Herbal Tinctures
What is a Tincture And How to Use Herbs for Healing
Herbs for healing
A tincture (or herbal tonic) is made by steeping the fresh or dried herb (the marc) in a solution of food grade alcohol (the menstruum) for several weeks before straining it. Alcohol, because it is approximately 50% water and 50% alcohol. Alcohol extracts the oil based medicinal properties of the herb ands the water based properties are extracted by the water. Herbs for healing are best used in “tincture” form because it is absorbed quickly into your bloodstream and the alcohol serves as a preservative, giving the tincture a shelf life of at least 10 years when stored away from heat and light.
The Healing Path tinctures are steeped for no less than six weeks therefore making it a higher quality product. Most commercial grade herbal tinctures are aged for only two weeks.
The advantages of tinctures, over other forms of herbal medicine are that they are concentrated and rapidly absorbed. Furthermore they are easy on the stomach and easy to dispense. It is noteworthy that they are very stable
How to remove Alcohol from an Herbal Tincture
If you have concerns about alcohol consumption, please follow these instructions:
Before each dose:
- Boil some water.
- Measure tincture dose into a glass.
- Pour ¼ cup of boiling water into glass with tincture.
- Allow tincture and water mixture to cool, and take dosage as usual.
It will have no more alcohol than a ripe banana.
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Suggested Uses for Herbal Tinctures
It is important to know how to use a tincture. Here are my guidelines:
One eyedropper full consists of 25 drops (1 ml.)
(One squeeze of the eyedropper bulb.)
The glass bulb will only be full about 1 inch
For Best Results:
Be consistent:
Too often we forget dosages and/or stop taking it as soon as we start feeling better. Although one missed dosage will not make a big difference, it may slow down your progress. So, you be the judge as to what is the best way to remember your daily doses. Some find it helpful to leave their tinctures on the counter or somewhere that it is easily seen. The visual queue helps you to remember your daily doses.
How to Use a Tincture For Children
Children take their tinctures easily when their dose is served in a small cup or glass to which a maraschino cherry juice has been added; and don’t forget the cherry on top. Your tincture should be thought of, and used like a nutritional supplement. If you have any concerns or questions about your herbal tincture or their use with medications, please ask your doctor.
DOSING GUIDELINES FOR HERBAL TINCTURES
This is the optimal way to use herbs for healing. The Healing Path Herbal tinctures can be taken in accordance to “body weight”. For every 50 pounds of body weight – take one dropper full of tincture. If for some reason you should skip a dose simply double the next dose.
The general guideline is as follows:
- 30 pounds (13.6 Kg) = 15 *DROPS two times daily *Drops not droppers full
- 50 pounds (22 Kg) = 1 Dropper full two times daily
- 100 pounds (45 Kg) = 2 Droppers full two times daily
- 150 pounds (68 Kg) = 3 Droppers full two times daily
- 200 pounds (90 Kg) = 4 Droppers full two X’s daily
- 250 pounds (113 Kg) = 5 Droppers full two X’s daily
- 300 pounds (136 Kg) = 6 Droppers full two X’s daily
For autoimmune disorders it is recommended to double your doses for the first week of your treatment.
* Herbal tinctures can be taken with or without food; because it is in tincture form it is absorbed quickly into the blood stream.
*Also, consider your diet and lifestyle. If you eat healthy [plenty of fruits and vegetables, proper protein, 25 grams of fiber per day, little or no white flour or sugar] and avoid GMOs you will speed up your recovery. Sometimes it is appropriate to add a midday dose.
