Understanding the 20:1 Extract Ratio in Supplements

If you've taken herbal supplements, chances are you've seen a ratio formula listed on the bottle's label, such as “20:1" followed by "extract." You've probably wondered what it means and how it may impact your health. Understanding the 20:1 extract ratio in supplements can help you make more informed choices when it comes to dietary supplementation.

As more people turn to natural remedies and holistic care to support their well-being, understanding what’s behind supplement labels becomes essential. This guide will help you make sense of the 20:1 extract ratio and, more importantly, how it fits into a truly holistic approach to health.

What Does a 20:1 Extract Mean?

Understanding the 20:1 extract ratio in supplements isn't too difficult. Put simply, a 20:1 extract means that twenty parts of raw plant material were used to produce one part of the final extract. For instance, 20 kilograms of dried ashwagandha root may be processed to yield just 1 kilogram of concentrated extract. 

While this sounds like a high level of potency — and it can be — the number alone doesn’t tell the full story. A higher ratio doesn’t necessarily mean a better product. It simply reflects how concentrated the extract is in terms of raw material used, but says little about the actual therapeutic effectiveness of the final supplement.

Factors That Play a Role in Supplement's Potency

Many other factors play a role in a supplement’s quality and effect. The part of the plant used, such as the root, leaf, or flower, can make a significant difference, as different parts contain different active compounds. 

The extraction method used also impacts the final product. For example, water, alcohol, and CO2 extraction each impact the compounds retained and how well those compounds are absorbed by the body. Some products with high extract ratios may also contain excipients — substances added to stabilize or bulk the extract, which can dilute the concentration of the actual active ingredient.

So while a 20:1 extract might seem like a strong, effective option, it’s important to look beyond the ratio and ask more meaningful questions. Does the supplement specify the percentage of active compounds? Is the extraction method explained? Is the company transparent about what else is in the product? These details provide a much better picture of the supplement’s true quality.

Context Is Everything

From a naturopathic perspective, supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Naturopathy is centered on treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms, and that includes understanding whether a concentrated extract is truly appropriate for your individual needs.

Naturopathic doctors take the time to understand each patient’s unique health history, lifestyle, genetics, and current concerns. In this context, a 20:1 extract may be just the right tool to offer therapeutic support, for example, during periods of high stress, immune depletion, or hormonal imbalance. 

This personalized approach is what sets naturopathy apart. Two people can have similar symptoms, but the root causes of these symptoms can be very different. A 20:1 extract might be part of one person’s care, while the other benefits more from dietary changes, sleep support, or a different form of herbal medicine entirely.

In naturopathic care, supplements are always seen as one piece of a much broader picture. True healing involves nutrition, lifestyle, emotional well-being, and prevention, not just symptom relief. The goal is to restore balance to the body and empower it to heal itself naturally.

Choosing the Right Supplement

If you're exploring herbal supplements, the 20:1 ratio can be a helpful starting point — but it shouldn't be the only factor you consider. The most crucial factor to consider is not the concentration of a product, but rather its compatibility with your body's requirements and overall health objectives. Instead of prioritizing the "strongest" version, focus on finding the "right" version that suits your needs.

Look for supplements that list the concentration of active compounds, explain the extraction method, and are free from unnecessary fillers. Reputable brands that provide third-party testing and transparent sourcing information are usually more trustworthy and reliable. If you're unsure, bringing a product to your naturopathic doctor for review can offer clarity and confidence. Choosing supplements is about more than just numbers — it's about intention, quality, and understanding.

Discover What Works for You

Understanding what a 20:1 extract means — and how it aligns with your health journey — empowers you to make thoughtful, informed decisions about your wellness. Instead of automatically choosing the most concentrated or "potent" supplement, it’s about discovering what truly works for you, based on your body’s unique needs, lifestyle, and long-term goals. True healing doesn’t come from quick fixes or flashy labels. It comes from personalized, intentional care that honors you as a whole person.

Herbal supplements can be powerful allies in your wellness journey, but they’re most effective when used as part of a broader, individualized approach. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from burnout, or simply seeking more energy and balance, natural remedies work best when paired with expert guidance and a deep understanding of your overall health. That’s where Resilience Health and Wellness comes in.

Empowered, Informed, and Holistic Care with Resilience

Resilience Health and Wellness believes that every person is unique and that your care should be too. Our approach is rooted in the principles of naturopathy and holistic medicine, and we take the time to truly understand you: your story, your health history, your goals, and the deeper factors impacting your well-being. Through personalized one-on-one consultations, we craft individualized care plans that may include targeted herbal support, nutritional counseling, lifestyle adjustments, and mind-body practices — all designed to restore balance and help you thrive.

Our mission is to help you do more than just feel better — we’re here to help you become more resilient in every sense: physically, mentally, and emotionally. We’ll walk beside you on your wellness journey, helping you understand your options, use the right tools, and build a strong foundation for lasting health. Whether you’re just beginning your holistic health journey or have been on this path for years, we’ll meet you where you are and support you every step of the way.

Healing isn’t just about managing symptoms — it’s about nurturing the whole person. With the right support, clarity, and care, you can tap into your body’s natural ability to heal and thrive. At Resilience Health and Wellness, we’re honored to guide you on that journey.