The method allows easy absorption of healing plant compounds into the bloodstream. However, liquids other than alcohol can be used as the solvent, including glycerin, vinegar and honey. The resulting liquids are not usually called tinctures but glycerites, vinegar and oxymels - which is a honey vinegar mix.

By the 17th century, tincture became a term used to describe the colour of medicine or a herbal solution. This is because tinctures take the colour of the plants they are extracted from. For example, tinctures made from hibiscus flowers are a deep purple. Those made from chamomile flowers are dark yellow.

Our Breathe Tincture contains plant extracts that support the respiratory system and ease congestion. Tinctures contain specific ratios of water, alcohol and dissolved plant material. The ratios are different according to the plant used and what we want to extract.

The alcohol used is of edible food grade. The water in the tincture also extracts plant compounds but is mainly used to balance the amount of alcohol included.

We don't know exactly when alcohol was first used to make and preserve herbal medicines, but it is safe to say it was a very long time ago. Most authorities believe distillation of alcohol was first developed by the Arab chemist Al-Kindi in 9th Century Iraq, although evidence exists for the use of distillation as long ago as ancient Egypt.

The first recorded description of the process was written by Albertus Magnus, a German theologian and early scientist in the 13th century. The first use of alcohol for extracting and preserving medicines is believed to have been by Persian and Arabian physicians and alchemists and we probably owe the wide use of tinctures to the apothecaries of the late medieval period.

There are more recent recipe books where tinctures are made by boiling handfuls of herbs in barrels of wine and instructions to drink freely. The most usual method used today is macerating chopping or mashing and then soaking the herb in a water and alcohol mix for two weeks or longer.

The mixture is shaken daily and then the liquid is strained off and bottled; the herb material is discarded. The brown colour of the bottle is to protect the liquid from light damage. Tinctures are made into herbal medicines by mixing a specific amount - usually 5ml or more - with water.

This is taken several times a day or as directed. Because tinctures contain concentrated plant extracts, they are used as convenient vehicles for getting the right nutrients to where they are needed in the body. Tinctures are prescribed for a wide range of issues, including indigestion , stress, PMS, pain and insomnia.

Benefits can be seen the same day but stronger effects usually start within one to two weeks. Tinctures can also be used directly on the skin and mixed into creams for a range of issues such as pain, bruises, spider veins, varicose veins and other skin conditions such as eczema, and fungal or bacterial infections.

Tinctures can also be diluted and used as a mouthwash for fresher breath, and to soothe infections of the mouth. Tinctures can be made at home in the kitchen with vodka and herbs dried or fresh plant material this is usually called the folk method, where herbs are placed in a Kilner jar and covered with vodka and left to macerate soak for weeks before straining to use.

Stronger tinctures are also made by herbalists in their dispensaries and their herbal supply manufacturers to more exacting standards where the weight of the plant material and volume of alcohol and water are measured precisely to ensure standardisation.

Herbalists and herbal suppliers have equipment suited to making larger volumes of tinctures including a herb press to squeeze the liquid from the herbs. The most effective presses are hydraulically assisted electric versions to press as much liquid from the herbs as possible. Tinctures used to be made to the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia standard of containing 1gram of herb per 5ml of tincture but most herbalists now use and tinctures as modern life demands more potent versions.

This change has happened over the last 20 years or so. Some herbalists even use tinctures 1ml of tincture equal to 1 gram of herb when needed and appropriate. Tinctures are an easy way to create and keep herbal medicines which have a long shelf life. They are simple to take and quickly dispensed by the herbalist.

Tinctures can be slightly more expensive than teas per dose due to the alcohol and extra steps to produce them, but people enjoy their convenience and the speedy impact they can have on health and wellbeing.

They are made with natural ingredients and we usually recommend diluting a few drops with water. Only a very small amount of alcohol is consumed when taking a herbal tincture. It is a safe and effective way of delivering the benefits of herbs. Because they don't tend to taste great, it's fine to mix them with juice or some water mixed with honey.

We've got liquid herbs for a range of health concerns. You can explore our full tincture range here. Herbal tinctures work efficiently, targeting different aspects of your wellbeing from boosting your immune system to stress relief.

The concentrated liquid form allows for quick absorption, making them potent options for health support. While both tinctures and essential oils come from plants, the key difference lies in application.

The main difference is that tinctures can and are developed to be ingested and are often used medicinally, offering a broader scope of use compared to essential oils, which are generally used topically or aromatically.

We've developed a range of tinctures to support specific health needs. Moderation is key. Stick to the dosage recommended by your herbalist, typically starting with a few drops diluted in water or juice. Excessive use can potentially lead to adverse effects.

