Herbal tinctures: what they are, how to take them and how to read the label

Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of herbs, usually made in alcohol and water and taken by the dropper. This guide explains what a tincture is, how to read ratios like 1:4, how to take one, how tinctures compare with teas and capsules, and the Canadian tinctures we carry from St. Francis Herb Farm, Harmonic Arts, Botanica and more.

It's written for anyone who likes herbal tea but wants something quicker, anyone who's been handed a tincture name and wants to find it, and anyone curious about the little brown dropper bottles in our supplement aisle. Many of the herbal remedies on our shelf come in tincture form, so it's worth knowing the basics.

What is an herbal tincture?

A tincture is made by steeping herbs, fresh or dried, in a liquid that draws out their compounds, then pressing and straining out the plant material. The liquid is usually a mix of alcohol and water. Alcohol pulls out compounds that water can't, such as resins and many alkaloids, and it also preserves the extract for years. The result is a concentrated liquid form of the herb, measured in drops rather than cups. Tinctures are among the oldest concentrated herbal extracts, and they're still how many herbalists prefer to work.

Tinctures differ from herbal tea, an infusion in hot water, in two ways: they're far more concentrated, and they keep. A bottle of tincture sits in a cupboard for years, while tea is made fresh each time. Glycerine (a glycerite) and vinegar can also be used to make herbal extracts, and they're handy for people who'd rather avoid alcohol, though they extract a little differently.

A tincture is herbal tea's concentrated, long-keeping cousin: the same plant, measured in drops.

Tinctures in herbal medicine: how to read the label

1. Find the herb and the part used. Look for the Latin name and the part of the plant, such as Valeriana officinalis root or Matricaria chamomilla flowers. Single herb tinctures list one; formulas list several.
2. Check the ratio. The ratio tells you how much herb went into how much liquid. A 1:4 tincture uses 1 part dried herb to 4 parts liquid; 1:1 is a stronger "fluid extract", often made from fresh herbs. Some labels also give the dry herb equivalent per serving instead.
3. Look at the base. Certified organic alcohol and distilled or spring water are the most common. Some add vegetable glycerine for a softer taste.
4. Read the recommended use. In Canada, tinctures are licensed natural health products, and the label states the traditional use in plain words, such as "traditionally used in herbal medicine to help relieve nervousness".
5. Follow the directions. The label tells you how many drops, how often, and whether to take it in water or on an empty stomach.
6. Look for the NPN. An eight-digit NPN shows the product is licensed for sale in Canada.

How to take a tincture

Shake the bottle, measure with the dropper, and put a few drops in a little water, juice or tea, or straight under the tongue if you don't mind the taste. Most tinctures are taken one to three times a day, but follow the label. Many people find it easiest to keep the bottle where they make their morning drink.

If you'd rather take in less alcohol, put your drops in a splash of just-boiled water and let it sit for a minute or two before drinking; some of the alcohol evaporates. A typical serving is a fraction of a teaspoon, so the alcohol amount is small.

Tinctures, herbal tea or capsules?

Many people use more than one: tea for the evening ritual, a tincture for busy days. Our herbal tea guide and loose herbs for tea cover the tea side.

St. Francis Herb Farm: tinctures in certified organic alcohol

St. Francis Herb Farm has made certified organic herbal tinctures in the Ottawa Valley since 1988, and we carry almost the whole range. Most single herb tinctures are 1:4 extracts in certified organic alcohol and distilled water, in 100 mL bottles.

St. Francis also makes formulas. Deep Immune Licorice-Free blends astragalus, codonopsis, reishi, schisandra and eleuthero, and is used in herbal medicine to help maintain a healthy immune system. Canadian Bitters is its classic before-meal digestive formula; see our digestive bitters guide.

Harmonic Arts tinctures

Harmonic Arts is a family herbal company on Vancouver Island, Canadian owned and operated. Its tinctures are made with organic herbs in organic cane alcohol and spring water, mostly in 50 mL bottles, and its mushroom tinctures are dual-extracted in hot water and alcohol so both sets of compounds end up in the bottle.

• Feel Calm blends skullcap, passionflower, valerian root, motherwort and hops, traditionally used to help relieve nervousness and promote restful sleep.
• 5 Mushroom combines chaga, cordyceps, lion's mane, reishi and turkey tail.
• Female Harmony blends dong quai, motherwort, black cohosh and ginger, used to help calm the nerves through the ups and downs of a cycle.

Botanica liquid herbs

Botanica is a Canadian company, and its Liquid Herbs are single herb extracts of organic herbs in organic cane alcohol and water, in 50 mL bottles that fit in a bag. The labels give both the ratio and the dried herb equivalent: Botanica Passionflower, for example, is a 1:2.25 extract where 20 drops (1 mL) carry 440 mg of dried herb. Valerian is a 1:2 extract of organic valerian root, and Rhodiola is made from organic, Canadian-grown root. Pairing each dose with a few slow, deep breaths is a nice habit to go with it.

Elderberry, echinacea and mushroom tinctures

A few more Canadian makers round out the shelf, especially for cold and flu season.

Rainbo, a woman-owned Canadian company, makes mushroom tinctures from mushrooms cultivated in Canada, including the 11:11 blend of eleven mushrooms. Our mushroom supplements guide and adaptogens guide cover those herbs in more depth.

Rainbo11:11 Multi-Mushroom TinctureEleven organic mushrooms, cultivated in Canada. 100 mL.Shop →

Making your own tinctures

Some people like making their own tinctures at home: dried or fresh herbs in a clean glass jar, covered with alcohol, steeped for several weeks, then strained into dark bottles. Making tinctures is a satisfying project for familiar kitchen herbs. For herbs taken for a specific purpose, a licensed tincture gives you a consistent ratio, a tested product and clear directions. You'll find loose dried herbs in our bulk organic herbs and spices.

Questions we get a lot

What are the benefits of taking tinctures?

Tinctures are quick to take, easy to adjust, and they keep for years. They're concentrated, so a few drops in water replace a cup of tea, and they're easy to combine in one glass.

What are the disadvantages of tinctures?

The taste can be strong, and most tinctures contain alcohol. If you'd like to avoid alcohol, look for glycerine-based or water-based herbal extracts, or choose capsules or tea instead.

What are the best herbal tinctures to start with?

A good place to start is a single herb you already know from tea, such as chamomile, lemon balm or peppermint. That way you know the taste and can see how the concentrated liquid form fits your day.

How long does a tincture last?

An alcohol based tincture keeps for years if it's capped tightly and stored away from heat and light; check the expiry date on the bottle. Glycerine-based extracts keep for less time.

Can I put a tincture in hot tea?

Yes. Adding drops to warm tea is a common way to take them, and it lets some of the alcohol evaporate.

Shop herbal tinctures in Bedford, Dartmouth or online

You'll find herbal tinctures in the supplement aisle at both stores: 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford and 590 Portland Street in Dartmouth, open seven days. In HRM, order by 11 am with Luminate Express for same-day delivery, or choose pickup. Anywhere else in Canada, orders over $80 ship free.

Sources: product labels and listings for the items shown. This article is general information, not medical advice.