Herbs have a long history in medical treatment; once they were the only resource to help heal the sick. The ancient Greeks, Romans and Chinese practitioners prescribed herbal medicines; Ayurvedic herbal use goes back at least 6,000 years. Herbal tinctures are one form of herbal medicine and should be prescribed by a qualified health-care professional.
Herbal Tinctures
A tincture is a liquid extract of an herb. The leaves, flowers or roots may be ground or left whole; both fresh and dried herbs are used. The plant material is placed in a solution. Alcohol is the most common choice, although glycerin and apple cider vinegar are also used, and allowed to steep for varying periods of time. According to Jennifer Rabin, a clinical herbalist, the standard herb-to-solution ratios are 1:2 for fresh herbs and 1:5 for dried herbs.
Advantages
Herbal tinctures have several advantages. Klaus Ferlow, Honorary Master Herbalist at Dominion Herbal College in British Columbia, notes that tinctures are more concentrated; 75 drops of tincture can equal 20 capsules. A capsule can take from 20 to 30 minutes to begin to break down in the stomach, while tinctures are absorbed within 1 to 4 minutes. A tincture is also easy to swallow for those who have difficulty with capsules or tablets.
Using Herbal Tinctures
Herbal tinctures, like conventional medicines, are used for a wide variety of medical conditions. According to Ferlow, 70 percent of European doctors prescribe herbal medication; there are standards for correct concentration and dosage. He also notes that in contrast to most conventional medicines, herbal medications can be used for preventative measures as well as the treatment of disease. As to the timing of tinctures, Ferlow recommends that herbal tinctures be taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
When to Take Tinctures
The Herb Companion suggests taking herbal tinctures between meals, as absorption of the tincture is not slowed by foods. However, there are some herbal tinctures that should be taken at specific times, according to The Herb Companion. Bitter herbs should be taken just before meals, as their purpose is to improve the digestion of foods. Herbs to help you sleep are taken before going to bed. Barberry and gentian tinctures should be taken before meals; ginseng, kava, milk thistles and St. John's wort between meals; peppermint after meals and valerian before bed.
Considerations and Warnings
Although herbal medications are relatively simple to make, according to Rabin, they are still medications. Some herbs can have side effects, and dosage is important. Consult a health-care professional who is knowledgeable in the use of herbal medications for any questions or concerns.
References
- "The Herb Companion"; Herb Basics: Timing Herbal tinctures; Herb Companion Staff; July/August 2003
- Stason.org; Liquid Herbal Tinctures - How Safe And Effective Are They?; Klaus Ferlow, H.M.H.
- Australian College of Health Sciences: Herbal Tinctures
- "The Herb Companion"; Homemade Medicine; Jennifer Rabin; September/October 2004
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