What You Need to Know About Herbal Tinctures

Plant tinctures have long been used as herbal remedies. Some plants have proven health benefits, while the effects of others are less clear, and may even be harmful to your health. Consult a doctor before starting any type of herbal remedy regimen

Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts made by soaking the bark, berries, leaves (dried or fresh), or roots from one or more plants in alcohol or vinegar

Many tinctures are made to be taken by mouth, using a dropper to place some liquid on the tongue. 

Use only the directed dose of a tincture, which varies depending on, among other factors:

• the tincture’s concentration 
• your gender
• body size and age 

It’s important to spend time educating yourself about tincture dosages for various plants online or on the label of tinctures you purchase. Some tinctures are for use only on the skin.

Tinctures make it easy to consume the natural health-boosting chemicals found in some plants. They’re usually inexpensive to make and can be easily prepared at home

Using tinctures and other herbal remedies isn’t without risk. Even the plants scientifically proven to benefit health come with the risk of side effects, some of which are serious.

Tinctures will usually start with a 4 drop dose (approximately 2 mg), unless otherwise recommended. You may increase your dose by 2 drops every day or every other day, if symptoms are not relieved effectively but no adverse effects are experienced