Is it better to take Herbs in pill form or in liquid extract form? Why?

Question

I was thinking about taking Valerian and Ginseng, but I don't know which way would absorb best.

Answer 1

Liquid form is better because it gets absorbed into your system faster. Pills have the risk of not being absorbed completely and therefore wasted. Unfortunately, many supplements are only sold in pill form but you can always use a pill crusher and mix the crushed pills with water or your favorite sports drink.

Answer 2

MMM I have only seen them in capsle, of course liquid is all way better

Answer 3

Technically, a liquid extract is going to be absorbed faster... but it's just a matter of minutes of difference compared to capsules or softgels and you'll still get the same nutrients either way. It's often quite a bit more expensive for the liquid extracts, so most people that buy those tend to be people that have trouble swallowing pills... it's really a personal preference if the price difference is worth it, but most people tend to prefer capsules or softgels.  ;-)

[edit]:  In regards to the other answerer, the only way that anyone should have any problem digesting a pill (tablet) is if they have a severely impaired digestive tract. In a normal setting, your stomach acid could dissolve a solid piece of chalk without a problem, but some people have problems as they age or if they are taking prescription acid blockers. For old age issues, that can often be helped with enzymes and supplemental HCl... but for the acid blockers, unfortunately most doctors don't point out that if you don't have enough stomach acid, you won't digest much of your food (especially proteins and minerals like Calcium). That's why people on acid blockers for long periods of time tend to have bone and joint problems... a lack of Calcium intake makes your body leech that Calcium from your bones and too little protein can pull protein out of your muscles and joints.