Fluid Plant Extracts: A Modern Form of Herbal Medicine

Fluid plant extracts (FPEs), also known as hydroalcoholic extracts or liquid extracts, are an advanced, concentrated form of phytotherapy. They capture the active principles of medicinal plants in a fluid solution, often based on water and alcohol, to preserve their therapeutic properties and facilitate their use. Prized for their efficacy, convenience and bioavailability, these extracts play a central role in modern phytotherapy. This article explores in detail the characteristics, benefits, manufacturing methods and uses of fluid plant extracts.

What is a plant fluid extract?

A plant fluid extract is a concentrated solution obtained from fresh or dried plants. It is a liquid extract in which the plant's active ingredients are dissolved in a solvent, generally a mixture of water and alcohol. The concentration is standardized, meaning that a given volume of fluid extract contains a precise quantity of active substances. This guarantees consistent efficacy, regardless of natural variations in plant composition.

Plant fluid extracts are used in medicinal formulations and dietary supplements to harness the therapeutic benefits of plants, such as their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive or relaxing properties.

The manufacturing stages of plant fluid extracts

The manufacture of a plant fluid extract is a rigorous process designed to preserve the integrity of the active ingredients while maximizing their concentration. Here are the main stages:

Plant selection: The plants used must be of the highest quality, from traceable sources, often certified organic. They can be harvested fresh or dried, depending on the specific extraction requirements.
Preparation of raw materials: plants are cleaned, sorted and sometimes crushed to facilitate extraction. This step ensures that only the most active parts of the plant are used (leaves, roots, flowers, bark, etc.).
Maceration in a solvent: Plants are immersed in a hydroalcoholic mixture (water and alcohol) for a set period of time, often several days. The solvent is chosen for its ability to extract both water- and fat-soluble components.
Filtration and concentration: The mixture is filtered to remove solids. The resulting liquid can be concentrated by partial evaporation to increase the active ingredient content.
Standardization: The fluid extract is then standardized to guarantee a constant active ingredient content. This step is essential to ensure therapeutic efficacy and reproducibility of results.
Packaging: The extract is packaged in opaque bottles to protect it from light and guarantee its stability.

Advantages of fluid plant extracts

Fluid plant extracts offer several advantages over other forms of phytotherapy, such as herbal teas, powders or capsules:

High concentration of active ingredients: Fluid extracts are particularly concentrated, enabling greater efficacy at low doses.
Rapid absorption and high bioavailability: In liquid form, active ingredients are rapidly absorbed by the body, providing faster action than with tablets or capsules.
Convenient to use: Fluid extracts are easy to dose thanks to dropper bottles. They can be taken neat or diluted in water, juice or herbal tea.
Stability and preservation: The presence of alcohol acts as a natural preservative, guaranteeing a long shelf-life without the need for added chemicals.
Therapeutic versatility: Fluid extracts can be used alone or in combination to create synergies between several plants, tailored to the user's specific needs.

Examples of plants used in the form of fluid extracts

Fluid extracts are prepared from a wide variety of medicinal plants, each with specific therapeutic indications. Here are a few examples:

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Used for its relaxing and sedative properties, valerian fluid extract is indicated for relieving anxiety, sleep disorders and stress.
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus): Recognized for its digestive and hepatoprotective virtues, artichoke fluid extract is recommended for digestive disorders, bloating or to support liver function.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) : Antiseptic and expectorant, thyme fluid extract is used to treat respiratory infections, dry coughs and bronchial congestion.
Harpagophytum (Harpagophytum procumbens): Also known as "devil's claw", this extract is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly for joint and muscle pain.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): Passionflower is used for its calming effects, particularly in cases of insomnia, agitation or nervousness.

Uses and indications of fluid plant extracts

Fluid plant extracts are versatile and suitable for a variety of therapeutic indications:

Stress and sleep disorders: plants such as valerian, passionflower or lemon balm help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Digestive disorders: Extracts such as artichoke, fennel or peppermint are used to stimulate digestion, reduce bloating and relieve gastrointestinal disorders.
Respiratory ailments: Thyme, eucalyptus and Scots pine are examples of plants that help clear the respiratory tract, soothe coughs and fight infections.
Joint pain and inflammation: Extracts such as harpagophytum or turmeric are valued for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to relieve chronic pain.
Boosting the immune system: Echinacea or black elderberry fluid extracts are commonly used to stimulate the body's natural defenses and prevent infections.

Precautions for use and contraindications

Although plant fluid extracts are natural, they are not without precautions for use:

Presence of alcohol: Their alcohol content may pose a problem for some people, such as children, pregnant or breast-feeding women, and those with alcohol intolerance.
Drug interactions: Some extracts may interact with drugs. For example, St. John's wort extract may reduce the efficacy of certain oral contraceptives or anticoagulants.
Allergies: People sensitive to certain plants should avoid extracts containing them.

It is therefore advisable to consult a health professional before starting a course of fluid extracts, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medication.

What plant fluid extracts can I order from my pharmacy?

Soin-et-Nature offers a complete range of plant fluid extracts to meet your health and well-being needs thanks to the concentrated benefits of plants. Here are the main categories available:

For personalized, customized solutions, Pileje's blended EPS allow you to combine several fluid extracts for a targeted, effective treatment.
To benefit from the synergy of plants in solid or liquid form, the PhytoStandard EPS Tablets range offers formulations adapted to specific needs.
For preparations in liquid form, plants in liquid form offer fast, easy administration while retaining their active ingredients.
To combine efficacy and gentleness, honeyed glycerol fluid extracts combine herbs with a honeyed glycerol base, ideal for sensitive organisms.
For practical, precise administration, plant extracts in drinkable ampoules are easy to take, while guaranteeing optimal dosage.

The fluid plant extracts available on Soin-et-Nature offer a natural, concentrated solution to support your health in a targeted, respectful way.

What natural medicine products can be found on the Soin-et-Nature website?

Soin-et-Nature offers a wide range of natural medicine products to meet specific health and well-being needs in a respectful and effective way. Here are the categories available:

To enjoy the benefits of plants in concentrated form, fluid plant extracts offer natural solutions adapted to many needs.
To treat body and mind with herbal remedies, phytotherapy offers natural products recognized for their effectiveness.
To support vitality with plant buds, gemmotherapy is a gentle, comprehensive approach ideal for strengthening the body.
For a holistic approach to health, naturopathy offers natural solutions to rebalance body and mind.
To make up for deficiencies in essential trace elements, oligotherapy offers personalized, natural solutions.
To benefit from the virtues of beehive products such as honey, propolis and royal jelly, rich, natural supplements are available.
To discover the benefits of medicinal plants, the herbalist's shop offers a wide range of herbal teas, infusions and extracts adapted to various needs.
To harmonize emotions and regain balance, Bach flowers offer a natural, personalized approach.
To maintain a balanced intestinal flora and good digestive health, probiotics are essential allies.
To strengthen the body with medicinal mushrooms, mycotherapy highlights the unique properties of these natural products.
To benefit from the soothing and therapeutic properties of CBD, cannabidiol-based products offer natural and safe solutions.

These natural medicine products available on Soin-et-Nature provide an effective response to your health and well-being needs, while adopting a natural approach that respects the body.