Herbal Tinctures Explained: How They Work, How to Use Them & When to Reach for One

Herbal tinctures are one of the most practical ways to work with herbs, but the name alone can feel intimidating. Pronounced TING-chur, they’re a small, concentrated, and easy-to-take form of herbal medicine. We’re commonly asked: How are they different from tea? When should you use one? Do you need to take them every day?

This updated guide walks through what herbal tinctures are, how they’re made, and the different ways they’re commonly used — so you can approach them with clarity and confidence. 

What Is a Herbal Tincture?

A herbal tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made by steeping herbs in a solvent — most often alcohol, and sometimes glycerin. Over time, the solvent pulls specific compounds out of the plant and into the liquid, creating a shelf-stable extract that’s taken in small amounts.

Tinctures are valued for their convenience, long shelf life, and ability to deliver herbal support without needing to brew a cup of tea each time.

Why the Solvent Matters

Herbs contain many different types of plant compounds — and not all of them dissolve in the same way. The solvent used determines what ends up in the final preparation.

It’s also worth noting that alcohol itself contains water. Most herbal tinctures are made with a mixture of alcohol and water, which means they extract both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble plant compounds. This combination is what allows tinctures to capture a broader range of constituents than water alone.

This is why tinctures can feel very different from drinking herbal tea, even when they’re made from the same plant.

Water (Teas & Infusions)

Water is excellent at extracting:

• Minerals
• Polysaccharides (soothing, moistening compounds)
• Some aromatic and bitter constituents

This makes teas and infusions especially well suited for hydration, nourishment, and gentle daily support.

Alcohol (Tinctures)

Alcohol is able to extract a broader range of plant constituents, including:

• Alkaloids
  Resins
  Bitter principles
  Many aromatic compounds
  
  

Alcohol-based tinctures are concentrated, shelf-stable, and fast-acting — which makes them especially useful when a small, portable preparation is desired.

Glycerin (Glycerites)

Glycerin is a sweet, alcohol-free solvent that extracts:

• Some aromatic compounds
• Certain bitters
• Gentle plant constituents, including some polysaccharides
  

Glycerites tend to be milder than alcohol tinctures and are often chosen by those avoiding alcohol, including children, though they don’t extract the full spectrum of compounds that alcohol can.

Tinctures vs Tea: What’s the Difference?

Drinking a cup of herbal tea and taking a tincture are not interchangeable experiences — and both have their place.

• Tea relies on water and is typically consumed in larger volumes
  
• Tinctures rely on alcohol or glycerin and are much more concentrated
  

Because different solvents extract different compounds, tinctures can offer a different kind of support than tea, even when made from the same plant.

Many people use both: tea for flavour, nourishment, and the relaxing ritual; tinctures for convenience, more targeted support, or for herbs that are less pleasant to drink as a full cup of tea.

Two Ways Herbal Tinctures Are Commonly Used

In practice, tinctures generally fall into two broad patterns of use. Understanding this distinction can help you choose — and use — them more intuitively.

Tinctures for As-Needed Support

Some tinctures are traditionally used in the moment, when support is needed.

These may be taken:

• Occasionally or short-term
  
• At specific times of day or in response to certain sensations
  

They’re often chosen for things like acute infection, sleep support at bedtime, digestive upset, or moments of acute stress or pain. These are the tinctures many people keep on hand and reach for when the situation calls for it, rather than using every day.

Tinctures for Daily or Ongoing Support

Other tinctures are more commonly used over time, as part of steady, ongoing support.

These may be chosen to gently nourish systems of the body, support resilience (including the nervous system), or help restore balance gradually. With these types of herbs, consistency tends to matter more than immediacy, and their effects are often noticed subtly over days or weeks.

How to Take a Tincture

Some tinctures taste lovely, while others are… a little more intense. The good news is they’re flexible — and you can even mix them to create your own blends.

Most tinctures can be taken:

• Directly under the tongue
  
• Diluted in a small amount of water, tea, or juice
  
• Added to sparkling water to make a fun herbal mocktail (for the tasty ones)
  

Tip: If you’re sensitive to alcohol, adding your tincture to warm (not boiling) water can soften the flavour and allow some of the alcohol to evaporate.

An Individual Approach

Everyone responds to herbs a little differently.

Some people prefer to begin at the lower end of the recommended range and gradually increase over time, paying attention to how their body responds. Taking a thoughtful, observant approach can help you feel more comfortable and confident with herbal support.

About NPNs, Dosage & Safety Information

Each of our tinctures is registered with Health Canada and assigned a Natural Product Number (NPN). This means the product has been reviewed for safety, quality, and approved uses.

Each tincture’s recommended dosage, duration of use, and cautions are provided on:

• The product label
• The individual product page on our website
  

Always follow the directions provided with each product.

Herbal Support Is Personal

Herbalism is both traditional and deeply individual. As you explore the different ways to prepare and use herbs, you’ll begin to discover what your body responds to best.

Tinctures have become a practical, supportive part of everyday life in our home — and we’re delighted to share them with you. If you ever have questions, we’re always happy to help guide you toward the right resource.