A botanical supplement is a food supplement whose active ingredient comes from a plant rather than a vitamin, mineral or amino acid. It might be the whole dried plant part, such as ground turmeric root, or an extract concentrated to a set level of a particular compound. The word covers herbs, spices, berries, barks and resins like propolis, and it is the term used in UK and EU regulation, which is why we use it here.

A standardised extract has been processed so that it contains a consistent amount of one or more marker compounds, for example a green tea extract standardised to a set percentage of catechins. It gives a more predictable product from batch to batch than a whole herb powder, which varies with the harvest. Where we use a standardised extract, the marker and percentage are on the label and product page.

Both deliver the same plant. Capsules give a fixed amount per serving with no taste and are the simplest for daily use. Tinctures are liquid extracts you measure by the drop, so you can start low and increase gradually, and they suit anyone who cannot take capsules. Turmeric, ginger, echinacea and astragalus are available in both formats; the rest of the range is capsules.

It depends on the plant and the reason. Some, such as ginger or elderberry, tend to be used for short periods as needed. Others, such as ashwagandha or turmeric, are more often taken daily for several weeks before assessing. As a general rule, follow the label, review after six to eight weeks, and consider a break rather than continuous use for months on end. A practitioner can tailor this to you.

Not always, and this is where a quick check matters. Some plants affect how the liver processes medicines, and others act on the same systems as prescription drugs. Turmeric and garlic can add to the effect of blood thinners, echinacea is not advised alongside immunosuppressant medication, and ashwagandha may affect thyroid medication. If you take any regular medicine, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a diagnosed condition, ask your pharmacist or a practitioner before adding a botanical.