Have you ever wondered why some herbal tinctures contain alcohol? Or why alcohol is called “Spirits”? What decisions did our ancestors make (that we still make today) that led us to rely so heavily on this fermented substance to deliver what we once got in a simple cup of tea?
In fact, is the alcohol in herbal tinctures harmful? How much is in it? What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding: can I still use my herbal tinctures? Is it safe for my children to use tinctures? Can I give some to my dog? My cat? If I am in recovery, does using herbal extracts with alcohol equate to losing my sobriety?
If you’re someone who’s concerned about what’s in your food and drinks, the alcohol in herbal tinctures can cause even more alarm: What type of alcohol is used? Is it organic? Is it GMO free? Gluten free? Processed in a facility with other allergens?
So. A lot of. To ask!
While we can spiral or lose ourselves in Internet searches, sometimes in order to find the answers we’re looking for, we need to discover a foundation to start from. And when we talk about alcohol, we need to discover ancient roots.
So let’s take a moment to reflect on these roots, steeped in timeless traditions and cultures, that our ancestors discovered through communing with nature. This ancient language is still alive with many of us, and their wisdom holds the answers to both our curiosity and concerns about the role of alcohol in tinctures.
How did people first start using alcohol in tinctures?
Long ago, our herbal medicine ancestors sought ways to increase the viability of their collected herbs. Drying them, macerating them in water, heating them, and decoction (boiling) were all sufficient ways to work with most fresh herbs and some dried herbs as well. But there were problems. The dried herbs lost their potency. Maceration in water and even in vinegar led to rotting over time.
They needed a better way to store their medications. They needed a miracle menstruum (a substance that dissolves or holds a solid in suspension) that could stand the test of time. That’s where alcohol came into the picture.
While perfecting the ratios of alcohol to water, early herbalists mastered the wildcrafting formulation we know today as tinctures. Alcohol provided longevity and stability and eased the burdens of the harvest. It also offered a more palatable delivery system, increasing a person’s willingness to adhere to the remedy offered. (Have you ever tried drinking a cup of boiled gentian root before a meal to improve and support digestive processes? If not, try it. You’ll soon see where ‘bitters’ get their name!) Alcohol also made it possible to the dosage and strength of herbal medicines. And last but not least, alcohol tinctures were much easier to store than a year’s crop of dried herbs.
Fast forward to our current go-go-go culture, and the bioavailability and convenience of having tinctures on hand in your car, purse, medicine cabinet, desk drawer – wherever you are – make it clear why tinctures are a revolutionized the spice industry.
Why is alcohol often called ‘spirits’? Finding answers in alchemy
It should be noted, of course, that the roots of alcohol are also heavily infused with the merriment of festive libations. Our ancestors planned fermentations for the love of intoxication and the sense of freedom that inhibition provides… but that story is for another day.
However, it does make you wonder why alcohol is so often referred to as ‘spirits’. Is that where the term ‘free spirit’ comes from? The simple answer is alchemy.
Alchemy. Sacred and transformative art. Mystical and powerful. Our alchemical ancestors witnessed how plants immersed in water were transformed by their dissolving powers. The physical disintegrated, the life force essence rose, and fermentation was born. Alchemists compared the fermentation process – this ascent of a plant’s essence – to the ascent of our human spirit. And so alcohol was given the name ‘Spirits’.
The perfection of the work: hand-colored engraving with gilding in Johann Michael Faust,Compendium alchymist[ae] novelty Pandora. . . (Frankfurt, 1706), plate T. Image: The Getty Research Institute
How has our dependence on alcohol in tinctures not only survived, but become standard practice today?
In the early 20th century, an event occurred that would cement alcohol’s place in the sacred art of wildcrafting herbal remedies.
In 1902, representatives from twelve countries representing the ‘civilized pharmacopoeia’ met in Belgium at the International Conference for the Unification of Formula des Medicaments Heroiques establishing the standards of the International Protocol for ‘Powerful Drug Formulas’, adhering to the use of a menstrual of pure 190-proof (95%) ethyl alcohol for tincturing fresh plants. The protocols were ratified in 1906reinforcing the practices now required for herbal tinctures.
Standards certainly have their advantages. They provide a foundation of consumer trust and ensure that no matter where you purchase a tincture, the same safety and dosage standards are adhered to.
