Herbal extract is a liquid solution of herbs and alcohol. The desiccated or fresh herbs are combined with alcohol, and then the solid material is detached parting only the oils of the herbs mixed with the alcohol. This procedure is called extraction, therefore the name, herbal extract. For instance an extract prepared from peppermint and alcohol would be called "peppermint extract. "Often people ask, we know about herbs but what are herbal extracts? In simple terms herbal extracts are herbal plant foods that are diluted in liquid that dissolves or suspends them. They are "natural medicines". Herbal extracts are sold as nutritional supplements and substitute medication and usually used for flavoring in baking and further cooking much like vanilla extract.