Tinctures vs. Glyerin-Based Formulas
Dearest Community of Self-Healers,
I will keep it short with new developments for this... there is more coming, I promise... but I do want to spend a few moments talking about the difference between tinctures and glycerin-based formulas.
As most of you know we have started to make glycerine-based formulas to make it easy for children to take or anyone really that prefers to stay away from alcohol-based formulas aka tinctures.
A tincture is an herb (fresh or dry) infused into alcohol for at least one moon-cycle/one month, kept in a warm place, ideally shaken daily, and strained after 1-3 months into a dark amber bottle for storage.
We use organic grape alcohol, or in some instances, as with our Swedish Bitters, in organic cane alcohol.
Tinctures last for years, sometimes a decade if stored correctly, with their medicinal value intact.
In a glycerin-based formula, aka a glycerite, the dry or fresh herb is placed in glycerin (in our case organic glycerin made from coconuts) instead of alcohol, steeped for a month, shaken daily and kept in a warm place. We do add a teeny amount of organic grape alcohol to extend shelf life.
Glycerin-based formulas have a much shorter storage life compared to tinctures but are far easier to take (and healthier) for children and sensitive adults. I find that I am drawn to take a larger dose when I use a glycerite.
Personally, I have observed that I am more and more drawn to taking glycerin-based formulas and not use tinctures so much anymore. I will still use a tincture when I do not have a glycerin option of that herb but will add it to boiling water to evaporate most of its alcohol. It does not weaken the action of the remedy to add boiling water to my cup that holds the tincture, and after about 5-10 minutes I feel fine to sip the now somewhat cooler liquid. Just a couple of inches of water in your cup is totally enough... or add to your hot tea and voilà!
Glycerin tastes very sweet and extracts the "taste and smell" of an herb more fully compared to a tincture extraction. For example, our Ginger and Turmeric are amazing as glycerin-based remedies. Very yummy! And no problem getting down a child's mouth LOL! If the sweetness is too much for you, add it to a smoothie, tea or water.
Again, in my personal experience, it feels gentler, softer for my sensitive system to take glycerites versus alcohol-based tinctures and I find them equally as effective.
Lemon grass and holy basil drying for tea.
Everyone has to follow and listen to their own guidance system in regards to the best way to take herbs.
My absolute favorite way to ingest herbs is to eat them straight from the garden. For example, dandelion leaves or lemon balm cut very small and added to my salad, as well as all the digestives like marjoram, basil, rosemary or sage, in soup or tomato sauce. Drying herbs for tea and drinking a cuppa in the colder weather, or using the tea cold in a smoothie!
It’s cozy time again! With a cuppa in front of a fire.
Having said all the above, tinctures are a time-honored way to take a remedy and very effective generally speaking. I just felt drawn to introduce the glycerin-based option/choice to the more sensitive individual including children or anyone preferring a low/no alcohol-based formula.
Ok, enough for now! LOL :))
Back to stocking up the apothecary and getting ready for you!!
Much love to all of you,
Rupam, Blake and Linda
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