It’s A New Year, It’s A New Day, It’s A New Way

It is that time of year when we reevaluate our priorities and our goals.  And what better way to start the new year, than to simplify, at least in part, your health regimen?  Nutrients play an important role in achieving those goals.  So, as you formulate your plan for the new year, whether your focus is on weight control, fitness, mental well-being or controlling chronic maladies, consider the use of herbal tinctures as part of your daily regimen.

Herbal tinctures have been with us for thousands of years; and for good reason.  Think of tinctures as basically herbal tea on steroids. You get a strong dose of the healing powers of plants in a tiny amount. Tinctures assimilate well, especially if you put them, straight, under your tongue for a few moments. And tinctures made using alcohol preserve active plant constituents. Alcohol based tinctures last for years when stored in a cool dark place. No refrigeration is necessary for alcohol-based tinctures, and they are convenient for travel. 

How Are Tinctures Made?

Herbal tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts made by soaking either fresh or dried, bark, berries, leaves, flowers, or roots from one or more plants in a liquid combination of alcohol and water. This liquid solvent is called the menstruum. The alcohol pulls out or extracts the active and therapeutic properties for the plants, the alkaloids, the vitamins, and minerals. 

What Makes Tinctures Different? 

Tinctures are easier to use and easier to administer. You only need take a small amount (A dropper of tincture equals one 8 oz. cup of tea) directly under the tongue and it will enter the bloodstream faster than any other herbal form.  Some herbs may have an immediate effect, like relaxant herbs, while the more nutritive and building herbs, (think of them as multi-vitamin), may take several weeks of continual use for optimal results.

As you research available tinctures, you may see different ratios.  Very light herbs may be prepared at a 1:4 or 1:5 ratio, while a denser herb might necessitate a 1:1 ratio.  Extremely potent herbs can be tinctured at ratios 1:10, or even as high as 1:20.  Regardless, the ratio of alcohol percentage weight to volume remain the same.

Alcohol is the most traditional way of making tinctures for two reasons. It acts as an effective preservative, and it has a very long shelf life. The alcohol in one dose of an alcohol-based tincture has approximately the same alcohol content as a very ripe banana peel. That translates to one drink, one glass of wine or one beer if you drank and entire 1oz bottle of tincture in one sitting (this is not recommended). Taking the recommended dosage the alcohol content is negligible.  

What Is the Difference in Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Tinctures?

But herbs can also be extracted in vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar, ACV, to eliminate alcohol from the formula and, sometimes, to improve the efficacy of certain herbs (like mushrooms in ACV), as well. Tinctures made of vegetable glycerin have a sweet taste and are a great choice for those who prefer a non-alcohol product.  They have a shorter shelf life, but can still last 3-5 years, if not contaminated. Always store your tinctures, even kitchen herbs, in a cool, dark location because keeping them in a heated area can cause your herbs and spices to become weak and less effective.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Tinctures?

Herbal tinctures are often strong tasting, particularly alcohol-based tinctures, and you might feel a subtle heat sensation. Don’t swallow the tincture immediately, but rather keep it under your tongue for a few seconds, then swallow as normal. You will likely become accustomed to both the taste and the sensation over time, but if not, you can dilute the tincture in a small amount of water or juice and drink. You can also add your drops of tincture into a cup of warm or hot water to create a cup of herbal tea.  Always warm your water before adding the herb to preserve their efficacy. Avoid liquids and food for at least 15 minutes after taking tinctures for the best results. 

Tinctures are very personalized.  And with hundreds of tinctures to explore, it is important to remember that each body responds differently to herbs.  Always be mindful and stay attuned to your symptoms and their progress.  Listen to your body and always talk with your primary health care provider if you feel like you need to change your herbs or your dosage to create an herbal plan that best fits your needs. 

Tinctures are a great way make sure you stay on your regimen when traveling or keeping a busy schedule.  TSA limits liquid carry-ons at 3 ounces, but you can rebottle your larger tinctures into 2-ounce labeled bottles, making it easier to keep bottles in various locations, as well, i.e. office, home or purse.

What is the Dosage for Tinctures?

Because tinctures are a concentrate, you only need a very small dose. Some can be taken up to 3 times a day. Always follow the dosing directions on the packaging and consult your primary health care giver before use, or if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any other health condition.  Here is a chart to help you determine dosage and use.

1 drop = 26 mg, 38 drops = 1 gram, 1cc =37 40 drops
2 ounces = 200 drops* = 1000 (500 mg) capsules
2 ounces = 80 squirts, 1 squirt = 25 drops

General Suggested Dosage or Use: 6-12 drops or more in juice, water, under the tongue or as desired, but this may vary with different herbs or strength ratios. May be taken 3 times or more daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.

Expiration date: Approx. 10 years or more for alcohol-based tinctures and 3 years or more for glycerin or vinegar- based tinctures