[Latin Name] Glycine max(L.) Mere

[Specification] 90%; 95%

[Appearance] White powder

[Melting point] 134-142℃

[Particle size] 80Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤2.0%

[Heavy Metal] ≤10PPM

[Storage] Store in cool & dry area, keep away from the direct light and heat.

[Shelf life] 24 Months

[Package] Packed in paper-drums and two plastic-bags inside.

[Net weight] 25kgs/drum

[What is Phytosterol?]

Phytosterols are compounds found in plants that resemble cholesterol. The National Institutes of Heath report that there are over 200 different phytosterols, and the highest concentrations of phytosterols are found naturally in vegetable oils, beans and nuts. Their benefits are so recognized that foods are being fortified with phytosterols. At the supermarket, you may see orange juice or margarine advertising phytosterol contents. After reviewing the health benefits, you may want to add phytosterol-rich foods to your diet.

[Benefits]

Cholesterol-Lowering Benefits

The most well-known, and scientifically proven, benefit of phytosterols is their ability to help lower cholesterol. A phytosterol is a plant compound that is similar to cholesterol. A study in the 2002 issue of “Annual Review of Nutrition” explains that phytosterols actually compete for absorption with cholesterol in the digestive tract. While they prevent the absorption of regular dietary cholesterol, they themselves are not easily absorbed, which leads to a total lower cholesterol level. The cholesterol-lowering benefit does not end with a good number on your blood work report. Having lower cholesterol leads to other benefits, such as a reduced risk for heart disease, stroke and heart attacks.

Cancer Protection Benefits

Phytosterols have also been found to help protect against the development of cancer. The July 2009 issue of the” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition” offers encouraging news in the fight against cancer. Researchers at the University of Manitoba in Canada report that there is evidence that phytosterols help prevent ovarian, breast, stomach and lung cancer. Phytosterols do this by preventing the production of cancer cells, stopping the growth and spread of cells that are already in existence and actually encouraging the death of cancer cells. Their high anti-oxidant levels are believed to be one way phytosterols help fight cancer. An anti-oxidant is a compound that fights free radical damage, which is negative effects on the body produced by cells that are unhealthy.

Skin Protection Benefits

A lesser known benefit of phytosterols involves skin care. One of the contributing factors in the aging of the skin is the breakdown and loss of collagen — the main component in connective skin tissue — and sun exposure is a major contributor to the problem. As the body ages, it is not able to produce collagen as it once did. The German medical journal “Der Hautarzt” reports a study in which various topical preparations were tested on skin for 10 days. The topical treatment that showed anti-aging benefits to the skin was the one that contained phytosterols and other natural fats. It is reported that phytosterols not only stopped the slow-down of collagen production that can be caused by the sun, it actually encouraged new collagen production.

How to make an Herbal Tincture

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Herbal tincture-making is a way of extracting and preserving the goodness of herbs so that you have them available to use all year round (because summer herbs do not grow in the winter!). Tinctures are usually made using alcohol. Alcohol is a very effective solvent and preservative so it is an excellent substance to use to make tinctures. Alcohol has a low boiling point so if you want to reduce the alcohol content of a tincture before giving it to someone then pour the dosage of tincture (e.g. 5 ml) into a dosage beaker or cup and add a splash of boiled water. Drink when cool. The heat of the boiled water will cause some of the alcohol to evaporate.

Tinctures can also be made with vinegar or glycerine. Vinegar tinctures are excellent and are very therapeutic. I really like them but many people don’t like vinegar and find them hard to take. If you are the sort of person who is happy to drink cider vinegar or herbal vinegars in water as a tonic then you will probably manage to drink tinctures made from vinegar.

Tinctures can also be made with glycerine. However I don’t recommend these. Glycerine is not an effective solvent so the goodness of the plant is nowhere near as efficiently extracted as when you use alcohol or vinegar. I also have big ethical issues with people using glycerine because it is a by-product of the palm oil industry. This means that rainforests are cut down and tigers and orang-utans are endangered to feed the market in the West for palm oil and glycerine! Not worth it in my book.

Tinctures are probably the most common herbal extract used by professional herbalists. They are also sold in health shops and chemists/pharmacies (e.g. Bioforce products). Tinctures are a convenient way of taking herbal medicine. Because tinctures are more concentrated than herbal teas or infusions the dosages are usually drops or teaspoons and this can really appeal to people who don’t want to drink flasks-full of tea or who don’t like the taste of herbs.

Because alcohol and vinegar have a long shelf-life, herbal tinctures keep for many years. Try building up your collection gradually by making a few different tinctures ever year.

You can use fresh or dried herbs to make tinctures. I prefer fresh herbs for tincture-making but it is still a worthwhile process to make your own with dried herbs. Making your own herbal extracts can be so satisfying: like the difference between eating a nourishing, wholesome home-cooked meal and grabbing an unsatisfying sandwich when you’re out.

Tinctures are more expensive to make than herbal infusions or teas because of the cost of the alcohol. However, very good quality brandy or vodka is now available from cheaper supermarkets so that makes these products more affordable to make at home.

1.Finely chop 120g/4oz dried herb or 240g/8oz fresh herb and place in a glass jar.

2.Cover with ½ litre/ 1 pint 30%/60 proof alcohol (eg. vodka or brandy) and tightly close lid (note: the alcohol should cover the herb. If the herb is very bulky then add more alcohol to ensure that the herb is covered).

3.Store the jar out of direct light e.g. in a cupboard.

4.Check the tincture for the first day or two to ensure that the herbs are fully covered in the alcohol. Top up the jar with alcohol if needed.

5.Leave for 2 weeks.

6.After 2 weeks, strain off the liquid through muslin, squeezing all the goodness out of the herb (the used herbs make excellent compost).

7.Pour the liquid into a glass bottle.

8.Label with the herb name and date made.

9.Store out of direct light and away from direct heat.

10.Dosage: This varies according to the herb that you have extracted. Please consult a reliable herbal book or the lesson on the relevant herb in this E-course to ensure that you take a suitable dosage.

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