A tincture is an herbal extract that is made by soaking herbs in alcohol or vinegar for a period of time. The resulting liquid is then strained and the herbs are discarded. Tinctures are used to extract the active compounds from herbs and make them more bioavailable to the body.
Tinctures are typically taken orally, but can also be used topically. When taken orally, tinctures are usually held under the tongue for a minute or two before swallowing. This allows the active compounds to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes.
Tinctures can be made with fresh or dried herbs. Dried herbs are generally more potent than fresh herbs, so less is needed. The ratio of herb to solvent (alcohol or vinegar) is generally 1:5 for fresh herbs and 1:3 for dried herbs.
How are tinctures made?
There are many different ways to make a tincture, but the basic principle is always the same: extract the active compounds from the herb using a solvent (alcohol or vinegar) and then strain the herbs out.
Tinctures can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments. They are particularly well-suited for treating conditions that are difficult to treat with other medications, such as chronic pain or mental illness. Tinctures are also very convenient to take, as they can be taken anywhere and do not need to be taken with food.
If you are interested in making your own tinctures, there are many recipes and guides available online. However, it is important to make sure that you use high-quality herbs and a suitable solvent (alcohol or vinegar). Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any herbal remedy, including tinctures.
