Tinctures are a popular way of using medicinal herbs. They have the following advantages over water-based preparations:
Tinctures remain potent for many years.
Small quantities of tinctures are effective, sometimes as little as one drop, making them more portable and potable.
Tinctures act very rapidly, especially when administered under the tongue.
Certain herbal alkaloids and resins are extractable only into alcohol. not water.
A very small amount of plant material produces a tincture consisting of many medicinal doses.
Nourishing factors found in herbs, such as vitamins and minerals,are extracted into tinctures, but, since only small amounts of tinctures are taken, only small amounts of these nutrients are ingested. The Wise Woman tradition focuses on the excellent nourishment available in wild foods and herbs to support the body's ability to repair and heal itself. Thus, water-based preparations are usually my first choice as herbal medicines, but I use tinctures when I travel, when I need immediate medicinal effect, or when I am dealing with rare, horrible tasting, or expensive plants.
People who refrain from using all alcohol can still take tinctures. Since alcohol-based tincture doses are small (20 drops is the average dose) and diluted in water, the taste and effect of the alcohol is virtually non-existent. Many alcoholics indicate that herbal tinctures react like medicines in their bodies, not like alcohol. To further mitigate the effect of the alcohol, let it evaporate somewhat by adding the tincture to some water and letting it sit exposed to the air for a few hours.
Dosage: Tincture dosage is widely variable. Experiment with caution and consult references.
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