What is a Tincture?

A tincture is an herbal extract of a certain strength. A tincture made from dry plant material is commonly a 1 to 5 ratio of plant by weight to extracting liquid by volume. Tinctures made from fresh, undried plant material are usually 1 to 2 ratio.

How are tinctures made?

The constituents of the plant are usually extracted with a solvent that is a mixture of alcohol and water, although glycerine or vinegar are sometime used. Some constituents are water soluble and some are only alcohol soluble.

Do tinctures taste bad?

Most tinctures taste earthy and oftentimes not bitter or strong. To cut the taste of herbal tinctures, it's recommended that tinctures are diluted with another liquid. Many people prefer to take their tincture in a small amount of water, tea, kombucha, or juice. If put in hot water and steeped for five minutes or so, much of the alcohol will dissipate. Diluting your tincture in another liquid does not take away from its effectiveness.

Putting the drops under the tongue is the quickest way to get herbs into the system.