If you’ve ever wondered whether you should take multiple herbal tinctures at once, you’re not alone. Which herbal formulas can be taken with others? Do you have to wait several hours (or longer) between different herbs or formulas? And can one herb or formula negate the effect of another? Here we discuss the basics of why we mix herbs into our tinctures and whether and how you can mix tinctures yourself!
It is important to keep in mind that humans have been consuming herbs, spices and seeds together for thousands of years. Our bodies have become accustomed to ingesting herbal formulas because it is very similar to food. For example, people in India have been using turmeric for more than 4,000 years. The herb is used for both religious and culinary purposes. It is only natural that Western herbalists have also noticed the health benefits of turmeric, leading them to blend turmeric with Western herbs to support a healthy, modern household.
Why use multiple herbs instead of one?
Herbal formulas are like an orchestra when mixed properly. The conductor (or formulator in this case) artistically combines certain herbs together when creating an herbal formula or tincture. Herbs work synergistically together, like the different instruments in an orchestra. Herbs do not cancel each other out; instead, they work together to support the building blocks in different systems of our body. Synergistic herbal blends can target the immune system, digestive system, and even nervous system – all at the same time!
If you use WishGarden’s herbal formulas, you are already taking several herbs together! For example, you can use Echinacea on its own for immunity, as it supports the innate immune response. But why not go the extra mile and take something like Kick-Ass Immune Activator, which combines Echinacea with additional herbs like Yerba Santa Leaf, Yarrow Antennas and Lovage Root to support optimal immunity?
Is it okay to take herbal tinctures together?
Now that we understand the efficiency behind mixing multiple herbs into one formula, the next logical question is whether you can also combine more than one herbal formula.
The first step should always be to consult your individual doctor, as everyone is different. But in general, herbal formulas and tinctures containing one or more herbs can be taken on the same day or within 24 hours, depending on the proposed use.
If you are particularly sensitive to herbs or other supplements, I always recommend taking them with food in your system, otherwise they can make you feel nauseous.
Adding your herbal formulas to hot tea, water, or fresh fruit juice can be a great way to combine them. I prefer to take my herbal tinctures in hot tea, because I can add all the suggested dosages at once with a delicious touch of honey.
A few of WishGarden’s favorite herbal formula combinations
The combination of elderberry and Deep Stress Adrenal Rescue with Ashwagandha supports healthy cortisol levels when I’m stressed, and the elderberry protects my compromised immune system from the effects of stress!
Deep Stress Adrenal Rescue with Ashwagandha also pairs well with Daily Immune Builder to support our immunity and adrenal functions during highly stressful periods, while the Astragalus helps modulate the immune system on a daily basis.
Get over it! and Serious Cough tinctures complement each other to support the immune system during persistent seasonal discomfort. Wild cherry bark soothes bronchioles and clears mucus, while the herbs in Get Over It work synergistically on advanced immune responses.
AfterEase For After Birth Contractions, Postpartum Emotional Baby Blues, and AfterBirth Sitzbath may seem like a lot, but these three go together like bread and butter. New mothers experience a variety of changes in their bodies, and herbal allies like Black Haw bark can soothe contractions after birth. Yarrow often appears in the ingredient lists of these formulas, as this multifunctional herb helps normalize blood flow and circulation. Postpartum blues are common in modern households; therefore, Postpartum Emotional Baby Blues can be taken during the delicate period of breastfeeding to support mom’s mood. We recommend mixing the AfterEase and Postpartum Emotional Baby Blues tinctures into your favorite drink and drinking it while lying in the AfterBirth Sitzbath.
Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler attended the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and received her certificate in Medical Herbalism. She owns it Blue yarrow herbs also known as Herbal Vice, an herbal product company that practices bioregional herbal medicine by growing plants and sourcing locally. Lauren loves educating and advocating for plant sustainability. She is the purchasing and sourcing manager for WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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