The provided source material details two distinct types of free sample programmes: one for a consumer beverage product and another for a medical device aimed exclusively at healthcare professionals in the United States. The data also includes extensive instructional content on how to prepare cold infusions using herbs. This article will synthesise the available information to outline the specifics of these programmes and the methodology for creating cold infusions, adhering strictly to the facts presented in the source documents.
Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion
Bigelow Tea offers a product line described as "Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion." According to the source, this is not an iced tea but a "gentle herbal infusion" created using cold water. The product is positioned as an easy way to stay hydrated. Key features highlighted include zero calories, caffeine-free content, and the absence of artificial ingredients. The source describes the ingredients as "beautiful" and notes that they slowly create a lightly infused botanical water. The product is marketed as a method to "make drinking more water easier." The source does not provide information on how to obtain free samples of this specific product, nor does it detail any promotional offers or sample programmes for UK consumers. The information is limited to a description of the product and its characteristics.
Enluxtra Free Samples for Medical Professionals
A free sample programme for a product named Enluxtra is detailed in the source material. This programme is explicitly restricted to medical professionals and is not available to the general public or patients. The source states that free samples are for "professional use only" and that patients should ask a medical professional to request samples on their behalf.
Eligibility and Geographic Restrictions
The programme has strict eligibility criteria. It requires an NPI (National Provider Identifier) number for registration, which is a US-specific identifier for healthcare providers. The source clarifies that due to customs regulations for medical devices, product samples will be sent only to requestors in the USA. This means the programme is not available to UK residents or medical professionals based in the United Kingdom.
Application Process
Medical professionals must watch a 3-minute "Basic Rules" video before ordering samples. The registration process involves filling out a Free Samples Request Form. The source notes that priority is given to requests with business email addresses, as this facilitates the verification process. The verification and delivery process typically takes 2-3 weeks. Tracking information is provided via email.
Shipping and Usage
Samples are shipped via USPS (United States Postal Service). The source emphasises that clinicians must follow "How to Use" rules and recommendations for best results. An option is provided for requestors to be contacted by a clinical specialist for advice on correct product usage to avoid misuse. This can be requested by adding a preferred email, phone number, and convenient contact time in the "Comment" field of the request form.
Information on Cold Infusions
The source material contains detailed instructional content on the preparation of cold infusions using herbs. This information is educational and not directly linked to a specific free sample programme, but it provides context on how such beverages are made.
What is a Cold Infusion?
A cold infusion is a method of extracting constituents from herbs using cool or room-temperature water, as opposed to hot water. It is described as a process for creating a "more pleasurable brew" for certain herbs. The source notes that cold infusions have a short shelf life due to the lack of boiling, which means bacteria can grow quickly. It is recommended to enjoy the infusion within a day or store it in the refrigerator and consume it within two days. Signs that an infusion may have spoiled include an off smell or sudden cloudiness.
Best Herbs for Cold Infusions
The source identifies several herbs that are well-suited for cold infusions: * Marshmallow root: A demulcent that contains mucopolysaccharides, which are destroyed by heat. A cold infusion results in a slightly sweet, viscous brew. * Aromatic plants: These preserve their delicate volatile oils when steeped in room temperature water. Suggestions include lemon balm, peppermint, rose petals, thyme, and chamomile.
How to Make a Cold Infusion
The source provides a standard method for making a cold infusion using fresh or dried herbs. Ingredients: * 5-8 teaspoons of organic herb(s) * 4 cups of water
Directions: 1. Place the chosen herb(s) in a clean quart jar. 2. Lightly wet the herb(s) and let them sit for 30 seconds. 3. Fill the jar to the top with the remaining water (approximately 4 cups). 4. Secure the lid. 5. Let the infusion sit on the countertop for 2–10 hours, shaking occasionally.
Pro Tips: * Herbs can be placed in a mesh tea ball or muslin cloth instead of loosely in the jar. A suggested technique is to suspend the mesh tea ball at the top of the jar by draping the chain over the side and loosely screwing the cap on. The theory is that as constituents fall out of the plant material, they drop to the bottom, forcing water upwards into the suspended herbs. * Straining is optional. Herbs can be left in the infusion and strained as needed directly into a cup. The longer the herbs sit, the stronger the infusion. * The infusion can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge or frozen for later use. * Strained herbs can be composted.
A traditional method is also described: place herbs (1 oz by weight) in a cheesecloth or muslin and sink them in cold water (32 fl. oz), letting it sit overnight. In the morning, squeeze the herbs out through the cloth. This method is suggested to allow for "circulatory displacement," where clear water flows through the tea bag while the infused water circulates down.
Important Considerations
The source cautions that a cold infusion is not ideal for all plant materials. Most plant roots, starchy plants, and constituents that need hot water or alcohol to become bioavailable are not suitable for this method. Furthermore, the source includes a disclaimer stating that the information on traditional uses and properties of herbs is for educational use only and is not medical advice. It notes that many traditional uses have not been validated by the FDA and advises consulting a healthcare practitioner for serious health concerns.
Conclusion
The available source material presents two separate and unrelated sample programmes. The Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion is a consumer beverage product, but no details on obtaining free samples are provided. The Enluxtra free sample programme is exclusively for medical professionals in the United States, with no availability for UK consumers. The extensive information on preparing cold infusions is purely instructional, detailing a method for creating herbal beverages at home, and does not link to any specific product sample offer. UK consumers seeking free samples should note that the provided data does not include information on sample programmes for UK residents, with the sole exception being a product description for a beverage that may be available in retail channels.