Yes, herbal tinctures like our Balance Tincture are specifically formulated to regulate your body's response to stress.

They work subtly but effectively, much like a calming background tune that helps you focus. Typically, you'll find a mix of water, alcohol, and plant material in a tincture.

The alcohol serves as a solvent and preservative, while the water balances the alcohol content and aids in extraction. The plant material, of course, is the source of the beneficial compounds. Herbal tinctures have a storied past, stretching from ancient Egypt through the Middle Ages, and into today's holistic health scene.

The method for creating tinctures has evolved, but the core concept remains: extracting plant goodness for health benefits.

Tinctures like our Defend and Recovery blends are designed to proactively fortify your immune system and help you recover following illness. They're like your body's security team, working behind the scenes to help you fend off illness and get better when you need to.

While alcohol is the most commonly used solvent, alternatives like glycerin, vinegar, and honey are also viable. Each type of solvent contributes its unique qualities to the final tincture, much like how different bases make for unique cocktails.

In layman's terms, tinctures are like liquid gold mines of plant nutrients. The alcohol or other solvents help to extract these nutrients, making them readily available for your body to use. Alcohol is the star player in the tincture-making process. Not only does it act as a preservative, but it also helps in extracting a wide range of plant properties.

Some plants like milk thistle can cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously low. For example, gingko leaves are a common herbal remedy. They can cause seizures and death. Goldenseal is also toxic in high doses. Some plants, like milk thistle may have estrogenic effects. It should not be taken by those with:.

Some plants — such as St. Other plants — such as valerian — may cause headaches and dizziness. A common side effect of some plant tinctures includes burns or irritation, most commonly forming under the tongue.

Goldenseal, for example, is known to irritate the inside of the mouth and the rest of the digestive system. Tinctures can be made at home with plants that are safe to use. The simplest way to make a tincture is to submerge herbs in alcohol in a glass jar.

The strained liquid is your tincture. You can hold onto it for years if bottled and stored in a cool, dark place. Not into alcohol? No problem. Swap the alcohol in your tincture with white or apple cider vinegar.

Talk to a doctor before adding tinctures to your healthcare regimen. Tinctures are also available to purchase online. Many tinctures are made to be taken by mouth, using a dropper to place some liquid on the tongue.

Some tinctures are for use only on the skin. Some of the most popular plants used in herbal remedies, including tinctures, were previously discussed. Arnica tinctures are commonly used to treat inflammatory skin diseases like rosacea. Research shows limited efficacy and the potential for serious side effects such as an allergic reaction.

Benzoin tincture has been traditionally taken to ease inflammation of the mouth, throat, and other respiratory passages when the tincture is inhaled as steam.

But studies show limited efficacy and the potential for allergic reaction. Iodine tincture is a proven antiseptic. You can use it to prevent infection on:. A review of research suggests propolis has antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral properties when used on the skin. Some people claim it can be used to boost immune function, but those claims are not well-validated by science.

Scientists know that elderberry contains a powerful antioxidant called anthocyanin , which can reduce inflammation in the body. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A review of research on echinacea suggests the plant is effective at boosting the immune system.

Those practicing herbal medicine claim echinacea tincture made from the leaves, stalk, and root can treat and prevent:. Cannabis tinctures are made from a chemical called cannabidiol CBD. Research suggests CBD may be able to treat various symptoms of illness, such as cancer and mental health disorders.

This guiding herb directs the added supportive herbs, enhancing the synergy of the blend. These herbs are selected for their unique actions and complementary benefits. They boost the performance of the guiding herb and support organ systems related to the wellness need.

We use organic cane sugar alcohol and spring water in our tinctures. Alcohol is the best solvent for extracting plant chemistry, and results in a more potent tincture.

It drives the medicinal compounds of the tincture deeper into the body for proper absorption. Alcohol tinctures:. Join Co-Founder and Clinical Herbalist, Yarrow Willard, for a quick overview of Harmonic Arts' tinctures in this video.

The Quantity of Crude Equivalent QCE is a measurement used to describe the amount of an herb we started with before extracting its plant medicine to create a tincture.

We display this in ratio form to help customers determine just how potent our products are. For example, our Ashwagandha Tincture has an extraction ratio of This means that every 1ml of tincture contains the equivalent of mg of Ashwagandha.

The QCE is not to be confused with our recommended dose. Each tincture will have individual dosing recommendations stated on the label. You can find support for everything from immunity to stress relief with our wide offering of herbal tinctures.

Mushroom Tinctures. Tincture Blends. Our therapeutic Tincture Blends are organized into wellness categories for easy navigation. Single Herb Tinctures.