What is a Tincture?

A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract that is made by soaking herbs or parts of herbs in alcohol, vinegar or vegetable glycerin. In layman’s terms, its a liquid herbal medicine you usually take orally when needed. Because its a concentrate, you take much less than perhaps what you are used to with children’s tylenol or benedryl.

At Magpie Apothecary, we place the solute, the herb(s), into the solvent, the non-gmo vegetable glycerin, to make the solution, the tincture.

We choose to use non-gmo vegetable glycerin because its a more effective solvent than vinegar. We also understand people’s sensitivities with alcohol or reservations about giving their children a tincture made of alcohol, even though it is a minuscule amount. We also want to safe-guard ourselves from ATF regulations in regards to selling items with alcohol as an ingredient. Tinctures can be made in one of two ways; by time or a low heat method speeding up the time it takes to process.

A normal dosage of a tincture is anywhere between 5-20 drops up to 3 times a day. Sometimes more dosages are permitted, and you should contact your herbalist for direction during specific times.

A special note: I think it is best to follow God’s design for creation in all things. Therefore, take your tincture dutifully for six days, and rest from it on the seventh.