Ingredients
What is an Ingredient?
An ingredient is an item that is added to a custom formula or used in a custom product.
There are 2 types of ingredients; single ingredients and premix formula ingredients.
Most users are building a custom formula or custom product using singular herbal ingredients in various forms. We refer to these as single ingredients.
Another type of ingredient is a premixed formula. This is when many single herbs are combined together in a mixture, and prepared ahead of time. Instead of having only one herb, a premix will consist of two or more herbs combined.
What is a Single Ingredient?
A single ingredient contains only one item, typically used for its specific flavor, aroma, or medicinal properties. It is not mixed with any other herbs or ingredients. Single herbs can be used in cooking, herbal remedies, teas, or supplements, depending on their characteristics and intended use.
What is a Premixed Formula
A premix formula is a pre-prepared blend of multiple ingredients, typically herbs, spices, or other compounds, designed to serve a specific purpose, whether culinary, medicinal, or nutritional. The ingredients are mixed in precise proportions to achieve a balanced effect, making it convenient for users who want a ready-made solution rather than assembling individual components themselves.
Difference Between Single Herb & Premix Formula
The key difference between a single herb and a premix formula lies in their composition and purpose:
Single Ingredient: This refers to a product that contains only one type of item, such as mint, oregano, or ginger. It is used for its specific flavor, aroma, or medicinal property. Single herbs are often employed when you want to highlight the unique characteristics or effects of that one herb
Example: Fresh rosemary used to season a dish, or turmeric for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Premix Formula: This is a blend of multiple herbs (and sometimes other ingredients) that are combined for a specific purpose, whether culinary or medicinal. In cooking, premix formulas are often spice or herb blends designed to achieve a balanced flavor profile, while in herbal medicine, premixes may combine different herbs to work synergistically for a targeted health benefit.
Example (Culinary): Herbes de Provence is a premixed herb blend of thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and lavender, used in French cooking.
Example (Medicinal): An herbal tea for digestion might contain a premix formula of peppermint, fennel, and ginger, each contributing to digestive health.