“Before any substance enters circulation, it must be in solution, and the nearer medicines approach liquid form, the quicker they will have effect and the smaller will be the doses required, consequently, it takes less in tincture than in powder or pill form.”
- David Culbreth M.D A Manual of Materia Medica and Pharmacology
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A tincture is a liquid extract of an herb. It is made by soaking herbs in a drinkable alcohol because alcohol produces the strongest tinctures. Tinctures have been made for hundreds if not thousands of years and in many professional opinions, ensure the highest possible product potency, which will assist you in your quest for health. Many herbs are tough and hardy and they need a powerful extractant to help break down and absorb the active ingredients contained within the herb.
One of the most important reasons to use a tincture is that you do not have to digest it as you would a capsule or tablet. We have already extracted what is medicinal from the plant cellulose, so you can absorb it immediately. It is of particular benefit to those of you who have an impaired digestive system. A person will absorb, at best, only 10% to 15% of a dry herb, whereas tinctures immediately find their way into the bloodstream.
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A good indication of the quality of any liquid preparation is its, “tongue tingling” effects. Preparations containing sufficient levels of alkyl amides will give a strong tingling sensation on the tongue and cause a brief increase in saliva production in the mouth. For instance, the ability of Echinacea to increase saliva was used by the North American Indians as a measure of quality.
Another important factor is the shelf life of a tincture. In most cases, a tincture that uses alcohol can be expected to have a shelf life of 3-5 years.
Lastly, the dosage flexibility is also a consideration. When administering to a child, you might want to give a smaller dose, and this is almost impossible in other delivery systems.
