A Guide to Different Methods of Consuming Herbs

My intention in providing this information is to support you in your journey of learning and experiencing herbs for personal use. Often, when working with people, I get asked what the difference is between a tincture and a tea? Are you still getting the same effect with a tincture and a capsule? Well, it really depends on your intention in using the herb and my answer may vary from person to person. It is important to note, herbs are prescribed for the whole person, not just a single condition or symptom. So, let's dive into the different methods of preparing and consuming plant medicine, starting off with one of my faves!

Tinctures

Tinctures are a highly concentrated form of herbs. They can be single herbs or a blend of herbs.  This highly concentrated extract is prepared using a menstruum or solvent (typically alcohol and/or glycerin, vinegar), extracting the medicinal properties from the plant. The solvent used is dependent on the type of plant, the part of the plant to be extracted, and the nature of the bioactive compounds. Tinctures are the most effective way to pull all the medicinal properties from the plants.  They can be used for both internal and external use. They are ready to take and easy to use, assimilated almost instantly in the mouth and then in the stomach. Just place it in your mouth, in a cup of water, juice, or in your favorite smoothie! The only time I don’t use tinctures is when I am looking for the vitamin and mineral content found in herbs. For that, I use capsules!

Capsules

Easy to make, store, and take. This is an approachable way of taking herbs, especially if you don’t like the taste! Capsules involve grinding down the herbs into a powder. This way it is easy to assimilate once the capsule dissolves. You are ingesting whole plant material with all of its plant compounds intact. That means I am getting all the vitamins and minerals associated with that plant!  Not suggested for bitter herbs if used to stimulate digestion.

Teas

Infusions: An infusion is made by treating fresh or dried herbs with either hot or cold water (depending on the plant) to extract the medicinal and nutritional properties from the plant. Infusions are used when preparing the softer parts of the herbs like leaves, flowers and roots high in volatile oils. Traditionally, you use 1 tsp to 1 tbsp dried herb per cup of water. This method of consumption is suggested for plants that are more calming, nutritive, and balancing.

Decoctions: A decoction is made by simmering fresh or dried herbs in water. Also allowing the plant(s) to release the medicinal and nutritional properties from the plant. Decoctions are used when preparing harder parts of the plant like bark, roots, hard fruits, and more tenacious plant parts like medicinal mushrooms. This method is used with herbs that won’t yield their active constituents at a lower temperature. Same herb to water ratio as infusions.

Both infusions and decoctions are a simple extract of herbs into water. The benefits of herbal infusions and decoctions come from the vitamins, minerals, and plant constituents that are released.Teas are a great way to nourish the body and can always be consumed for their wonderful taste and health benefits!

Traditional Syrups

There are countless ways of producing “syrup like” herbal remedies. They are easy to make, sweet, and kids love them! Herbs are prepared using the infusion method. They are typically made by applying vegetable glycerin and/or honey to the end product.