Unmanaged stress is a major contributor to loss of wellness and the perfect plant kava can help take the edge off stress whilst keeping the mind clear.

An example of unseen imbalance as a result of targeted intervention is the application of nitrogen fertiliser which encourages plant growth but may reduce the extent of root systems resulting in less diversity in nutrient content, although a healthy looking crop is harvested.

Nature is constantly working towards a balanced state that itself is slowly changing over time, our purpose is to become part of the flow working with and not against. By listening, observing natures responses to our actions we might learn how to preserve rich soils from which great food is harvested, wellness must follow.