Top Ten Herbal Tinctures

Deb Mastrianna

Herbal remedies have been here longer than we have, but somewhere along the way, many lost sight of their significance.  Thankfully, these gifts of nature, that balance the rhythm of life and heal us, are, once again, becoming more popular. 

Herbs are powerful healers that are less invasive and that harmonize with the rhythm of nature.  They work with your whole body, readjusting balances and addressing invasive matter and improve biological function; rather than trying to mask symptoms or modify organic matter. They ease pain, fight bacteria, strengthen immunity, support acuity and emotional wellness, all in a safe and natural way.

And tinctures are an extremely popular way to use herbal remedies because they have an instant effect while healing naturally.  Tinctures and herbal extracts are extracted in alcohol or vinegar and are taken orally to hit the bloodstream immediately. They are also available in non-alcohol, by burning off the alcohol after soaking and replacing it with glycerin.  This gives the tincture a sweeter taste and thicker viscosity, which makes it more palatable, but the shelf life is a bit shorter. 

Among the benefits of tinctures are the ease of dosing with a dropper (in a small bottle you can easily carry with you), smaller doses are required, they have a long shelf life and they come from a natural origin.  Tinctures are produced by soaking the bark, dried or fresh leaves, berries, rhizomes, or roots of one or more plants in alcohol or vinegar. This process pulls out active ingredients from the plant, resulting in a filtered extract. 

There are more than enough benefits to give tinctures the small amount of storage space they require in your medicine chest.  So, spice up your life with ten of the most popular tinctured herbs that have been used since the beginning of time and that bring us closer to the earth.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), is an ancient Indian herb that acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-septic that can ease swelling while eradicating pain. It is especially effective for Arthritis and joint pain or muscle ailments. Turmeric contains curcumin which studies suggest can help prevent certain diseases.

Echinacea Root (Echinacea purpurea), also known as the American coneflower, is one of the most popular herbs due to its many health benefits. The flower, that can live many years, has been used by the Native Americans for centuries.  Echinacea boosts the production of white blood cells which strengthens the immune system and contains antiviral and anti-inflammatory powers. This is a go to herb for those who are experiencing cold or flu symptoms.

Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum marianum), an ancient healing method, works to protect and heal the liver. When the plant is crushed, it oozes a white fluid which is the vital healing component. In addition to the many liver benefits of this herb, it is also known to lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar levels.

Ashwagandha, aka Winter Cherry (Withania somniferum), also known as the Indian ginseng. The root and berry of the plant are used to make this tincture. It is often used for anxiety, arthritis, and asthma. But the herb has also been used for skin sensitivities, insomnia, menstrual issues and even hiccups!

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis), contains sedative properties that help the central nervous system relax while it loosens tensions in your muscles. Are muscles are often tightened, even though we may not realize it.  Valerian releases that tension. This is an old remedy that has been used to aid in a restful sleep without morning grogginess. It reduces the amount of time it takes for you to get to fall asleep without affecting your normal sleep stages. It can also help during times of emotional stress or for menstrual cramps. 

If you add Hops Flower (Humulus lupulus) and Passionflower Leaf (Passiflora incarnata)  to this formula, called the Three Sisters, it creates a safe and synergistic approach to aid sleep onset and duration. The maximum effect is best potentiated when hops and passionflower, both of which also affect levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are added to Valerian Root.  This three-herb combination aids sleep onset and reduces overall anxiety. It can be used daily without side effects; however, it may not be sufficient for managing very high levels of anxiety or panic. For these cases, kava, one of the preeminent anxiolytics of the plant world, is usually more effective.

Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus) is an old remedy that treats fatigue and. Its potency produces more telomeres and replicates immune cells, making this magical herb unique in its benefits to cellular level health. Therefore, it is particularly useful in treating wounds but also supports a more youthful, revitalized skin and increased energy.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a colorful flower, with subtle euphoric properties, that creates vibrancy while also providing relaxing effects. Native Americans used this herb for these very properties, to aid insomnia, tension, and pain, to calm restlessness and to ease anxiety.

Ginkgo Leaf (Ginkgo biloba) is one of oldest living trees on our planet. It is helpful with conditions such as memory loss and headaches. But it is also useful to address vertigo, hearing problems and improved concentration. The extracts work by boosting blood circulation which in turn stimulates your eyes, ears, neurological and sensory functions to work more efficiently.

Comfrey Leaf (Symphytum officinale) has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to heal wounds. But it is also called knit bone because it is rich in Calcium and Vitamin C and because it is so beneficial for weak or broken bones. Comfrey Leaf is also an anti-inflammatory and contains allantoin which helps sores and wounds to heal faster.

Feverfew Leaf (Tanacetum parthenium) quells a fever.  It is believed that this herb was grown around the Greek Parthenon and is commonly used to heal headaches and migraines, as it eases the tension of blood vessels in your brain.  Feverfew is a relaxing remedy that reduces pain and is much like a natural paracetamol, such as Tylenol or Panadol. 

Chaste Tree Berry, aka Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) is one of the most popular herbs among women, due to its gentle hormone balancing effect.  Any symptoms stemming from hormone imbalance are mainly due to excess estrogen and a lack of progesterone. It is thought that Chaste Tree may raise progesterone levels. By balancing the hormones, Chaste Tree may help relieve PMS symptoms, including irritability, mood swings, cravings, breast tenderness and period pains.