Herbal medicines come in a variety of forms, each representing a different degree of bioavailability of the individual compounds in the product. Liquid herbal formulas are frequently prepared as either an infusion, or tea, or as an alcohol extract, also known as a tincture. Ingredient concentration and absorption rate varies between specific teas and tinctures. Consult your physician before using any herbal product therapeutically, especially if you take other medications.
Herbal Teas
An herbal infusion, or tea, is prepared by steeping raw plant material in hot water for several minutes. This is the easiest and most economical method of making a simple herbal remedy. The hot water promotes the release of the volatile oils in whole leaves and stems. Similar preparations that include the seeds, roots and bark of plants among the raw materials are made in the same way but are referred to as decoctions. For best absorption, consume herbal teas 30 minutes or more before meals or drinking other liquids.
Herbal Tinctures
Tinctures are extracted using alcohol and are stronger than herbal teas in terms of the concentration of active compounds. This method of preparation is necessary to render medicines from certain herbs that resist yielding their volatile oils, tannins, polyphenols and other chemical constituents to water alone. Like herbal teas, absorption is enhanced when tinctures are taken on an empty stomach at least half an hour before eating or drinking other foods and beverages. In contrast, however, herbal tinctures are taken by drops or dropperfuls, which equate to a certain volume measured in fluid drams or milliliters.
Combination Formulas
Some herbal teas and tinctures contain multiple herbs that are intended to work together synergistically to bring about certain physical effects and to increase absorption. The opposite is also true. Herbs that contain chemical compounds that are metabolized in the liver by the same class of enzymes as other drugs can interfere with the absorption of many kinds of medications, including other herbs. This effect is more likely with herbal tinctures than herbal teas due to greater concentration of active phytochemicals. For instance, soy contains compounds that are known to inhibit the activity of tamoxifen, a pharmaceutical treatment for breast cancer. While therapeutic dosages of soy are not recommended, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that moderate consumption of soy foods while taking this drug is safe.
Safety Considerations
How much, how often and how long herbal teas or tinctures are taken depends on various factors, such as the specific plant or plants used. Because herbs are medicines and exert certain biological effects, seek the advice of a physician, naturopathic doctor or certified herbalist before self-treating any condition with botanical therapies. Many herbs produce side effects and interact with other drugs by increasing or reducing their absorption in the intestines.
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