Redwood National Forest, California. Image: Dawn Amber Miller
However, standardization also deprived herbalists of their ability to produce herbal medicines based on the ancient art of dealing with the plant kingdom. Within the new norms there was no place for the wisdom of ancient lineages and their respectful communication with nature, nor for the magic of alchemy. The new approach reduced the dynamic whole plant to its parts: tannins, resins, phenols, phenolic glycosides, coumarins, flavones, etc.
Fortunately, the revival of herbal medicine in the Western world has steadily and boldly united these roots of kinship with the kingdom of plants and the latest scientific standardization practices. A new form of alchemy has emerged – one that respects the embodied wisdom and artful formulation of our lineages while utilizing scientifically proven methods of medicinal plants.
Here at WishGarden Herbs we remember our evolutionary steps alongside plants. We unapologetically celebrate their ability to awaken the innate powers of health, healing and vitality of our bodies, minds and spirits. We are alchemists who understand the needs of our changing world through the marriage of science and nature. We too have found the gift of using alcohol as a menstrual aid, and we have done so through the intentional hand of our founder, Catherine Hunziker, who developed a low-tech and sustainable extraction art that makes the most of alcohol during menstruation. extraction phase while keeping it to a minimum in the final product.
But what about safety? Is alcohol in tinctures harmful? Is ethyl alcohol organic?
Firstly, the quality of both the plants and the alcohol is important. Not all tinctures are created equal. Not all plants are honored, grown in healthy soil and harvested with respect. That all matters a lot. Think about it this way: if you’re going to sniff an apple that was born from insecticide-, pesticide-, and fungicide-laden orchard practices, picked before it’s ripe and shipped halfway across the country before it reaches your plate, how can that be? ? will it taste juicy and apple-like? Now compare that apple to a biodynamic or organic apple that has been grown in harmony with the seasons and the hands that picked it. There is no competition! Herbal medicines are the same. Not all ethyl alcohol is organic. Not all herbs are organically grown or sustainably harvested. Your body knows the difference. And the same goes for GMOs, gluten and other allergens. We do the research on all our ingredients, including our alcohol extract.
Read more about the working method of WishGarden Herbs.
The presence of alcohol in tinctures is safe if they are made according to standard protocols, crafted by the hand and heart of an herbalist, and – most importantly – used in a manner specific to the individual’s needs and desired results. The herbal medicine you use and the dosage both matter. Always consult an herbal or natural therapy practitioner if you are unsure whether a particular tincture is right for you. Like WishGarden Herbs, many companies have different formulations specific to children and pregnant or nursing mothers, as well as separate lines for adults. Choosing a line that suits your age and stage of life is essential. The amount of alcohol in each varies.
And for the fur babies: While there is a method for safe consumption of some herbal extracts, we recommend consulting a veterinarian or herbalist trained in the action of these remedies before giving your animals tinctures.
Are tinctures made with alcohol safe for people in recovery?
For those in recovery or dealing with the sensitive issue of alcohol addiction, we see your strength and respect your process. We do not recommend that people in recovery use tinctures containing alcohol extracts, to prevent even the smallest amount of alcohol from reactivating vulnerable or addictive pathways. Often it is not the volume or amount of alcohol present that is relevant, but your personal involvement and sensitivity. Instead, we recommend using water extracts (such as tea and herbal teas) and herbal powders as herbal remedies of choice. Again, consult your team, sponsor, and practitioner of herbal or natural therapies before proceeding.
Wisdom of all times, science of today
The use of alcohol as a menstrual herbal remedy is centuries old. The roots are varied and belong to every lineage on earth. There are those who have advanced the wisdom of our elders and woven the latest scientific methods to improve the bioavailability of tinctures to support the health and well-being of our bodies.
The presence of alcohol in whole plant formulations is vital for the consistent extraction of constituents, as a preservative and as a method to improve bioavailability, palatability, storage, dosing, administration and compliance. And it gives us the convenience of a ready-made remedy, giving us help from our plant-based allies exactly when we need it. Finally, as noted by those ancient alchemists, it enlivens in us our innate communion with nature, reciprocating reverence and allowing gratitude to arise from within each time we find support from our plant spirit remedies.
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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