Many herbs can be used in many forms such as culinary, dried, powdered, tea, infused waters, tincture, herbal oils, essential oils, in salves, creams, and balms. It really all depends on what the medicinal qualities are and if it is to be used topically or internally.
An herbal tincture is a concentrated form of an herb and is like an herbal extract. It is made by using a menstruum to cover the herb in a non reactive container, over a certain period of time that allow the plants beneficial properties to be extracted, of up to 3 months for a cold infusion. The tincture must be "worked" daily, or atleast a few days a week, during its extraction time. Different parts of the herb are used, depending on its medicinal qualities from the flower, leaf, stem, bark, seed or root. Variable concentrations of alcohol and the extraction time, all depend on each herb. Some herbs are best to be tinctured with fresh plant material, where some are better used dried. The season on when the herb is grown, the soil and the time of day when its harvested, also plays a factor. The spent herb is then strained out and then the tincture liquid is filtered through a natural material to create a pure clear herbal liquid tincture. We never dilute or add water or glycerine to any of our tinctures.
Some tinctures require "double infusing", in order to create a powerful healing herbal product.
All of our traditional tinctures are made with certified or organically grown herbs without any preservatives, coloring, added flavoring or chemicals. They simply contain just two ingredients. The herb and the menstruum, that's it.
Tinctures allow us the convenience of using an herb without the extra fuss in our busy lifestyle. They have been used for thousands of years and have a very long shelf life of several years and even indefinitely. No special care is really needed as you just put them in the pantry and use when needed. Tinctures are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes and can actually bypass the digestive tract. Many tinctures can work right away and then there are some that are more nutritive and building in nature that may take several weeks of continual use before best results are seen (much like a multi-vitamin).
Our tinctures "menstruum" is a fine grade cane alcohol that is gluten-free. The percentage of alcohol will not impair your senses and are safe enough for children when using the children's formulation.
To use a tincture, simply add it to any beverage and enjoy! They can be taken as a preventative as well as a curative, and it is safe to take on a frequent basis throughout the day, every day unless otherwise noted on the bottle. Tinctures with an alcohol base are not to be taken sublingual. All our tinctures must be diluted in a beverage.
Here is a dosage guide to help you -
Adult dose is 1-2 droppers full (30 -60 drops), per day for preventative care and the following is recommended for children:Age -- Dosage
Younger than 3 months -- 2 drops
3 to 6 months -- 3 drops
6 to 9 months -- 4 drops
9 to 12 months -- 5 drops
12 to 18 months -- 7 drops
18 to 24 months -- 8 drops
2 to 3 years -- 10 drops
3 to 4 years -- 12 drops
4 to 6 years -- 15 drops
6 to 9 years -- 24 drops
9 to 12 years -- 30 drops
It is safe for pregnant and nursing moms to use tinctures but you will need to research about the herb itself, to make sure the actual herb is safe while pregnant or nursing. Speak to your healthcare practitioner if needed.
A "dropper full" is the amount of liquid that fills the glass tube of the dropper top when the rubber bulb on the dropper top is squeezed and released. It is approximately 30 drops. The liquid may fill the glass tube only half portion of the way, but that is considered a "dropper full", also known as "a squeeze". On all dropper tops, the bulb is standard and determines how much liquid fills the tube. Pinch the rubber bulb all the way while the glass tube is all the way down in the bottle. The bulb measures the amount drawn up in the glass tube, no matter the size of the bottle or the length of the glass tube.
Store your tinctures in the original dark glass bottles in the pantry, away from heat and light. Make sure the tops are on securely and away from children and pets.
Tinctures can be additionally used in cooking or for flavoring. Using our ginger root tincture in a glass of green tea is wonderfully refreshing. Using our cinnamon tincture in your coffee, instead of sugar, is a great way to start your day!
Tinctures are best to be used as a preventative on a daily basis but there are times when you need to do a “Draught”.
Draughts are frequent doses of highly concentrated herbal infusion such as a tincture. It is typically very strong, and you can drink just a small amount quickly – think of it as an herbal shot that you drink in one swig. You can do a single herb tincture draught or a blended draught. Make sure that if your doing a blend, that they are compatible. The herbal tinctures that we offer are all compatible unless noted on the bottles and the product description. If you are blending other sourced tinctures, please do some research to make sure they are compatible.
Not all tinctures are the same and be sure to always read the instructions on any store bought tinctures. The dosages may not be the same, the instructions may not be the same and the ingredients may not be the same.
If you are suffering from a cold or flu and did not catch it in time, then you would do a draught.
Draughts are often used in true times of need to relieve great discomfort, or when the body needs to be corrected. It is not to be done on a regular basis and not more than 3-5 days.
Cold and Flu Draught or suspected exposure
1/2 tsp of elderberry tincture and 1/2 tsp of echinacea tincture. Add the tinctures to 2 to 3 ounces of water. Drink the water with the tinctures 3 to 4 times per day for three days straight. If your using the dropper, it is 60-65 "drops" per 1/2 tsp which also is the same as 2 "dropper fulls".
Circulation Draught
1/2 tsp ginger root , 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp ginkgo and 1/2 tsp Cinnamon . This is a very strong draught and it can actually be added to a full cup of coffee or tea to be sipped.
For the most part, remember that herbs are best used in frequent smaller doses throughout the day. Larger quantities are not better in most cases. If you need to do a draught, on the 4th or 5th day, go back to “maintenance” dose. Draughts are for adults only and for short term.
Our tinctures are concentrated and created by the traditional herbalist method. This is also known as the "Folklore Method". We do not offer "standardized" tinctures as it is impossible to grow our wild and garden herbs exactly as they would commercially. We cannot control nature in the wild and give thanks to the plant offerings that our farm provide. We personally feel that medicinal plants grown freely in the environment as they choose, will offer a more effective natural remedy than by being processed through a lab.