Earthley Wellness

In a world filled with processed medications and quick-fix solutions, herbal tinctures offer a gentle, time-honored approach to health. These potent plant extracts have been used for centuries to support the body in times of stress, illness, and imbalance. Whether soothing a restless mind, calming an upset stomach, or supporting the immune system, tinctures can provide a natural and effective way to care for overall well-being.

Tinctures are made by steeping herbs in alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar, drawing out their beneficial compounds in a concentrated liquid form. This method preserves the plant’s potency while making it easy to store and use. Unlike many commercial remedies, tinctures contain minimal processing, ensuring the body receives the purest benefits of nature’s gifts.

One of the greatest advantages of tinctures is their convenience. A few drops under the tongue or mixed into a drink can deliver powerful plant properties without the need for brewing teas or swallowing pills. Their long shelf life also makes them a practical addition to any natural health toolkit, ready whenever needed.

With a growing interest in holistic wellness, herbal tinctures are making a resurgence in modern health practices. Understanding how they work and how to use them safely empowers individuals to take a proactive approach to their health -- naturally, effectively, and with respect for the wisdom of herbal medicine.

What are Tinctures?

A tincture is a liquid extract made from an herb, or blend of herbs. You take the tincture orally in order to use it. A tincture is a natural remedy for a variety of different ailments. Some tinctures help with sleep, others with cramping, others can support your immune system, and more!

To make a tincture you take herbs and add them to a glass jar. Add filtered water and alcohol and/or vegetable grade glycerin to the jar of herbs. Put the lid on the jar and shake. Let sit for at least 6 weeks in a dark, dry place. Pour tincture through cheesecloth to separate liquid from herbs. Use the liquid, which is now a tincture.

Tinctures made with alcohol or glycerin are both strong and safe, herbally speaking. The difference is in taste and some action. Alcohol is powerful so can extract a wider range of plant compounds like alkaloids and bitters. Glycerin is far more palatable and still extracts a lot of beneficial properties. Alcohol also absorbs into the blood faster because glycerin is thicker and water-attracting instead of both water-soluble and fat-soluble like alcohol. The glycerin will absorb well because it doesn’t evaporate as quickly as alcohol. So both have great qualities, just in slightly different ways.

It is important to note that a large dose (about 30 drops) of an alcohol-based tincture has about the same alcohol content as a ripened banana.

Here are more detailed directions on how to make your own: Making Herbal Extractions (with any Herb)

Let’s take a look at our Master Tonic featuring schisandra berries, ashwagandha root, blue vervain, and reishi mushrooms made in an alcohol base. The alcohol better extracts the alkaloids, adaptogens, and bitters of the schisandra berries, ashwagandha root, and blue vervain. It also extracts the triterpenes and polysaccharides of the Reishi mushroom better. Glycerin would be tastier and certainly have benefit, but not quite as effectively as the alcohol, in this case, and with the intended purpose of supporting over all wellness.

Are Tinctures Safe?

Tinctures are extracts of herbs. Many of these same herbs and ingredients are things we all eat as part of a balanced diet. When making tinctures, it is very important to understand herbs and their contraindications. Just because you do not need a prescription for it does not mean you can use it recklessly.

Many herbs are safe to use for different ailments. It is important that you research to ensure the herbs you are using are safe for you and your family. Some herbs are not good for when pregnant, breastfeeding, or have clotting conditions. Some herbs are not meant to be used long term also. We offer some information in our Herbal Profiles, but researching each herb you choose is a great way to learn more about when and how to safely take herbal tinctures.

How Do We Use Tinctures?

The best way to take a tincture is to place the drops directly under the tongue. This allows for maximum absorption into the bloodstream because there are tons of tiny blood vessels under there.

Many try not to eat or drink for at least ten minutes after taking a tincture. This helps to reduce dilution for maximum benefit.

Another way to take tinctures is to add to a cup of warm water, tea or dilute it in juice. Grape juice hides the alcohol pretty well.

You want to avoid hot liquids though since that may start the evaporation process before your body can benefit from it.

Some like to use little shot glasses and get a round set up for everyone.

Tinctures that are alcohol-free or glycerin are much easier on the taste buds so easier for kids.

Tinctures are great for when you travel as a family. They are compact and light for traveling. Also they allow for you to be prepared for common ailments easily without having to find a health food store, which is not always easy to find when traveling.

When taking tinctures, the dosages are recommended as "drops." This really does literally mean a tiny drop out of the dropper! Tinctures are concentrated so a little drop can have an effect!

Best Tinctures to Have on Hand

Whether making tinctures (takes at least 6 weeks) or purchasing, it is important to figure out which ones to keep on hand at all times. Depending on what your family make up looks like will determine which herbal tinctures you should have on hand.

For example, you may want to have a teething tincture if you have young infants (like our Teeth Tamer). Everyone would benefit from having immune supporting tinctures at home (like our Adaptogenic Immunity and Elderberry Elixir). You can even do multivitamin tinctures like our Nourish Her, Nourish Him, and Nourish Me Naturally tinctures!