What is an Herbal Tincture?An herbal tincture is a liquid extract of an herb or combination of herbs. A single herb or combination of herbs, soak in a liquid extraction base, from 3 to 8 weeks. The liquid used to extract the properties of the herbs is most commonly a drinking alcohol with at least an 80 percent alcohol content. (The most commonly used alcohols are vodka and brandy. Sometimes a 150 % alcohol is needed to extract the properties. Fresh herbs have a higher water content and this is taken into consideration with the percentage of alcohol used. ) Each herb has a different requirement of solvency to extract the most properties of the herb. Alcohol is used most commonly because of its high solvency. Glycerin is used for herbs which need a lower solvency or for herbs for children or people intolerant to alcohol.

How is the tincture made?The single herb or herbal formula (combination of several herbs), using either fresh or dried herbs, are placed in a large jar with the appropriate alcohol for solvency. The jar is then covered and shaken and placed in a dark, dry place. It is shaken or turned every few days for 3 to 8 weeks. The soaked herbs are then strained using a fine mesh. The remaining liquid is a concentrated form of the herb(s). This is the tincture, sometimes called an herbal extract.

What is the advantage of taking an herbal tincture vs. the dry or fresh herb itself?
Herbal tinctures are concentrated and so very little is needed at a time. Usually, ¼ tsp is a recommended dose. This would be the same concentration as a cup of tea using the same herbs after they have been cooked, or “infused” or “decocted” for 30 or 60 minutes. Tinctures are easy to travel with and easy to store (their shelf life can be from 2 to 10 years because of the high alcohol content. Dried and fresh herbs have a much shorter shelf life. I am not saying that it is preferable to take tinctures or extracts. It is just a way that most people will take herbs successfully, over a period of time with little time or trouble. They are easy to take (with little or no preparation needed) and thus more successful results are obtained with their use.

Why would I need to take an herbal tincture?
Herbal tinctures can be used in a health protocol to support general health and wellness. Herbs are like food. They support and nourish our systems and allow for strengthening over time. They can also be used in acute situations like colds and flu, respiratory problems, headaches, pain, anxiety, etc. Because of the alcohol content, and the liquid form, tinctures go into the blood stream within minutes and begin to do their work.

Do I need to worry about the alcohol content?The amount of alcohol in a single dose of tincture (20 drops or ¼ tsp) is approximately the same as the alcohol in a very ripe banana. You can decrease that amount even more by diluting the tincture in a little boiling water. This will burn off most of the alcohol.

Where can I get tinctures?
Anne Marshall with LifeThyme Wellness is an herbalist with her own line of herbal formulas and skin care. She is located in Dr. Reid Robinson’s office at Inside Out Wellness Centre in the Dallas Building, 7 Victoria Street, Bermuda. She is available for health/herbal consults and herb questions or purchases. She can be reached at 333-0729 or info@lifethymewellness.com. Appointments can also be made through Pam at Inside Out Wellness Centre at 296-2225.