Tincture Tonics?

When watching an older movie, particularly one that is set prior to 1950, oftentimes terms are used that are rare or extinct in modern day life. Such as when characters would faint in a scene, a smaller role would always be advised to procure the “smelling salts” because the ill person had “the vapors.” The word tincture reminds me of this old-timey speak, although I admit that I did not know exactly what one was. Apparently tinctures are still widely used today and relevant in modern alternative medicine for a variety of ailments.

Common in chemistry classes (a course I was never good in), a tincture is a solution that uses alcohol as the main ingredient acting as a solvent to dissolve the solid portion of the solution. A tincture involves the mixing of the leaves, stems, or crushed seeds of a plant/medicinal herb distilled over time in a high percentage of alcohol (usually 40 to 60, but can also be up to 90 percent ethanol alcohol).

To make a healing tincture, herb bits are placed in a small jar and ethanol is poured over them. After letting this mixture stand for several weeks, while stirring occasionally, your tincture is ready for consumption (but should only be consumed in the event of an actual ailment). This process using alcohol helps to keep the herbs lasting for many years past their normal expiration because they are living compounds. It should be noted that tinctures can also be made with vinegar, although this type doesn’t last as long as the alcohol version.

Easily stored and travel-sized, most tinctures are made in small glass or plastic vials—around one ounce in size—perfect for a first aid kit or toiletries bag. Ready to use, these tinctures are easily administered either under the tongue or a few drops mixed into water, juices, or teas.

If you do not have the resources to purchase a high-quality tincture (they can be expensive depending on the uniqueness of the herb being used, time it took the herbalist, and where you find them), it is just as easy to make one yourself. However, make sure you use a recipe so the percentages are just right and use them with caution and as recommended. Favorite alcohol-based tonics that are made as tinctures are formuated with gin, brandy, and vodka, mainly because they are the top 100-proof alcohols available for purchase. Cheap alcohol will make the tincture less effective, so buy the best you can afford (or the best-tasting in your opinion).

Tinctures are generally used for chronic pain conditions like arthritis and ongoing persistent or recurring ailments such as bronchitis, asthma, menopause, migraines, joint and muscle spasms, stomach and bowel problems such as colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, motion sickness, nausea, tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease, and many others.

These tiny potions can be taken as often as a couple of times a day or just a few times a week or monthly as necessary. Always check with your nutritionist or physician before self-medicating or using a tincture as a complement to Western medical treatments and always make sure the herbs being used or mixed are supposed to combine in order to treat your specific condition. If you happen to be on medication, also check with your healthcare provider in case you are unable to use a tincture based on alcohol content or possibly because of the drug interaction with different herbs.

Next time you watch an old movie and someone with tuberculosis needs a tincture in order to get through his or her day, maybe you (as I will) know what exactly that means, even if you don’t venture to your nearest health food store or attempt to make your own alternative tonic.