What is a Tincture? A Popular Herbal Extract 

If you’re interested in natural remedies, you’ve likely heard of tinctures. Tinctures are a popular form of herbal extract that have been used for centuries to support health and wellness. But what is a tincture, and how can it benefit your health? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all your questions about tinctures and how to use them.

What is a Tincture?

To make a tincture, people soak herbs in a solvent, typically alcohol, for several weeks, allowing the alcohol to extract the active compounds from the herbs and create a potent and concentrated liquid. Depending on the desired effect, individuals can make tinctures with a single herb or a combination of herbs.

Consumers often use tinctures as a convenient and effective way to consume medicinal herbs. Due to their high concentration, even a small amount of tincture can have a powerful effect. Additionally, tinctures are easy to consume by adding them to water or other liquids.

How are Tinctures Made?

To make tinctures, individuals typically soak herbs in alcohol for several weeks, allowing the alcohol to extract the active compounds from the herbs and creating a potent and concentrated liquid. The ratio of herbs to alcohol and the length of time the herbs are soaked determine the strength of the tincture.

Although fresh herbs produce a stronger tincture due to their higher moisture content, people can also use dried herbs. However, using dried herbs may require a longer soaking time to extract the same level of potency.

After soaking the herbs in alcohol, individuals need to strain the liquid to remove any solids, resulting in the tincture. People can then store the tincture in a dark glass bottle for future use.

Type of Alcohol to use

The best alcohol for making tinctures is high-proof, food-grade alcohol. Generally, the alcohol used for tinctures is either vodka, brandy, or grain alcohol (such as Everclear).

The alcohol should be at least 80-proof (40% alcohol by volume) to effectively extract the medicinal properties from the herbs. The higher the proof, the better the extraction will be.

It’s important to use a high-quality, food-grade alcohol, as this will ensure the tincture is safe for consumption. Avoid using rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol, as these types of alcohol are not safe to ingest.

10 Common types of Tinctures.

Echinacea Tincture:

Echinacea is commonly used to support immune function and prevent infections. To make an echinacea tincture, combine 1 part dried echinacea root or herb with 2 parts 80-proof alcohol. Let the mixture soak for 4-6 weeks, shaking it daily. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

Milk Thistle Tincture:

Milk thistle is often used to support liver health and detoxification. To make a milk thistle tincture, combine 1 part dried milk thistle seeds with 5 parts 80-proof alcohol. Let the mixture soak for 2-4 weeks, shaking it daily. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

Chamomile Tincture:

Chamomile’s calming properties are well-known, and people often use it to promote relaxation and improve sleep. To make a chamomile tincture, combine 1 part dried chamomile flowers with 2 parts 80-proof alcohol. Let the mixture soak for 2-4 weeks, shaking it daily. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

Valerian Root Tincture:

Valerian root is commonly used to promote relaxation and relieve anxiety. To make a valerian root tincture, combine 1 part dried valerian root with 2 parts 80-proof alcohol. Let the mixture soak for 2-4 weeks, shaking it daily. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

Lemon Balm Tincture:

Lemon balm is often used to support relaxation and reduce stress. To make a lemon balm tincture, combine 1 part dried lemon balm with 2 parts 80-proof alcohol. Let the mixture soak for 2-4 weeks, shaking it daily. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

St. John’s Wort Tincture:

People commonly use St. John’s Wort to support emotional well-being and alleviate mild depression. To make a St. John’s Wort tincture, combine 1 part dried St. John’s Wort with 5 parts 80-proof alcohol. Let the mixture soak for 4-6 weeks, shaking it daily. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

Ginkgo Biloba Tincture:

People use Ginkgo Biloba to support cognitive function and improve memory. To make a Ginkgo Biloba tincture, combine 1 part dried Ginkgo Biloba leaves with 5 parts 80-proof alcohol. Let the mixture soak for 2-4 weeks, shaking it daily. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

Hawthorn Berry Tincture:

People use hawthorn berries to support heart health and promote healthy blood pressure. To make a Hawthorn Berry tincture, combine 1 part dried Hawthorn berries with 5 parts 80-proof alcohol. Let the mixture soak for 4-6 weeks, shaking it daily. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

Ginger Tincture:

People commonly use ginger to support digestive health and alleviate nausea. To make a Ginger tincture, combine 1 part dried Ginger root with 5 parts 80-proof alcohol. Let the mixture soak for 2-4 weeks, shaking it daily. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

Passionflower Tincture:

People often use passionflower to support relaxation and alleviate anxiety. To make a Passionflower tincture, combine 1 part dried Passionflower with 2 parts 80-proof alcohol. Let the mixture soak for 2-4 weeks, shaking it daily. Strain and store in a dark glass bottle.

Benefits of Tinctures?

Consumers find tinctures a convenient and effective way to consume medicinal herbs because they offer highly concentrated doses, resulting in powerful effects even with small amounts. Additionally, tinctures are easy to take, as people can add them to water or other liquids for consumption.

Some of the potential benefits of tinctures include:

• Supporting immune function
• Promoting relaxation and stress relief
• Supporting digestive health
• Relieving pain and inflammation
• Improving sleep quality
• Supporting healthy skin

How to Use Tinctures?

Using tinctures is easy and convenient as people can simply add them to water or other liquids for consumption. To use a tincture, individuals can add the desired amount to a glass of water or juice and drink it down. People can also mix tinctures into teas, smoothies, or other beverages for consumption.

The dosage of a tincture will vary depending on the herb and the desired effect. It’s important to follow the recommended dosage on the label or consult with a healthcare practitioner to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.

Tinctures can also be applied topically to the skin. Simply dilute the it with water and apply it to the affected area.