Tinctures are liquid extracts made from herbs. They are usually extracted in alcohol, but they can also be extracted in vegetable glycerine or apple cider vinegar. Tinctures are easy and convenient to use. Because they are taken directly under the tongue, they enter the bloodstream much more directly than by any other means, therefore the action in the body is usually quicker.

Herb Lore Tinctures Available In Two Formats Non-Alcohol: Extracted in organic vegetable glycerine (made with non-GMO soy) and distilled water. Regular: Extracted in 40% alcohol (Brandy made from grapes) What's the Difference Between the Two Formats? A tincture is a liquid extract made from the herb. Herb Lore tinctures are extracted in either alcohol or vegetable glyerine. Alcohol extracts the medicinal quality of the herbs more completely and has an unlimited shelf life. Alcohol-based tinctures are safe for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women, as the amount of alcohol ingested per dose is the equivalent of eating a very ripe banana. They are not recommended for children, mostly because they will hate the taste! Vegetable glycerine tinctures, which are alcohol-free, have a 3-5 year shelf life, and are a bit less potent than alcohol-based tinctures (depending on the herb used - for some herbs the potency will be the same). They typically have a sweeter taste which is less sharp than their alcohol based counterparts. They are a great choice for children or those who simply prefer a non-alcohol tincture.

What is a Dropperful, and How Do You Take a Tincture?

Tinctures are usually taken by the dropperful. A dropperful is the amount of liquid that fills the glass tube of the dropper when the bulb on the dropper top is squeezed and released. The liquid may fill the glass tube only a small portion of the way, but that is considered a “dropperful”. A dropperful equals approximately 30 drops. On all dropper tops, no matter how large of a tincture bottle it comes with, the bulb (the thing you squeeze) is standard on them all. The bulb is what determines how much liquid fills the tube, not the length of the tube itself.

Note: Two droppersful of tincture equals one 8 oz. cup of tea.

To take a tincture, it is best to take the drops directly under the tongue. This gets the herb directly into the bloodstream. If necessary, it is acceptable to dilute the tincture in a small amount of water or juice to drink. It may be flavored with lemon or honey to disguise the taste. You may also put the droppersful of tincture into a cup of warm or hot water for an instant cup of herbal tea. Heat your water first, before adding the tincture liquid. Heating the tincture in a microwave may kill or weaken the herbs healthful benefits.

What is the Shelf Life of my Tinctures, and How Should I Store Them?

Tinctures are extracted most often in alcohol because it is such a potent solvent. Some herbs simply will not release their medicinal qualities to a solvent that is less potent, such as water, apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerine. It takes something stronger, and alcohol is perfect, as it also acts as an effective preservative. Alcohol-based tinctures have a virtually unlimited shelf life if stored in a cool, dark location.

Store your tinctures and all of your herbs (including your cooking spices, which most people keep above a hot stove) in a cool, dark cupboard. You may carry and keep tinctures in a purse or briefcase, but be sure not to leave your tinctures in a hot area for long periods of time, such as in a car, as heat can negatively impact the quality of your herbal products.