Extracts
1) A solid or semi-solid preparation made by extracting the soluble portion of a compound by using water or alcohol and evaporating the solution. 2) The active principle of a drug obtained by distillation or chemical processes.

Infusions
Infusions are similar to a tea. Boiling water is poured over the herb and allowed to steep for 10-15 minutes. The ratio is typically one cup of water to two to three teaspoons of the herb.

Decoctions
Herbs and water are boiled together. Characteristically, 12 ounces of water are boiled with two to three teaspoons of herb then strained. This method results in a more concentrated solution and is appropriate for botanicals that require the more fibrous part of the herb (bark, roots or stem).

Tinctures
Tinctures are extracts of herb in a solvent in a weak ratio (greater than 1:5). The most common solvent is alcohol.

Fluid Extracts
Fluid extracts are comparable to tinctures, but more potent. The ratios are typically 1:1 or 1:2, that is one gram of the herb in one to two ml of liquid.

Capsules/Pills
Herbs can be prepared by grinding, freeze-drying or air-drying. They can then be compressed into tablet form or used to fill capsules. Patients in the U.S. tend to prefer this route, but capsules and pills cannot hold as much of the active component of the herb. As a result, other preparations, or a greater number of capsules/pills may be required.

Solid Extracts
A solid extract involves combination with a solvent as though preparing a liquid extract (see infusions and decoctions). The liquid component is the evaporated, leaving a concentrated solid. These solid extractions typically are four to five times more potent than a 1:1 liquid extract.