What's the difference between Powdered Herb and Extract Powders/Granules?

When creating custom formulas, it is important to understand the difference between raw herb powder and extract granules/powder, as each has distinct properties and applications. Raw herb powder is made by finely grinding the entire dried herb into a powder without any additives. It retains all the natural constituents of the original plant. Extract granules/powder is produced by first cooking the herbs in water into a highly controlled decoction, then condensing and drying the liquid to create a potent, easily dissolvable powder. Extract powder/granules may contain excipients such as dextrin.

Both forms lend themselves to encapsulation, but application depends on treatment intention or basis, as traditional Chinese medicine contains both raw (e.g. San) and decocted (e.g. Tang) formulas.

Please note that we offer extract formulas that can be used as a base when creating custom prescriptions, allowing the practitioner to build upon the original formula.