How To Use Tinctures

Why The Herbal Toad Tincture?

Each ingredient in our artisanal tinctures. / liquid herbal drops is carefully chosen to work well together based on their unique constituents and actions rather than by any single isolated component. The result is powerfully effective tinctures that promote optimal health. 
We use only the highest quality herbs that are certified organic, or holistically wild crafted. We use organic grain alcohol and filtered water, free from harsh chemicals. This combination acts as a carrier, bringing the needed remedy straight to the blood stream to work fast and effectively. Tinctures are absorbed in the mouth and stomach and bypass the slower intestinal system which may not absorb the needed constituents of capsules.

Why Tinctures/Liquid Herbal Drops Over Other Methods?

  • Tinctures and Extracts are the most suitable delivery format for the majority of herbs.
  • They are as old as medicine itself, and have been consumed for thousands of years.
  • Super concentrated by using a natural raw method of extractions that collects a wider range of natural healing substances than other extraction options like tea, decoction, and infusions.
  • Naturally shelf stable (read remainder of section for more information).
  • Tinctures are customizable because they are liquid, and therefore can be taken according to what is right for you, whereas other methods are less flexible. 
  • Easy for the body to assimilate, especially in comparison to capsules or tablets.
  • Retain their potency much longer than bulk herbs. Properly made and stored, they have a shelf life of a minimum of 5 years.
  • Tinctures are convenient! They can be easily carried, are instantly ready to use. They do not require a refrigerator. You don't need to wait for boiling water or steeping tea.

Serving

Every herb is unique and dosages vary accordingly, but there are some general guidelines that can be very helpful.

Drop Count - Tincture dosages can be measured in drops, squeezes (dropper fulls), milliliters (ml.), or teaspoons. A squeeze is about 25-30 drops, or 1ml. The most commonly used dose for tinctures is 30-60 drops or 1-2 squeezes. All of our tinctures servings are being transferred over to using the drop count method. This method allows for you to count out the exact number o drops in a small amount of water tea or juice.

Squeeze Count - If you prefer the squeeze method, which is especially useful when adding tinctures directly to the mouth, you can easily convert the directions for drops into squeezes. The dropper top (the rubber piece) is the same size, regardless of the size bottle or the length of the pipette. This means that when taking our tinctures, it is not necessary to fill the pipette. Each squeeze is equivalent to approximately 30 drops. Therefore, if a tincture serving is 60 drops, you can safely count 2 squeezes of the dropper top and get an effective serving.

 We highly recommend that you use a good herbal reference and become familiar with the individual characteristics of the herbs you are using.

Timing

Most of our tinctures should be taken away from food, either half an hour before eating or 1 hour or more after eating, for optimal absorption. There are certain circumstances where this is different, as when directed to take a digestive bitter around meal times.

What Does 'As Needed' Mean?

We are all unique and herbs can work differently for different people. The usage instructions on the label are written to be applicable to a general population. However, that doesn't mean they are optimum for you and the discomforts you are experiencing (small vs. large body types for example). "As needed" means you should take the amount listed at a needed frequency until you feel the desired effect (paying attention to any maximum or frequency limitations listed on both the bottle and the product page). It is best to limit yourself to 3-4 servings per day for any tincture until you are aware of how your body responds to the herbal remedy.

Delivery Methods

While taking tinctures directly under the tongue delivers the herbs quickly to the bloodstream, this technique should only be used infrequently, when in need of immediate action. Our tincture formulas are a powerful concentrated form of herbs, and can cause irritation to the delicate area under the tongue when taken directly under the tongue on a regular or frequent basis.

Most formulas can be diluted in common drinks to improve taste without compromising the effect. If you are taking more than one tincture, adding them to the same water, tea or juice is an effective simple way to take more than one tincture at a time.

You may also put the tincture into a cup of warm or hot water for an instant cup of herbal tea. Heat your water first, before adding the herbs. Heating the herbs in a microwave may kill or weaken their healthful benefits. It may be flavored with lemon or honey to disguise the taste. Never give honey to a child under one year of age.

Children

It is safe for children to take many of our general wellness tinctures, however we recommend paying attention to the 'Details' tab for child safety information, as well as consulting with your own licensed herbalist or your child’s pediatrician first. Our recommended dosage is ¼ dose for children 2-5, ½ dose for children 6-9, and ¾ dose for older children, unless otherwise stated on the product page. Remember, each child is unique, and we suggest inquiring of your licensed herbalist or other healthcare practitioner before undergoing any changes to your child's routine.

Storage

Our tinctures have a naturally optimal long shelf life, and can be stored in a cupboard or pantry. They do not need to be refrigerated, but should be kept away from high temperatures in order to not lose any of their medicinal properties. In order to maintain quality, DO NOT touch the pipette to the inside of the mouth. Over time, this may contaminate your product and make it less shelf stable.