By Margaret Tincture is concentrated herbal extracts that is made by steeping the bark, berries, or leaves of one or more plants in alcohol, vinegar.
Alcohol or vinegar extracts the active ingredients from the plant parts and concentrates them into a liquid.
Tinctures are an integral part of traditional herbal medicine. They have been around for various millennia.
The benefits of using a tincture
Tinctures allow you to easily consume the natural, health-enhancing chemicals found in certain plants. Tinctures are usually easy to prepare and inexpensive to make.
These are some of the most common plants that can be used in tinctures. Scientific studies suggest they may benefit your health.
- Chamomile Flower. Chamomile as a plant that can be used to treat anxiety, heal wounds and reduce inflammation
- Feverfew used to treat fevers but is now being used for migraine prevention and treatment. Studies on feverfew’s effects on migraine prevention have not been conclusive. Feverfew may be able to treat cancer and pain. One study using mice revealed promising results for feverfew’s potential as a treatment for anxiety or depression.
- Garlic Cloves, root A analysis of a few small and limited scientific studies suggested that garlic can reduce total cholesterol and HDL (bad) cholesterol. However, the results were not conclusive. The follow-up analyses produced more convincing results. The results showed that garlic could reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol if used for longer than two months. Scientists are now looking into the potential uses of garlic in cancer treatment.
- Ginger (root). Ginger may reduce nausea in pregnant mothers, and anecdotal evidence suggests it is a good remedy to motion sickness.
- Gingko (leaf). Ginkgo has been used for centuries to treat conditions such as asthma and tinnitus. Scientists have recently explored the potential benefits of ginkgo in brain function, memory, and prevention. Ginkgo has chemicals known to improve the function of brain cells. However, it does not explain how it affects the brain function in an individual.
- Ginseng Root. Research indicates ginseng might have positive psychological and immune effects. This suggests that ginseng may be beneficial for people suffering from diabetes.
- Fruit of the milk thistle. Research indicates that milk thistle may be able to heal liver diseases.
- John’s Wort (flower, Leaf). A review of research on St. John’s Wort may be able to ease depression symptoms, according to a review of studies.
- Saw palmetto (fruit). Although saw palmetto has been used for benign prostatic hypertrophy since the 1970s, new research suggests that it may not be as effective.
- Valerian (root). A limited review suggests valerian root may improve sleep quality.
Side effects of using tinctures
There are risks associated with using tinctures or other herbal remedies. Side effects can occur even in plants that have been scientifically proven to be beneficial for health. Some of these side effects are simple.
Here are some side effects that can be associated with herbal remedies and tinctures:
Negative reactions to medications
Some herbal remedies can interact with prescriptions. This can cause:
- Blood Clotting Problems
- Liver damage
- Increased effects of medication
Allergy reactions
Certain plants may be allergic. Some plants may cause allergic reactions.
- Fièvre
- Itching
- Hives
- redness
- Swelling
- anaphylaxis