About Tinctures
What are tinctures? Tinctures are made by infusing fresh or dried herbs in ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which in our case is made from organically-grown grains (usually rye). Tinctures are described by the proportion of herb to alcohol used and the strength of the alcohol. (See example in footnote*)
To clarify dosages, we have translated this into a milligram per ml value on our labels so that you know exactly how much herb was infused in every 1ml you take of our tinctures.
Why tinctures? Tinctures present the herb in a form most readily assimilated by the body and can be made with fresh herbs when available. It is for this reason that most medical herbalists prescribe herbs in this form.
Why single tinctures? In general, we only offer single tinctures so that people can choose the appropriate herb/herbs for them. Multiple combinations run the risk of including herbs inappropriate to someone’s particular situation. A herbalist would tailor a mixture to a patients individual needs, and is best consulted before taking such combinations. The other disadvantage of off-the-shelf multiple combinations is that they may end up providing none of the herbs at a therapeutic dose.
How to use Tinctures: Tinctures are best taken around mealtimes and mixed with water or fruit juice. Some can have a slightly bitter taste, and orange juice is particularly effective in masking this. Some natural settlement commonly occurs with certain tinctures: this is entirely harmless and can be shaken in before use. If a clearer tincture is preferred, storing in a fridge can help to hold any sediment at the bottom and reduce flecking of the tincture taken. Adding tinctures to hot fluid reduces alcohol content, but it’s worth pointing out that the amount involved when taking tinctures is small.
What are alcohol-free tinctures? These are generally made using glycerine instead of alcohol. Glycerine is sweet and syrupy and is therefore used to provide a tincture that is both alcohol-free and tastes sweet. It is particularly favoured for children’s Echinacea mixtures. Unfortunately, glycerine is inferior to alcohol as both a solvent and a preservative, and therefore is seldom specified in pharmacopoeias and rarely used by herbalists. As already mentioned above, the alcohol amount involve in tincture taking is small and can be reduced by mixing with hot fluid.
* For example our Fresh Echinacea Tincture is described as 1:1.33 in 45% ethanol, which means we put 1 kg in 1.33 litres of alcohol/water mixture to give an alcohol strength of 45%. This is about the maximum strength achievable using finely chopped herbs with the fluid still covering the herb.
About Ointments And Oils
What are ointments? Ointments are preparations using oils/fats/waxes of various natural or synthetic types as a carrier for herbal extracts or other substances used to heal/soothe the skin and underlying tissues. Herbal ointments often involved transferring extracted substances from an alcohol base to the oil/fat/wax base by evaporating the alcohol. We favour extracting the herb directly into the oil base used in the ointment, as we believe this produces a more effective product.
Our ointments start with infusing herbs in organic sunflower oil either hot (in a water bath) or warm (20-25° C) which are then set with organic beeswax. Our Comfrey Oil is the infused oil without the beeswax.
The wax in our ointments helps to hold the preparation on the surface giving slower absorption into underlying tissue, whereas oils tend to be absorbed more rapidly eg. for soothing underlying muscles as with Comfrey Oil.
Why ointments? We tend to favour ointments because they present herbs in a pure form and because no water is involved, the problem of undesirable preservatives is avoided. Formulations can also be almost 100% organic.
How to use oils & ointments: Oils can de rubbed into affected areas or gently dabbed on if very sensitive. Ointments can be applied directly to the affected area, or worked in the palm of the hand before use if the ointment has hardened in the cold. Again, they should be dabbed on gently if there is sensitivity. Always test ointments on your skin before applying to a large or sensitive area just in case you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. (This is very rare with the ingredients we use.)
Quick Guide To Herb Uses
For more in-depth information about many of the herbs, go to the family health guide
Tinctures
AGNUS CASTUS (D) hormone balancer which can help with PMS. Reduces hot flushes and can improve vaginal secretions in menopausal women.
ARTICHOKE LEAF (F) - Liver tonic which can help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol.
ASTRAGALUS (F) - A Chinese immune booster which is also an adaptogen (improves body function and general well being).
BLACK COHOSH (D) - Another excellent herb for restoring female hormonal balance, relieving hot flushes and easing aches and pains.
( Not recommended if there is menstrual flooding.)
