Herbal Infusions vs. Capsules

Herbal Infusions vs. Capsules
Why Herbal Infusions... aka Tea??

Our society is really stuck in the mindset of "popping the pill". Unfortunately, just because someone is trying to be more "natural", doesn't mean that this mindset is still not a huge part of their thinking.

Now before I go on, let me give a disclaimer: Yes, I have taken herbs in capsules for a long time. It has only been recently that I have "changed my tune" (so-to-speak) about why capsules are NOT the best way to introduce the nutrients found in herbs into the body. And yes, I will still recommend to someone to go get herbs in capsule form when needed.

BUT - Personally at NMM we believe there are more effective ways to get all the nutrients offered in the herbs and plants around us - mainly through herbal infusions (tea), tinctures, glycerides and syrups. (We will get into the excellent absorption of tinctures and such, but today we are just talking about teas.) All of our products can be used this way.

Let's talk about why.

What is the "road trip" a capsule takes? The main way our body absorbs nutrients is through digestion (for good reason!). To get to the small intestine, the capsule has to pass the mouth, the esophagus, and the harsh acids in the stomach. Most of the time this is where the capsule breaks and the herbs are released. Then the herbs have to go through digestive juices and enzymes coming from the liver, gall bladder, pancreas and spleen and then into the small intestines where the flora exists. The flora is ACTUALLY where the body will take those herbs and utilize them into the body.

Interestingly, medical research has shown that any substance that passes through the digestive tract whether vitamin, mineral or drug in route to the flora of the intestines (because of capsule form), will have a maximum absorption of between 12 and 18 percent. From the time it is put in the mouth until it actually reaches the flora of the intestine you will lose between 82 to 88 percent of what you originally consumed. The 12% to 18% that is left still after being absorbed through the flora in the intestines goes into the liver to be processed before being put into the blood stream. Consequently, when you think you are getting your recommended daily allowance you are really only absorbing somewhere around 15 percent of that substance.

Hmmmm...

Herbal Infusions (tea):
This is personally NMM's favorite way of ingesting the nutrients found in various herbs and plants for "Daily Up-Keep". We have tea's on a daily basis. Why?

There is a study by researchers at the University of Montreal (published online in the European Journal of Applied Physiology), that takes a very detailed look at the kinetics of water absorption and offers a lot of answers with the how's and why's of liquid absorption.

The study gave 36 volunteers 300 mL of ordinary bottled water with a specific label for tracking (for specifics, read the study... very interesting with charts and everything, I like stuff like that.). They found that the water started showing up in the bloodstream within FIVE MINUTES. Half the water was absorbed in 11-13 minutes and completely absorbed in 75-120 minutes.

Within 10 minutes fluid levels in our blood stream have risen enough to trigger the processes telling our body to go to the bathroom. That is why when you drink something, you need to go visit the restroom so quickly. You aren't eliminating the same liquid you just drank, you are getting rid of liquid that has been there previously, which you then replaced with new liquid.

So, unlike going through the ENTIRE digestive system, the tea infusions that we drink are absorbed more efficiently and quickly.

Now, that is talking about just water. But when you make an infusion with herbs, there are many nutrients that are absorbed into your body at the same time. An herbal infusion is when the leaves of the herb are soaked and allowed to steep in very warm water (When you make a tea, allow it to steep for at least 30 minutes). Nutrients from the plant are extracted and "infused" into the water.

Because of the absorption rate of water, the nutrients found in the plant are then absorbed into your body! It is a beautiful way of getting daily vitamins and minerals.

See Women's Anxiety Formula for an excellent source of nutrients.