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EXTRACTIONS LABORATORY
Extractions
Tobias Lab is an extractions laboratory. This describes the processes of extracting beneficial compounds from plants - sometimes referred to as phytotherapeutics. Living plants have been used for food and medicine since the beginning of humans on earth. Concoctions, decoctions, herbal teas, percolation, soxhlet extracts, macerations, sonification, glycerites, are all methods of extraction. Historically, one of the most common ways to create a tincture (a standardized strength of plant-derived phytomedicine in liquid form) has been to combine medicinal herbs with alcohol in sealed glass containers and shaking them by hand daily over the course of several weeks. This most simple process allows many medicinal components to dissolve into the liquid, allowing easy, measured dosing to be used.
Today, we do not always have the benefit of time. One method which results in a quicker extraction is the use of a soxhlet device (see video below). While this greatly reduces extraction times, this method is limited to those extracts which are not damaged by heat or alcohol. Further, and important to note, extensive studies have been done on a large variety of substances to determine the methods of extraction which produce the purest, highest amount, and correct components of phytochemicals desired for any given extract.
Many variables exist, including temperature and type of liquid used, all extremely important in the delicate balance between extraction and efficacy for desired usage.
(Above): An extraction of Scutellaria baicalensis using the soxhlet method in the extractions lab. The beautiful golden red color of the phytomedicines are visible within the soxhlet extraction device as high-quality consumable ethanol alcohol condenses at the top of the device (wrapped area) due to continuous cooling. The condensed (and potent) ethanol (near 100% at this point) drips slowly into the natural plant material, drawing the beneficial phytochemicals into the flask below with each cycle. As the alcohol is condensing, it is always pure rather than circulating already-extracted chemicals. We know all the plant material has been extracted when this no longer has any color. This concentration of alcohol is standardized (reduced) in the final product, allowing not only ease of use but beneficial preservative measures. This type of extract is commonly shelf-stable for a decade or more.
NATURAL COMPOUNDS ARE COMPLEX
When we borrow the antibiotic compounds from plants, we do better to borrow them all - not just the single solitary most powerful among them. We lose the synergy when we take out the solitary compound. But most important, we facilitate the enemy, the germ, in its ability to outwit the monochemical medicine.
The polychemical synergistic mix, concentrating the powers already evolved in medicinal plants, may be our best hope for confronting drug-resistant bacteria.
All medicines are not made equally. When you purchase plant-based medicines on the open market, they can be mixed, diluted, and cut down with any number of constituents which affect their working ability. Unfortunately in many cases, parts of the plant (leaves, for example) are used when the real potency is in the roots. Other times, the stem and roots are used when the potency or desired medicinal compounds are in the leaves. It is also common with open market products to purchase something that is the correct genus, but wrong variety. This can lead to a natural medicine that sounds like the correct one for certain uses, but is in fact completely wrong. Other times, it can mean the difference between inferior and superior substances. For example, white willow is commonly and historically used for pain, fevers, and inflammation, yet there exists a much better potency in red willow bark. Ultimately, when you are sick or in pain, there is no time for mistakes.
At Tobias Lab purity, potency, and correct classifications are the top priorities. Tobias Lab sources the "rough" products meticulously, taking every measure diligently to ensure you may have confidence in their safety and origin.
When you use an extraction from Tobias Lab Canada, you know exactly what you are getting.
Consultation is required to procure phytotherapeutics, natural products, tinctures, and supplements. Products are not available through internet or website. Book a consultation today.
Conditions:
Tobias Lab compounds all formulas in accordance with the Canadian Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD). Products may be provided to individuals who have an in-person practitioner-patient relationship in the context of services provided by Tobias Lab Canada.
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These jars are examples of tinctures made by the traditional, ages old method of maceration: soaking, shaking, and waiting for several weeks before the beneficial phytomedicines are fully extracted into the liquid then strained and bottled for appropriately dosed use. This can be a preferred method in the case of many simple extractions, especially those in which the active desirable chemicals are heat sensitive.
