Herbal tinctures are simple to use once you know a few basics. Here's everything you need to get the most out of every bottle.
Step 1: Shake well
Natural extracts settle. Plant compounds and resins can separate or sink to the bottom, especially in herbs like turmeric and propolis. Give the bottle a good shake before every dose.
Step 2: Measure your dose
Our labels give doses in one of two ways:
- "Full squeeze of the dropper bulb." Squeeze the rubber bulb all the way, dip the dropper in the bottle, and release. The glass tube fills only partway, and that's the dose. You don't need to fill it to the top.
- Drops or milliliters. Some products, like Digestif (45 drops) or Zinc Ultra (30 drops), are dosed by the drop. Drop size varies with the liquid, so follow each label rather than converting between products.
Always start with the dose on the label. Everyone is different. If you're thinking about taking more, talk with a healthcare professional first, and feel free to ask us.
Step 3: Mix it in
Add your dose to about 2 oz (a quarter cup) of water or juice. You can also take most tinctures straight on the tongue, but they're strong-tasting, and diluting them is easier. Two exceptions:
- Digestive bitters are meant to be tasted. Take them in just a splash of water, or straight.
- Throat sprays, like ClearThroat and FluFighter, go directly on the back of the throat.
Don't worry if your drink turns cloudy. Resin-rich herbs like turmeric and propolis don't fully dissolve in water. The cloudiness is a sign of a potent, whole-plant extract.
Step 4: Get the timing right
- Most extracts: between meals, about 30 minutes before eating or two hours after, for the best absorption.
- With food: turmeric (with a meal containing healthy fats), InflaMender, and zinc, which can cause nausea on an empty stomach.
- Before meals: digestive bitters, 10–15 minutes ahead.
- Earlier in the day: energizing herbs such as rhodiola, Asian ginseng, eleuthero and cordyceps.
- Evening: calming herbs such as valerian, passionflower and Just Relax. Most can be taken through the day as the label directs, with one dose 30–60 minutes before bed.
Most labels suggest taking an extract two to four times a day. Spreading doses through the day keeps levels steadier than one big dose.
Step 5: Give it time
- Fast-acting: calming herbs, digestive bitters and ginger can be noticeable within 30 minutes.
- Days to weeks: herbs for seasonal support, focus and energy.
- Weeks to months: adaptogens and tonic herbs, which build gradually. Most people notice the clearest difference after one to six weeks of consistent use.
Herbs work best alongside good food, sleep and habits. For a step-by-step approach, see how to build an herbal routine.
Storage
- Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. No need to refrigerate alcohol-based extracts.
- Keep the cap tight, and don't touch the dropper to your mouth. That keeps the bottle clean.
- Alcohol-based extracts last indefinitely when stored properly. We've seen decade-old tinctures that are still potent. Check labels on oil- and glycerin-based products.
- Keep all extracts out of reach of children.
Traveling with tinctures
Our 1 oz and 2 oz bottles fit within TSA liquid limits for carry-on bags. Pack them upright in a zip-top bag in case a dropper loosens with cabin pressure.
When to check with a professional first
Talk to your healthcare provider before using herbal extracts if you're pregnant or nursing, take prescription medication, have a medical condition, are scheduled for surgery, or are giving herbs to a child or a pet. Read each label's caution section, too. And our master herbalist is always happy to help. Consultations are free.
Explore: Single herbs · Formulas · Everyday · What is a tincture?
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.