Naturopath Herbals is an independent online herbal dispensary based in Wollongong, New South Wales. We supply single-herb liquid extracts and custom herbal blends, with each order reviewed by a qualified naturopath and freshly prepared to order

Your order is prepared by Alexandra Jayne, BHSc, the naturopath and herbalist behind Naturopath Herbals. She is university-trained with over 10 years of experience, and a registered member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA).

As a small practitioner-led business, orders are personally reviewed and prepared rather than processed through a large warehouse operation. This means there is a qualified naturopath behind every order, available to help you navigate questions about herbs, ingredients, suitability, and the often confusing amount of information available online.

You can read more about the dispensary on our About page.

Absolutely. If you’re unsure about an ingredient, extraction ratio, bottle size or custom blend, you’re welcome to get in touch. A question before you order is always welcome, especially if something in a product listing needs a clearer explanation.

A liquid herbal extract is a preparation made by extracting constituents from plant material into a liquid. Our herbal liquids use a mixture of alcohol and water. The finished extract is filtered and supplied as a liquid, with directions for the particular preparation.

A tincture is a type of liquid herbal extract made using alcohol, usually combined with water.

“Liquid extract” is a broader term that also includes preparations made using other liquids, such as glycerine, vinegar or water. Glycerine-based extracts are known as glycerites.

Our extracts at Naturopath Herbals are made with alcohol and water, so both “herbal tincture” and “liquid herbal extract” describe our products.

Our herbal extracts are made using cold maceration and percolation. Both methods use a carefully measured mixture of alcohol and water to draw soluble constituents from the plant material.

Maceration involves soaking the herbs. The prepared plant material is submerged in the alcohol-and-water mixture in a closed vessel for a set period, with occasional stirring or agitation. During this time, soluble plant constituents gradually dissolve into the liquid. The liquid is then separated from the herbs, which may be pressed to recover the remaining extract.

Percolation involves slowly passing liquid through the herbs. The prepared plant material is moistened and packed into a vessel called a percolator. The alcohol-and-water mixture flows through it at a controlled rate, collecting dissolved constituents as it passes. Additional extraction liquid is introduced from above, while the extract is collected below.

These cold extraction processes use no added heat. The alcohol percentage, extraction ratio and processing time are selected for the particular herb. Once extraction is complete, the liquid is carefully filtered to remove remaining plant particles, leaving the finished herbal extract.

All of our products will have a best before date on the bottle.  How long the herbal liquid will last is dependent on the batch of the product. All of our products have a minimum expiry of 6 months to 3 years before they expire, however we recommend using within 12 months of opening. Please contact us for more information on individual herbs.

No. They are different preparations with different compositions and directions for use. The alcohol-and-water herbal extracts sold through our dispensary should not be confused with concentrated essential oils. Never substitute one for the other or use essential-oil directions for a herbal liquid.

Common names can refer to more than one plant, and different parts of the same plant can be used in different preparations. The botanical name identifies the species, the plant part tells you whether the extract uses the root, leaf, bark, flower or another part. Both details matter when checking you have the preparation you intended to order.

Not by the herb’s name alone. A capsule may contain powdered herb or a dry extract, while a tea uses a different preparation process. The species, plant part, extraction method and amount used all affect the comparison. Don’t carry directions from another product across to your liquid extract.

For a more detailed explanation, see our guide to understanding herbal preparations, including tinctures, liquid extracts, teas, capsules and powders.

Not necessarily. Herbal extracts can vary significantly between brands, even when they use the same common herb name. Differences in the botanical species, plant part used, extraction ratio, extraction method, ingredients, and concentration can all affect the finished product.

For this reason, dosing directions are not always interchangeable. Always follow the directions provided with your Naturopath Herbals product, and contact us if you're unsure how it compares with a product you've used before.

The extraction ratio refers to the ratio of herb to liquid used during the manufacturing process.

For example, a 1:1 extract means that 1 kg of herb was used with 1 litre of liquid. This represents a herb equivalent of approximately 1,000 mg per mL.

A 1:2 extract means that 1 kg of herb was used with 2 litres of liquid. This represents a herb equivalent of approximately 500 mg per mL.

Common extraction ratios and their approximate herb equivalent per 1 mL are:

• 1:1 = 1,000 mg herb equivalent
• 1:2 = 500 mg herb equivalent
• 1:3 = 333 mg herb equivalent
• 1:4 = 250 mg herb equivalent
• 1:5 = 200 mg herb equivalent
• 1:10 = 100 mg herb equivalent
• 1:20 = 50 mg herb equivalent

In general, the lower the second number, the more concentrated the extract. For example, a 1:2 extract contains more herb equivalent per millilitre than a 1:5 extract.

However, a more concentrated extract is not necessarily a higher quality or more effective extract. The quality of the starting herb, growing conditions, freshness of the raw material, extraction solvent, extraction process, and the specific plant compounds being extracted can all influence the final product. In some circumstances, a well-manufactured 1:5 extract may be preferred over a poorly produced 1:2 extract.

