Tinctures have now been making the rounds of beauty and health websites and stores and could be considered the next “in” thing. But what exactly are tinctures, and what makes them more special than other types of products?
Here are a few important and interesting facts about tinctures which you may not have known before.
A tincture is a super potent liquid extract
It is the final product when a herb is steeped in a food-grade alcohol and water mixture. That is essentially the summary of what a tincture is. However, the process of making a tincture is much more complicated, and is best left to experienced professionals.
A herb or plant is put in an alcohol-water solution, agitating it every day. This solution is then pressed after a few weeks or months, depending on how concentrated you want it to be. The alcohol that’s left at the end of the process is a very concentrated dosage of that plant.
This maceration process typically starts with a dry herb, with the alcohol used to keep any bacteria from growing during the process. The end product is a super potent herbal concoction.
The tincture herbal extraction method extracts the useful active ingredients without destroying the herb in its natural state. This allows consumers to absorb all the beneficial ingredients of the herb.
Tinctures are easy to consume
Herbal tinctures like ours are made with food-grade alcohol, which means they can be ingested as directed without any harmful effects. Simply follow the directions on the label of each tincture for the recommended serving.
The usual consumption of such tinctures would be three times a day, after each meal. There are also those tinctures which should be taken twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.
Most tinctures are odourless
Unlike brewing strong-smelling herbal teas or decoctions, which can leave a lingering aroma in enclosed spaces that sticks to your fingers, clothes, and upholstery, tinctures produce little to no odour.
If you need a discreet and convenient way to take your herbs, tinctures could be the answer you’re looking for. You won’t even have to worry about finding a place to take them, because all you need is a few drops under your tongue, and that’s it - you’re good to go.
Tinctures are used for beauty and cosmetic products
Tinctures are also sometimes used in the creation of beauty and cosmetic products. Antioxidant skin products are an example wherein tinctures are used, and often start with a tincture coming from a herb with many antioxidants and anti-ageing features present.
The herb undergoes the same maceration process in creating the tincture, but the difference now is that all the alcohol would be burned off in the final product. This is because alcohol is drying to the skin and would have some negative properties if overly applied. Once all the alcohol is removed from the final product, what is left can be easily absorbed by the skin.
Proper storage is important for tinctures
Some tinctures are sensitive to light, and exposure to either light or heat could deteriorate or lessen the effects these tinctures may have. Tinctures should always be stored in airtight, dark containers such as dark coloured jars or bottles. They should be placed far from any heat source, and in cool temperature environments.
Plastic containers should be avoided because plastic and the alcohol found in tinctures such as ethanol don’t go well together. Glass dropper bottles are a common favourite storage option for tinctures as these are often
dark-coloured, non-reactive to alcohol, and provide a quick and easy delivery method.
You shouldn’t attempt to make tinctures on your own
With all the positive effects and properties which tinctures could bring, you could be thinking of just making one on your own. Be warned - this is not a good idea at all.
Although it is possible to make your own tinctures at home, the process is complicated and there is a high chance of failure. Accidents could also happen since you would be handling flammable materials such as alcohol. Tincture making is best left to experienced professionals with the right equipment and quality controls.
A final word on tinctures
Tinctures are really an amazing method to gain the positive effects of many herbs and plants. Their manufacture involves many safety regulations and is best left to professionals in a controlled environment. But when you buy quality tinctures from a reputable source and follow the guidelines for their use and safekeeping, you’ll see that these are indeed worth every penny you pay for them.
Here at Superfoods Australia, we have a variety of tinctures you can easily add to your diet. Check out our pine pollen, shilajit, siberian chaga, lion's mane, and lemon myrtle tinctures. Each of our products has been carefully sourced only from the finest producers in the world. We are proud to be offering high-quality products that can support your health and wellbeing.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
