TINCTURES

A tincture is a concentrated liquid herbal extract. It is typically made by soaking herbs and
other plant parts in alcohol for weeks to extract the active constituents. Alcohol is considered an
excellent solvent because it is food grade and can extract herbal constituents (such as resins and
alkaloids) that are poorly soluble in water. After a period of weeks, the herbal mixture is strained and
the herb parts are removed, leaving behind the concentrated liquid.

Tinctures can be made from a single plant or a combination of plants. Fresh or dried leaves, roots,
bark, flowers, and berries may be used to make tinctures. The plant part depends on the species of
plant. Herbal tinctures are sold in health food stores, some drug and grocery stores, and online.

Although many tinctures can be taken orally, some tinctures such as arnicaand compound tincture of
benzoin should only be used externally.
How to Make a Tincture

The plant parts are carefully sorted so that any unwanted parts are removed. The herbs may be
chopped coarsely before being placed into a glass jar. The jar is filled with alcohol, capped tightly, and
allowed to sit for weeks. It may be shaken regularly and the jar may be topped up with alcohol if
necessary. The plant material is strained and removed, and the liquid is typically poured into small,
labeled, glass bottles with dropper tops.

If dried herbs are used to make the tincture, a common ratio is 1 part dried plant material to 4 parts
liquid (1:4 ratio). If fresh herbs are used, a common ratio is 1 part plant material to 1 part liquid (1:1
ratio).

Types of Alcohol

The alcohol used in commercial herbal tinctures may depend on the type of herb. Herbs with water-
soluble constituents are best extracted with a lower percentage of alcohol, while other constituents
can only be extracted with higher levels of alcohol.

Commercial herbal tinctures often use a pure alcohol solvent made from corn, grape, wheat, or cane
and distilled at or above 190 proof. Herbalists sometimes make herbal tinctures in small batches using
vodka (80 to 100 proof).

Tincture Bottles

Sterilized dark amber glass bottles are classic tincture bottles. The dark glass protects the herbs from
ultraviolet light. The bottle and dropper are made of glass because plastic can interact with the alcohol
in the tincture.

Since tinctures are concentrated extracts, the dropper helps to measure small amounts of the tincture.

The tincture jar and bottle should be labeled with details such as:

 Common name
 Latin name
 Plant part used (include whether it is fresh or dried)
 Plant source
 Type of spirit and alcohol percentage
 Batch number
  Date
 Any special instructions (e.g., external use only)

Common Tinctures used in herbal medicine.

Cannabis (CBD) Tincture
Also known as cannabidiol, CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical found in marijuana. Proponents
suggest that the use of CBD tinctures may help to alleviate migraines, seizures, anxiety, menstrual pain,
and other types of pain. CBD tinctures are considered fast-acting and potent, particularly when the
tincture is placed under the tongue.
Tincture of Benzoin

A common component of first aid kits, tincture of benzoin should only be used topically. Benzoin is a
hard resin produced by trees, and the tincture is often used to help first aid adhesive bandages and
wound closure strips stay in place. It is also said to protect the skin from contact allergy to the
adhesive and reduce irritation.

Propolis Tincture
A substance produced by bees to build beehives, propolis is being explored for its effects on allergies,
gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, gynecological, oral, and skin disorders, according to a report.
Elderberry Tincture
Elderberry fruit contains anthocyanins, a type of a type of natural pigment with antioxidant
properties. Consuming elderberries (and other dietary sources of anthocyanins) may reduce chronic
inflammation, according to a report.
Echinacea Tincture
Echinacea remains one of the most frequently used herbal products among older adults, according to a
2017 study. A review of previously published clinical trials found that some echinacea products may
be more effective than a placebo for colds, but the overall evidence was weak.
Turmeric Tincture
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice widely used in cooking. The active component in turmeric is
curcumin, a substance said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A study published in
the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, for instance, found that curcumin could have
beneficial effects on knee pain and quality of life in people with osteoarthritis of the knee, however, it
was less effective than ibuprofen at relieving pain.

HOW TO USE TINCTURES

1. Tinctures are easily assimilated by the body,convenient to use and offer more potent medicinal
properties than dried or herbs or capsules.
2. Average shelf life of Tinctures is about 3-5 years,depending on how they are stored. Keeping
tinctures in a cool, dark space will extend their life cycle but refrigeration is not necessary.

3. If Taken straight under the tongue, the tincture is held for a few seconds to get best possible
absorption.

4. Some tinctures can be applied topically.

5. Proper dosage depends on the plant and the strength of the tincture.