Tincture Talk
What are tinctures? Good question.
Tinctures are an extract made by immersing leaves, berries, bark, or mushrooms in alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin. Through this process, the liquid extracts the parts of the plant that contain its active ingredients and * voila * a tincture is created.
We spoke with our in-house Naturopath, Dr. Alex Cope to discuss all the benefits of a beautiful herbal blend and why you may want to pick up a tincture for that herbal support you’re looking for.
Dr. Alexandra Cope, is a trauma-trained fertility specialist with a professional background, including a 5 year Medical Degree and Naturopath License from The National University of Natural Medicine, 2 years of clinicals with an ENT Naturopath, 2 years of clinicals in Transgender Medicine, a homeopathic certification from the New England School of Homeopathy, as well as Food Sovereignty Training.
As a naturopath why do you love tinctures?
As Earth lovers, most of us that are naturally drawn to plants love the magick and ease of tinctures. The fact that the plant can be minimally processed, yet preserved for quick use is just genius. Since medical school, the relationship with plants has been a primary focus that has healed me. Not everyone has the drive or time to devote a lifetime of study and relating to medicine that heals us, so healers bring that relationship to you in a custom bottle. Plants are not made to primarily provide the comforts of our standard western lifestyle. They are made to heal us. They are delighted when we use them as medicine. And when I get to use a custom formulation with a splash of vibrational medicine, the person is held by the relationship to self and the natural world. Taking the woo aside, plants have been used since creation as medicine and a tincture is a more direct delivery system to heal HPA Axis dysfunction. Herbs are amphoteric, meaning they can bring hormones and nutrients up that need to be raised and lower levels that need to be lowered. Plant medicine in the form of tincture is the primary medicine I use to regulate parent hormones such as cortisol and insulin so that the sex hormones can more easily fall into place.
For someone who is just coming to tinctures as a remedy what insight do you have to offer around them?
There is something about the mind-body aspect that happens when an herb touches your taste buds. I have found no other physiological correction better for stress and the HPA Axis than having a tincture blend to help you along the way. Sure capsules deliver herbs, but there is a disconnect that models western pharmaceuticals when you decide to take herbs in a capsule or tablet form. The bioavailability of most plants is amplified when you can taste them; and there is not difficult to digest cellulose or GMO'd corn capsule disguising herbs until they reach your small intestine.
When might someone want to book time with you for a personalized tincture?
When do you see a professional? If you are on medications, trying to conceive, already seeing a doctor for some medical concerns, but not quite there. If you just know that something is off, but you can't put your finger on it or the labs say you are fine, though you know you are not. Trying to heal yourself is a journey and treating yourself is like putting a book too close to your face and trying to read the blurred words. I often find that people save money over time working with a professional, because, well you get more direction and precise and don't just try everything under the kitchen sink. I’m currently seeing fertility and PCOS patients and their husbands. If you’re considering conceiving in the next five years or experiencing postpartum, feel free to reach out at drcopehealth.com