herbal medicine tincture

Herbal Tinctures

Herbal tinctures are one of my favourite forms of medicine. I use them everyday and with almost every patient because they are so quick acting and customizable.

What is a tincture?

A tincture is a liquid extract of a dried or fresh herb. Tinctures can be made with alcohol, glycerine or vinegar. In my clinic I use primarily alcohol based tinctures as they are a potent solvent. This means the alcohol can extract a wide variety of medicinal properties from the herbs. Alcohol tinctures also have a very long shelf life and don’t need to be refrigerated.

 

Why  take a tincture?

The first benefit of tinctures is that I can customize them for every person. Someone with fatigue, digestive problems and anxiety would get a different herbal combo then someone with fatigue, digestive problems and depression. For each patient I see I can make one tincture that will help support all their major health issues. If I was to recommend supplements instead of tinctures, those patients would most likely have to get 3 different supplements. I currently have over 30+ single herbs that I can choose from to create custom blends.

The second benefit to tinctures is that they are quick acting. By taking a liquid instead of a capsule we avoid avoid the need to digest the and they are absorbed easily into our blood stream. Tinctures can work extremely quickly for people, with benefits being almost immediate in some cases.

The third benefit of tinctures is that they are easy to take. Simple drop them in your mouth under your tongue – see my youtube video below.  I think they taste delicious! If you don’t think your tincture tastes delicious you can always add it to a small glass of water or a small bit of juice and drink it down quickly. Being able to taste our medicines is the beginning of their actions, so just think every time you taste your tincture you are starting your healing process right away!

Where do I get tinctures?

Most health foods stores will carry herbal tinctures as single herbs or pre made blends. If you are lucky enough to have a herb shoppe in your town they might be able to make you a custom tincture as well.

Please comment with any questions you have about tinctures, herbal medicine, naturopathic medicine and what ever else!

Yours in Health and Happiness,

Dr. K