Taking fresh herbs is difficult for several reasons. First, it is nearly impossible to get or even find many of these herbs in fresh form.  Second, you would have to consume massive quantities of fresh herb to obtain significant results.  And lastly, we must rely on our digestive systems to digest the herbs so we can access their beneficial properties.  Many of us have less-than-optimal systems which cannot adequately digest some herbs.  Some herbs, in fact, are very difficult to assimilate.  Result - we do not get the full benefit of herbs eaten fresh, or (for many of the same reasons) from herbs taken in capsule form.

 

Tea is a good method to use when taking herbs.  During the brewing process, many of the beneficial properties of the herbs are liberated and made available for absorption into our system. However, there are some disadvantages to teas: all the properties are not liberated and the heat destroys valuable enzymes.

The “king of value” and the state-of-the-art delivery system in herbs is liquid herbs.  Herbs taken in this manner cost less per dose, are easier to use (by simply placing a drop or two under the tongue or adding to water or juice), and are better assimilated than the same herbs taken in other forms.

The two main categories of liquid herbs are extracts and tinctures. Within these categories, you will find liquid herbal drops, fresh plant, non-alcohol, glycerin, or standardized forms. Better equipment and methods to break down botanicals have resulted in new and more potent medicines!  There is not sufficient room here to outline the various methods of preparation however, after years of research Master Herbalist Crystal Maceira has developed a special low-alcohol, live-concentrated tincture/extract that yields an enzyme active product like no other ever available.

Low-alcohol, live-concentrated tincture/extracts have none of the disadvantages of fresh or encapsulated herbs or of herbs taken in teas. They are made by placing the finely ground fresh or dried herb into a solution of distilled water and alcohol (which acts as a solvent). The process takes approximately 3 weeks (some herbs require more time, some less) of soaking and agitating before pouring the liquid into a reserve chamber. The bulk that remains is then placed in a cold-process vacuum extraction chamber. The rich reserve gained from this extraction process is then combined with the original reserve.

After much testing with many different natural solvents, alcohol has been found to be both the safest and the most effective method of extracting the essence from herbs. Glycerin grows bacteria too easily and vinegar is not an effective solvent with many herbs. Should you prefer, you can easily remove the alcohol by lighting the tincture like a flambé in a restaurant, or by adding the tincture to water or tea that is warm enough to have steam rising from it.  Do not use boiling water which will destroy the precious enzymes.

(Fact: In your digestion, you get more alcohol from one soda cracker than from 2 oz. of our low-alcohol tincture).

​

How we process a Tincture

​

A tincture is an herb that has been soaked in water and alcohol for a certain period of time. Normally the herbs are soaked for two weeks, but time can vary with each herb.  We use 30% alcohol for most herbs.  Unique to our tinctures is we use alkaline, anti-oxidant water, instead of using distilled water.  This kind of water pulls out around 50% more of the medicinal properties making our tinctures more potent and a higher quality of product.  I have used tinctures for over 20 years with great success.  They are more economical and can last many years, if necessary.  I like them much better than capsules because capsules can break down and lose potency after a year.  

​

Tinctures (Disclaimer)

Most orthodox medical institutions in America frown upon self-health care and the use of herbs, natural foods, and other types of natural healing modalities for the re-establishment and maintenance of health.  However, it is every American's inherent right to freely choose for themselves whatever type and source of health care he or she deems appropriate.  However, it must be emphasized that practicing such medical freedom not only involves the responsibility of acquiring valid health information and skills, but also the wisdom to recognize when health care is needed and to choose that health care with discretion.  This information is not intended to medically prescribe or promote the sale of any herb or supplement over prescription medicines, or to replace qualified medical health care.  The author and POSITIVE LIFE CHANGES, LLC assumes no responsibility if you prescribe for yourself.  If you have or think you have, a condition that requires medical attention, you should immediately seek qualified professional care.  FDA has not evaluated this statement.  These products are not intended for the prevention, treatment, cure, or mitigation of disease.

​

How to Use Tinctures

Tinctures are easy to take; simply place drops under the tongue or in water, tea or juice. In general, a dose of 6-12 drops can be taken 3 or 4  times a day.  In times of health crisis, you can take 30-60 drops each 1/2 hour until the crisis has passed, then resume normal dosages.  Half dosages are recommended for young children.

For your convenience, you may combine any tincture with another or use them before or after prescription medicines. Be sure to monitor the effects and avoid overmedicating.  Note: Some tinctures may appear to be cloudy or have suspended particles. This is normal, as some may contain honey, vinegar, glycerin, or lecithin. Herbs will also change slightly in color and taste from season to season.

​

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

 

(*Tbls-meaning tablespoon of the tincture which is approximate)

6 drops = 300 mg                10 drops = 500 mg          1 ml = 40 drops = 1 *Tbls 

                     2 ounces = 1,114 drops = 111 (500 mg) capsules

         1 squirt = 20 drops (avg)                                         66 squirts = 2 ounces       

Taken 1x per day                   6 drops = 185 days              12 drops = 92 days         

Taken 2x per day                   6 drops = 92 days                12 drops = 46 days         

Taken 3x per day                  6 drops = 62 days                12 drops = 31 days          

Taken 4x per day                 6 drops = 46 days                12 drops = 23 days         

​

ABOUT THE PRODUCTS

​

On the drop-down above you will see detailed information about each of the formulas that my husband and I make and we use many of these ourselves.  We go to great lengths to produce the highest quality product available using organic, wildcrafted, or kosher herbs and ingredients.  We have various sizes listed.  WE can make special orders of single herb or herbal formulas up to a gallon or more.  

​

​​