Tinctures

Tinctures are the most common form of plant medicine that modern herbalist work with. Understandably so, as these preparations are shelf-stable and open up a world of possibility for formulations and individualised prescriptions.

Tinctures are single plant extracts, essentially a plant material mixed with alcohol or vinegar for preservation. Sometimes glycerine is used instead (essentially a tincture, yet technically called an extract).

In truth though the alcohol in your daily dose of herbal tincture is minuscule! Alcohol is a wonderful solvent, as it holds the medicinal components of the plant to help deliver them to you with ease. They are shelf stable and basically last forever!