Tincture vs Tea vs Capsule

When we talk about tinctures (herbal extractions using alcohol), we include acetates (herbal extractions using apple cider vinegar) and glycerates (herbal extractions using glycerine).  These forms of herbal extractions make it really easy and convenient to take.  A couple of drops on the tongue just 2 to 3 times a day, so quick and easy.  Also the bottle can be popped into a handbag and taken when at work or on the run. I mean really, who wants to wake up in the night, get up and make a cup of tea to help them get back to sleep again?!  Alcohol tinctures are particularly good as they carry the herbal medication quicker into the blood stream, whereas glycerates are a little gentler in their delivery, having a sweeter taste, making them ideal for children.

Herbal tea has its own benefits – rich in volatile oils and flavonoids.  To me personally, making a cup of herbal tea – smelling the aroma and sitting in the sun on a cool day brings my stress levels way down (like no tincture can!!) There are many herbs that have a different or better benefit in being extracted in hot water.  For example, your roots and barks need to be decocted (boiled in hot water on the stove for at least 10 minutes) to effectively extract their medicinal properties.  Let’s look at some of the benefit of a herbal tea, as I mentioned, it is very effective in helping you unwind;  it is immune boosting;  reducing pain and soreness;  prevents chronic disease;  improves digestion;  stimulates brain function and just like water, its calorie free!  Let me also not forget to mention here that certain teas can be made to apply on the skin surface, either as a wash or compress to bring fast relief and healing to, for example, rashes and insect bites.

Lastly, let’s talk about herbal capsules.  Herbal capsules are filled with the powdered version of the herb.  Once again, it is very convenient to take a capsule or two 2 to 3 times a day.  A person needs to drink enough water, at least a glass or two to help the herb disperse into the digestive system.  This way, the herb has to work its way through the digestive system before the benefits get extracted into the body.  Having said this, it is much easier to take your very bitter herbs this way!

So, which will it be for you?  Tincture, tea or capsule?  For me, I say all 3 thank you!!