Herbal treatments have traditionally been made from plant tinctures. While the health advantages of certain plants are well established, those of others are less certain and may even be detrimental. Before beginning any kind of herbal medicine program, speak with a physician.
Read More: oral tincture
Made by soaking the bark, berries, leaves (fresh or dried), or roots of one or more plants in vinegar or alcohol, tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts.
The plant pieces’ active compounds are extracted and concentrated into a liquid by the alcohol or vinegar.
Certain plants may have therapeutic qualities and health advantages, according to certain studies and anecdotal accounts.
Tinctures are an essential part of traditional herbal treatment and have been used for millennia.
With a few exceptions, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States views most tinctures as supplements. Therefore, their consequences on health are frequently unknown and little researched.
advantages of using a tincture
The naturally occurring compounds in some plants that improve health may be easily consumed with tinctures. They may be readily made at home and are often inexpensive to create.
An estimated 80% of the world’s population presumably uses herbal medicines like tinctures for at least part of their medical requirements since they are easily accessible.
The following common plants are used to make tinctures, and research shows that they may be good for your health:
The flower chamomile. Studies indicate that chamomile is a herb with potential use in the treatment of anxiety, wound healing, and inflammation reduction.
Feverfew (folium). Although feverfew was originally meant to lower fevers, most people now take it to treat arthritis and avoid migraines. Studies on feverfew’s ability to prevent migraines, however, are conflicting. Some claim it works, while others claim it doesn’t. Emerging research points to feverfew’s promise for treating rosacea, pain, and cancer. Feverfew has shown promise as a potential therapy for anxiety and depression in a mouse-based study.
Garlic (root, cloves). Though the results were not definitive, an analysis of a few tiny and limited scientific research shows that garlic is beneficial at achieving minor decreases in total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Results from a follow-up analysis were a little more definitive. They proposed that using garlic for more than two months might effectively lower LDL and total cholesterol. Researchers are currently looking at the possibility of using garlic to cure cancer.
Root ginger. Anecdotal reports suggest that ginger relieves motion sickness, and research suggests it might lessen nausea in expectant mothers.
Gingko (plant). Tinnitus to asthma are just a few of the ailments that ginkgo has historically been used to treat. Scientists have recently looked at how it can help with memory enhancement, dementia prevention, and brain function enhancement. According to studies, ginkgo has compounds that improve brain cell activity. However, it doesn’t clarify how it impacts a person’s real brain function.
Ginseng (root). According to research, ginseng may have positive benefits on the immune system and psychology. It also implies that ginseng may benefit diabetics.
Fruit of the milk thistle. Studies indicate that milk thistle may be able to treat liver disorders.
St. John’s Wort (leaf, blossom). According to a review of research, St. John’s wort may help reduce depressive symptoms.
Fruit of the saw palmetto. Although saw palmetto has been used for many years to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, recent studies indicate its efficacy may not be as high as previously thought.
Root Valerian. A tiny, constrained analysis of research indicates valerian root may enhance the quality of sleep.
adverse effects of tinctures
There are risks associated with using tinctures and other herbal treatments. There is a chance of adverse effects, some of which are severe, even with plants that have been scientifically shown to provide health benefits.
The recipe for a tincture
Safe-to-use herbs can be used to make tinctures at home. Making a tincture is as easy as immersing plants in alcohol in a glass container. Here’s how to do it:
Locate the plant or plants that you want to utilize. Be cautious to only remove plant portions that are suitable for usage.
Finely slice fresh leaves and fill a glass jar two-thirds to three-quarters of the way. Stuff with bark, berries, or dried leaves and roots to fill halfway. And then add dried berries, bark, or roots to cover one-fourth of the space.
Cover the herbs entirely with 40–70% grain alcohol by filling the glass jar to the brim.
Place parchment paper into the jar and secure the metal lid.
Give it a full week or two to sit.
Put a funnel over a piece of cheesecloth and let the tincture run through.
How to create an alcohol-free tincture
Not a big drinker? Not an issue. Use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in place of the alcohol in your tincture.
Where can I buy tinctures?
The majority of health food stores sell tinctures if you don’t want to make your own. Before incorporating tinctures into your medical regimen, see a physician.