CALENDULA (F) - Nature’s antiseptic - an ideal lotion for sore angry skin, cuts, grazes etc.
CALIFORNIAN POPPY (F) - A calming herb with mild analgesic effects used especially for psychological problems in children such as nervous bedwetting, sleeplessness and anxiety.
CELERY SEED (D) - Ancient remedy for rheumatism, arthritis and gout.
CHIDREN’S ECHINACEA (F) - With Elderberry (anti-viral) and Plantain (to assist with upper respiratory catarrh).
CLEAVERS (F) - Cleansing tonic for the lymphatic system, diuretic. A great ‘spring-cleaning’ herb.
CRAMP BARK (D) - Cramps, period pains and general muscular relaxant.
DANDELION & BURDOCK (F) - The classic DETOX mixture, combining the well-known liver tonic dandelion with the kidney toning powers of burdock.
ECHINACEA (F) - Immune booster widely used against colds and flu.
ECHINACEA SPRAY (F) - With Elderberry (anti-viral) and Honey. The spray is an ideal way of taking of Echinacea in a soothing combination. Excellent for sore throats, and children love it. Can be taken on the move and at work enabling regular dosing, well known to enhance the benefits of Echinacea.
ELECAMPANE (F) - An expectorant which is an excellent remedy for stubborn chesty coughs.
FEVERFEW (F) - Popular migraine remedy.
GINKGO (F) - Improves blood circulation to brain and other peripheral body parts.
( May affect dose of anticoagulants. Consult GP if necessary.)
GINSENG, KOREAN (D) - Adaptogen (normalizes body function and improves well-being) - especially for exhaustion due to physical/mental stress, and following illness. Regulates hormones and can reduce menstrual flooding when approaching menopause.
GINSENG, SIBERIAN (D) - Adaptogenic (see above), circulatory stimulant, increases stamina.
HAWTHORN BERRY (F) - Gentle and effective heart tonic, increasing blood flow to the heart and normalizing blood pressure.
HORSE CHESTNUT (F) - Venous circulation in the legs, varicose veins (use ointment simultaneously).
MILK THISTLE (F) - Famed liver tonic.
NETTLE (F) - General tonic which can also help with allergies and nervous eczema.
OATS (AVENA SATIVA) (F) - Nervous exhaustion and associated insomnia, mild depression.
OREGON GRAPE (D) - Internally for eczema and psoriasis (use ointment simultaneously); also used as an alternative for goldenseal as wild populations of this valuable herb are seriously threatened by over collection
SAW PALMETTO (D) - Prostate problems, especially benign prostatic hypertrophy.
ST JOHN’S WORT (F) - Renowned herb for mild depression - the ‘Sunshine Herb’; often useful during menopause.
( May affect dosage of some prescription drugs. Consult GP if taking prescription medication.)
VALERIAN (F) - Mild calming sedative - good for combating stress and insomnia.
WITCH HAZEL SPRAY (D) - Cuts, bruises, insect bites, inflammation. External Use Only
F = Tincture from fresh herb. D = Tincture from dried herb.
Ointments & Oils
ARNICA - With Comfrey and Calendula. Classic ointment for bruising when skin unbroken.
CALENDULA/HYPERICUM - The classic herbal salve for skin soreness and blemishes.
CHICKWEED - With Marshmallow and Calendula. A soothing ointment for itching sensitive skin.
COMFREY - Widely used for wounds and bruises to soothe the skin and underlying tissue.
COMFREY OIL - A gentle rubbing oil for massaging aches and stiffness after work and exercise, and generally for muscular condition.
HORSE CHESTNUT - With Burdock and Calendula. An ointment to support and soothe varicose veins and associated aches and tenderness. Best used alongside Horse Chestnut tincture.
OREGON GRAPE - With Chickweed, Calendula and Roman Chamomile. Becoming popular for psoriasis and eczema. Best used alongside Oregon Grape tincture.
PILEWORT - With Comfrey and Calendula. A classic example of the Doctrine of Signatures in that the roots resemble haemorrhoids.
Horse chestnut and Oregon grape ointments can be used alongside the corresponding tinctures taken orally, and the cleansing properties of Dandelion & Burdock or Cleavers can assist generally with many skin problems.
NB - These notes are for general guidance about popular uses. Always consult a Medical Herbalist or your GP about any major health issues.