The herb weight may refer to either dried or fresh plant material, depending on the extraction method and herbal preparation.

Please note that extraction ratios describe how an extract is manufactured and its relative concentration. They are not dosage recommendations.

Different herbs require different extraction methods and preparation ratios. The ideal extraction ratio depends on the unique characteristics of the herb, including its chemical constituents, solubility, traditional use, and manufacturing specifications.

For this reason, extracts are not all produced at the same ratio. Some herbs may be prepared as a 1:2 extract, while others may be more appropriate as a 1:5, 1:10 or even 1:20 extract.

It is important to understand that a lower ratio does not automatically make an extract "better", just as a higher ratio does not automatically indicate lower quality. While a 1:2 extract is generally more concentrated than a 1:5 extract, factors such as the quality of the raw herb, growing conditions, extraction solvent, extraction process, and the specific plant compounds being extracted can all influence the final product.

For example, our Saffron extract is prepared at a 1:20 ratio according to its manufacturing specification. This does not mean it is inferior to a 1:2 extract. Different herbs simply require different extraction approaches to achieve the desired finished product.

A useful way to compare extracts is to consider not only the extraction ratio, but also the quality of the starting herbal material and the overall manufacturing process.

No. A 1:2 extract contains more herb equivalent per millilitre than a 1:5 extract, making it more concentrated. However, concentration alone does not determine quality or effectiveness.

The quality of the raw herb, plant part used, growing conditions, extraction method, solvent, and manufacturing process can all influence the final product. A well-made 1:5 extract may be preferable to a poorly produced 1:2 extract.

Extraction ratios are best viewed as one measure of concentration, not a standalone indicator of quality, potency, or likely results.

No. The extraction ratio and alcohol percentage measure different things.

The extraction ratio (such as 1:2 or 1:5) describes the relationship between the herb and the finished extract. The alcohol percentage refers to how much alcohol is present in the liquid extract.

Two extracts can have the same extraction ratio but different alcohol percentages, and two extracts with different extraction ratios can sometimes have similar alcohol percentages. The alcohol content is chosen based on the herb, extraction method, and manufacturing requirements.

If you require the alcohol percentage of a specific extract, please contact us before ordering.

Alcohol is used in many herbal tinctures because it acts as both an extraction solvent and a natural preservative. It helps extract a wide range of plant compounds and contributes to the stability and shelf life of the finished product.

While alcohol-based tinctures offer several advantages, they may not be suitable for everyone. The ideal extraction method depends on the herb, the constituents being extracted, and the intended use of the preparation. For this reason, different herbal products may use different extraction methods and alcohol strengths.

Our extracts are prepared in Australia, but the herbs used to make them may be sourced from Australia or overseas depending on the species, seasonal availability, and sourcing requirements.

Many herbs have evolved and been traditionally cultivated in specific regions of the world where the climate, soil, and growing conditions are naturally suited to them. In some cases, a herb may not grow well in Australia, or may not develop the same characteristics as plants grown in its traditional growing environment.

For this reason, the country of origin can vary between herbs and batches. Rather than focusing on a single country of origin, we focus on sourcing quality herbal extracts from reputable Australian manufacturers.

If you would like origin information for a particular herb, please contact us and we'll be happy to check the information available.

We source herbs and extracts from suppliers that perform quality testing on their raw materials before they are used in production. This may include botanical identification to help verify the correct plant species is being used, as well as testing for contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticide residues.

These quality assurance processes help confirm the identity and suitability of the raw herbal material and reduce the risk of adulteration, substitution, or contamination. Depending on the herb and supplier, additional testing may also be carried out as part of their quality control procedures.

By sourcing from suppliers that undertake these testing and quality assurance processes, we aim to provide herbal extracts prepared from appropriately assessed raw materials.

No. While some of the herbs used in our extracts are certified organic or wildcrafted, not all herbs are available in certified organic form.

The availability of certified organic herbs can vary between species, suppliers, growing regions, and harvests. For this reason, organic status may differ from one extract to another.

When sourcing herbs, we consider a range of factors including quality, identity, and suitability, rather than relying solely on organic certification. If certified organic status is important to you, please contact us before ordering and we'll be happy to check the information available for a particular extract.

Wildcrafted herbs are harvested from plants growing naturally in the wild rather than from cultivated farms or agricultural crops. These plants are collected from their natural habitat, often in regions where they have traditionally grown for many years.

Wildcrafted and certified organic are not the same thing. While wildcrafted herbs grow without conventional farming practices, they are not automatically certified organic unless they have been assessed and certified under an organic certification program.

The availability of wildcrafted herbs varies between species and suppliers. If you would like more information about the sourcing of a specific herb, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.

