What Is A Tincture?

What if there was a way to reduce your medications and use natural remedies? By the end of this post, you'll know what a tincture is, how to use them, and the EXACT dosing you need.

Tincture Benefits

  • Tinctures, what are they?

  • Tinctures are concentrated, a liquid extract made from herbs, water & alcohol.

  • They are quick-acting and a convenient way to take herbs. Most tinctures are hydroethanolic extracts that are a combination of water and alcohol.

  • The combination optimizes the extraction of the plants with both water and alcohol-soluble constituents desired in the final product. 

  • Tinctures have a long shelf life, frequently lasting many years. The alcohol content preserves the tincture from bacteria and fermentation, even when left at room temperature. Store in a cool dark place and keep out of reach from children.

Tincture Medicine

  • Why use tinctures?

  • Tinctures are a safe, fast, and effective way to use herbs and seek their medicinal benefits.

  • They are not, however, used when the nutritional aspect of herbs is being sought. For this, one should use teas, infusions, decoctions, and syrups.

What is a glycerite tincture?

  • Glycerin is used to prepare “alcohol-free” tinctures and to preserve and sweeten the taste of liquid extracts called- glycerites.

Children under 1 year of age, may prefer this for its sweet taste. Some of the children’s tinctures Tara creates combines a glycerine with a tincture to sweeten the taste.

Are tinctures safe for babies?

  • I would use glycerine tinctures with children under 6 months of age.

  • And.. even children over 6 months may like an elderberry or lemon balm glycerine added to their tincture to sweeten it and make it taste good.

  • Alternatively, if you are breastfeeding.  You can take a full dose of the herb and it will pass to your baby through the breastmilk.

Are tinctures safe for toddlers?

  • Tinctures are part water, part alcohol.  When you give your child 7ml, they will receive 50% water and 50% alcohol.When added to water and juice they receive even less.

Tips for giving tinctures to children

  • Babies can receive the tincture through the mother’s milk or in a bottle.

  • Toddlers love taking tinctures with a fun straw or a syringe.

  • For pregnancy and children, you can pour boiling water over the tincture to dissipate the alcohol. Let cool completely and add juice for children to disguise the taste if needed.

When to take a tincture?

  • Most tinctures you'll take in the morning and evening.

  • If you are taking medications, consult with your doctor as some tinctures interfere with the absorption of medications. 

  • Bitters should be taken 15 minutes before a meal to aid digestion. 

Tincture Dosage For Children

  • The dosage depends on the weight and age of the person being treated.

  • An adult dose is 60 drops.To treat an acute condition you can take a tincture 1-3x day. 

Age -- Dosage

  • Younger than 3 months -- 2 drops

  • 3 to 6 months — 3 drops

  • 6 to 9 months -- 4 drops

  • 9 to 12 months -- 5 drops

  • 12 to 18 months -- 7 drops

  • 18 to 24 months -- 8 drops

  • 2 to 3 years -- 10 drops

  • 3 to 4 years -- 12 drops

  • 4 to 6 years -- 15 drops

  • 6 to 9 years -- 24 drops

  • 9 to 12 years -- 30 drops

  • 12 and older —30-60 drops

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How do I take a tincture?

  • To take a tincture, you would drop the suggested amount in a 1/4 cup of water and drink.In emergencies, you may place the tincture directly on your tongue. 

How do store tinctures?

  • Ideally, they are kept in a cool location away from direct heat and light and keep away from children.

Where to buy tinctures? See this post

  • https://taragregorio.com/dont-trust-botanicals-here-are-7-companies-to-love/

How to use herbs with kids?

Conclusion

I believe tinctures will be our new medicine. 

They can aid digestion, reduce unwanted symptoms, and reduce antibiotic use. 

Tinctures can also ease anxiety and depression.

They are quick and effective, Place a dropper full in your water bottle and feel confident knowing you are supporting your body throughout the day.

Warmly~ Tara

References:

  • ¹ https://herblore.com/overviews/childrens-dosage-guide

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