Tinctures

The use of tinctures is getting more popular and people are finding out how to incorporate herbal supports in their life using this method.

Tinctures have been around as long as there has been alcohol or spirits. Tinctures are a quick, convenient & simple way to ingest herbal remedies. Tinctures are made by steeping plant material in a high proof spirit, such as grain alcohol. It is generally steeped for at least a month, but usually longer. The tinctures available here at the Owlery, are steeped for over 6 months to extract the essence of each herb.

Dosage of tinctures is simple and effective. They can be given to children over 2 years old or that have been weaned. The amount of alcohol in tinctures is considered to be residual and not an amount that is considered an intoxicant. But each parent/guardian should make the decisions that align with their parenting and moral beliefs. All of the tinctures here at the Owlery have vegetable glycerin added to help the taste and not be so caustic to the mucous membranes.

Tincture is shelf-stable and can last 10+ years. If you keep it for more than a year, you will need to check the bulb and pipette of the bottle, as it can degrade overtime and you would need to replace or re-bottle. 

Tincture can be taken sublingual (under the tongue) or as an aperitif (adding a dosage to water)  I don’t recommend taking more than 8 doses in 1 day, although it has less alcohol than a dosage of cough syrup. I recommend taking tincture in the morning after breakfast and then after lunch. But, when I am symptomatic, I take additional doses after supper and before bed.

Sublingual dosage - 1 dropper - which is about half of the pipette. Pull up with the bulb as much as can be pulled. That is one dropper. Administer directly under the tongue and hold for a few seconds. Then swallow remainder. This method is for instantaneous usage, as it enters the bloodstream quickly. I use this method when I am symptomatic or someone at the office or at home is actively ill. 

Aperitif Dosage - 1 dropper added to approximately 2 ounces of water. I add the dropper to the glass and add water to the top. Drink the full amount. This method is best for preventative.

A good tincture to start with is elderberry tincture. I take elderberry tincture and tonic from the Autumn Equinox until the Spring Equinox. From mid-September to mid-March. I use it to help boost my immunity and to also lessen any seasonal allergy symptoms.

Incorporating tinctures into your wellness regime can allow you to mitigate the ailments you know could or will occur each season. For instance, I know I will have a bit of the blues in February. It is the grayest month here in Southern Appalachia and the beginning of our True Winter. I take Seasonal Sadness tincture and it helps to lessen my doldrums. When the growing season starts and I know I will be filled with excitement and tons of projects, I will take Mood Shifter to lessen running thoughts and help me sleep. I will take it right before bed and it helps me to sleep deeper and not wake in the night as much.

Trying tinctures is a wonderful way to give a little self-care everyday and to incorporate plant medicine into your daily life. Try some here at the Owlery or from a reputable herbalist or natural foods market.

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