What is a Tincture? Is there any Pine Pollen Tincture?

What is a tincture?

A tincture is an alcohol-based derivative of a fresh herb or other natural plant material, used primarily as an alternative medicine or dietary supplement.

The drugs in powdered form often lost much of their potency within a few days or weeks. Remedies in tincture form, however, could remain effective for several years.

The alcohol, glycerin or vinegar used in a tincture added stability to the concentrated chemicals found in the herbs. Although hundreds of herbs and plants could survive the tincture process, the most common tincture formulas involved chemicals like laudanum, mecurochrome and iodine.

Because the list of ingredients is small and the process very straightforward, many believers in herbal medications make their own tinctures.

How is a tincture prepared?

To prepare an herbal tincture, you will need a supply of dried, powdered or fresh herbs; a clean wide-mouthed jar; cheesecloth or muslin; and a supply of vodka, gin, brandy, vinegar, glycerin or rum.

Place the herbs inside the jar and pour enough vodka or rum to cover them completely. Continue to pour the alcohol until halfway point of the jar. Place the lid and store it in a dark, cool place for up to two weeks.

Shake the jar at least once a day. The alcohol should draw out the essence of the herbs. After two weeks, carefully strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or muslin into another clean jar and store it. The ultimate point of a tincture is not to cause intoxication, but to provide the strongest possible concentration of an herb's healing essences.

How to use tincture?

Drops of tincture may be added to hot or cold herbal teas for drinking, or may be added to water for external use. Tinctures can also be added to oils or fats as an instant healing ointment.

Does pine pollen tincture exist?

One similar product is the pine pollen wine which use white wine as base plus pine pollen powder and other Chinese herbs. This can be used as pre-meal drink. Apart from the nutrients that pine pollen provides, it also has the added effect to cure rheumatism.

Can pine pollen tablet or pine pollen powder have the same effect?

Yes, they have the same effect as the tincture or pine pollen wine. The shell life is 18 months. Remember, using them is a continuous process for a cycle of 1 to 2 months to have the best effect for human.

Know More? Check at www.pinepollen.hk