More about tinctures:

Herbal tinctures are plant extracts that have been handcrafted to create natural healing formulas. They have been used as “people’s medicine” in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America for centuries. Herbal medicines have been around for over 2000 years and have proven to be beneficial in the long term to improve a person’s well-being.

As the creator of Ruth’s Herbal Remedies, I have found that the mixture of blends from both eastern and western herbs produces a synergistic formula that is more powerful than the sum of its parts. The herbs react in a union of combined intensity that cannot be achieved by using them individually. Most health food stores only sell individual tinctures or limited blends. I’ve found my blends to be much more effective, and so have my clients!

Most of the herbs are tinctured in 40% alcohol (80 proof) in order to insure the maximum extraction and preservation of the herb. The alcohol used is high quality brandy for a pleasant taste. These tinctures have a shelf life of 3 – 4 years. The tinctures are sold in UV-protected bottles; however, they should be kept out of the sun to ensure their quality. Custom tinctures can be made using vegetable glycerin for those who cannot take alcohol, however these have a shorter shelf-life.

Tinctures are prepared in small batches and then shaken each day for six weeks to ensure the quality of the extraction. Only organic herbs are used with the exception of a few herbs which can only be found as wild-crafted (harvested growing in the wild).

Tinctures, when taken under the tongue, are assimilated directly into the blood stream so they are the strongest, most immediate herbal remedies that exist. Taken before meals, tinctures go directly into the bloodstream and are 5-7 times stronger than teas. Herbs that have a bitter taste can be taken with juice or tea. A diluted formula is recommended for children.

The dosage of a tincture depends on the weight and body type of the individual. Usually, the initial dosage is a 1/4 of a teaspoon twice a day, which is about a quarter of a dropper of a one-ounce bottle. Once the herbal remedy is in the body’s system, the dosage can be reduced to once a day, depending on the tincture and the severity of the complaint. Herbal tinctures are one of the safest herbal preparations, because they are self-regulating and it is easy to adjust the dosage to individual habits and metabolism.

Herbs work slowly but effectively in the body’s system, but their effects are more subtle than medication. It is important to take them consistently over time, as this is the way that natural medicines work. To feel the full benefit, the tinctures must be taken every day for several weeks.