Start by reviewing the ingredients listed on the individual product page. If you have a food allergy, plant allergy, intolerance, or another ingredient you need to avoid, please contact us before ordering so we can check the information available for the specific product.

Please also include any known allergies or sensitivities on the cart form during checkout. This helps our Naturopath identify any potential concerns before your order is prepared.

Possibly. Some people with allergies to certain plants, pollens, or foods may also react to botanically related herbs. This is known as cross-reactivity.

For example, individuals with allergies to plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae) may react to herbs such as Chamomile, Echinacea, Calendula, or Dandelion. However, cross-reactivity does not occur in every individual and can vary depending on the allergy and the herb involved.

If you have a known plant, pollen, or food allergy, please contact us before ordering, and our Naturopath can review any potential concerns.

Reference: Asteraceae cross-reactivity: Diagnostic Workup in IgE-Mediated Allergy to Asteraceae Weed Pollen and Asteraceae Herbal Medicine Products. Diagnostics (Basel), 2024.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39336535/

In most cases, we do not supply herbal extracts for use during pregnancy. Many herbs have limited safety data in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and we prefer to take a cautious approach rather than make assumptions about suitability.

If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, please contact us before ordering and include this information in your checkout health details. Even herbs that are commonly used or that you have taken previously may not be appropriate in every circumstance.

If you have questions about a particular herb, you are welcome to contact us to discuss it with our naturopath. However, any information provided should not replace advice from your doctor, obstetrician, midwife, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional familiar with your individual circumstances.

Some herbs can interact with prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, minerals, supplements, and even other herbs. These interactions may affect how a medicine works, increase the risk of side effects, or make a particular herb unsuitable for your circumstances.

For this reason, it is important that you tell us about everything you take, including prescription medicines, pharmacy products, supplements, and herbal remedies. Please also include this information in your checkout health details.

Taking products at different times of the day does not automatically prevent an interaction. Some interactions occur because of the way herbs and medicines are absorbed, metabolised, or processed by the body and may still occur even when doses are separated by several hours.

Our naturopath can review your listed herbs, medicines, and supplements for potential interactions, precautions, and other safety considerations before your order is prepared. However, this review should not replace advice from your doctor, pharmacist, specialist, or other healthcare professional who is familiar with your medical history and prescribed treatments.

If you are taking medication, have a medical condition, or are considering adding a new herbal product to your routine, we strongly recommend discussing it with both our naturopath and your healthcare provider before use.

Our online dispensary supplies herbal preparations intended for adult personal use. Please do not order an adult preparation for a child or attempt to calculate a child's amount from adult directions.

The use of herbs in infants and children requires individual assessment. Some herbs may not be suitable for younger age groups, and factors such as age, weight, medical history, current medicines, and the specific herb being considered can all influence suitability.

For these reasons, herbal products for children should only be used under the guidance of a suitably qualified healthcare professional. If you are considering herbs for a child, we recommend consulting your doctor, paediatrician, pharmacist, naturopath, or other healthcare professional familiar with the child's circumstances.

If you have a medical condition, are scheduled for surgery or another medical procedure, or are under the care of a healthcare professional, it is important to consider whether a herbal product is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Some herbs may not be suitable for certain medical conditions and some may interact with medicines, anaesthetics, or other treatments. For this reason, please include relevant health information, medical conditions, medicines, supplements, and upcoming procedures when placing your order.

Our naturopath can review this information and assess the proposed herbs for possible interactions, precautions, and other safety considerations. However, this should not replace advice from your doctor, surgeon, specialist, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional familiar with your medical history.

If you are preparing for surgery or another procedure, be sure to tell your healthcare team about all herbs, supplements, and medicines you use, and follow their advice about whether and when these should be stopped or restarted.

No. Herbal extracts should not be viewed as substitutes for prescribed medicines. While some people choose to incorporate herbs as part of their broader health and wellness routine, they are not intended to replace treatment recommended by your doctor or specialist.

Prescribed medicines are used to manage specific health conditions and are monitored by the healthcare professional responsible for your care. Stopping, reducing, or replacing prescribed treatment without medical supervision may have serious consequences.

If you are considering adding herbs to your existing routine, it is important to let your doctor, specialist, pharmacist, or other treating clinician know what you plan to take. Some herbs may not be appropriate for certain medical conditions or may interact with medicines.

Our naturopath can review your proposed herbs, medicines, and supplements for potential interactions, precautions, and other safety considerations. However, any changes to prescribed medicines should always be discussed with the healthcare professional responsible for prescribing and monitoring them.

No. We don't recommend sharing custom blends with other people. Even when two people have similar health goals, factors such as medications, allergies, health conditions, and individual circumstances can be quite different.

If someone is interested in herbs for themselves, it's best that they provide their own information so the most appropriate options can be considered.

• Understanding Herbal Preparations: Tinctures, Liquid Extracts, Teas, Capsules and Powders