Something we have had in the works for a while has finally come to fruition.
With the help of Dragonfly River Apothecary, we have officially launched our line of Hippy Britt herbal tea tinctures!
All of the best quality, organic, & wildcrafted herbs that we've been using in our herbal tea blends for the last two years are now available in tincture form.
Dragonfly River Apothecary activates & soaks our handcrafted organic herbal tea blends in alcohol for six weeks. Then, they are blended, strained, & bottled.
Our tea blends are great as a gentle way to introduce your body to the healing effects of herbs, but tinctures can offer a potent dose of plant medicine while traveling, out & about, & also for regular, at home use.
In this post, we give you all the details about our new line of herbal tinctures.
FAQ'S - Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Tincture?
A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract that’s made by soaking fresh or dried plant material in alcohol. This process will effectively extract a wide range of constituents, & creates a powerfully potent plant medicine.
The plant material is soaked in the alcohol for a minimum of four to six weeks to allow full extraction of the active compounds.
Not only does the alcohol extract, but it also acts as a preservative, & gives the tincture a lengthy shelf life.
Hippy Britt’s herbal tea tinctures are made by activating & soaking her handcrafted, organic, herbal tea blends in alcohol for six weeks. Then, they are blended, strained, & bottled.
Why Do You Use Alcohol in Your Tinctures?
All tinctures are extracts, but not all extracts are tinctures. If you use glycerin, vinegar, water (only), or any menstruum (solvent) other than alcohol, your preparation is an extract, not a tincture.
It was our herbalist ancestors that first discovered the magic of making tinctures with alcohol. They needed a miracle substance that would dissolve the herbal plant matter, extract the powerful plant medicine, & withstand the test of time.
The answer? Alcohol.
It is imperative for alcohol to be present in tinctures for the comprehensive extraction of constituents, as a preservative to ensure longevity, & as a method to improve bioavailability & palatability.
It is the alcohol that breaks down & dissolves the plant matter, & then extracts and preserves the powerful plant medicine.
Will I Feel an Effect From the Alcohol?
The amount of tincture consumed per dose is usually between 20-40 drops or 1 milliliter (which is less than half a teaspoon), so the amount of alcohol consumed is essentially negligible.
Our tinctures are intentionally made as a 1:1 ratio, which means you’re getting equal parts herb & liquid. This means, more medicine & less alcohol.
Unless you are extremely sensitive, or take an extremely large dose, you’re unlikely to feel an effect from the alcohol.
The effects you experience from a tincture depend on which herb or herbs are tinctured, the dosage & frequency it is taken, & the individual taking them.
***If you are concerned about taking a full dose, you can always start out with a couple drops to see how your body reacts before you commit to taking a dropperful. Or, you can consult an experienced herbalist, naturopath, or another knowledgeable holistic practitioner for guidance. Everyone is different.
How Can You Tell How Much Herb Is in an Herbal Extract?
A tincture is an extract, & extracts no longer contain the same amount of or the same form of the starting herb. Instead, they contain phytochemical extractives from the herb that are now separated from the structural material of the original plant. This is what gives an extract its powerful properties.
The answer to this question lies in the weight to volume strength ratio.
Strength ratios describe the weight of the starting herb & the volume of liquids used to extract it. They are also known as the extraction rate.
So, for example, a ratio of 1:5 means that for every 1 part of herb, there are 5 parts liquid.
Our tinctures are intentionally made very potent. They are a 1:1 ratio, which means you’re getting equal parts herb & liquid.
This means, more medicine & less alcohol.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Tincture?
Tinctures offer a portable, potent dose of plant medicine. Plus, they are extremely easy to use, long-lasting, & are convenient for both travel & regular home use.
Hippy Britt’s herbal tea tinctures are fitting for when you’re seeking the body benefits of her herbal tea blends, but:
-you’re looking for something slightly more potent
-you don't have time to sit down & enjoy a cup of tea
-you don’t want to heat up your house by making tea on the stove
-you’re traveling, at work, or are out & about
-you want to avoid liquids (like when it’s just before bedtime)
While Hippy Britt’s herbal tea tinctures are made from her herbal tea blends, the tinctures deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients per dose.
This is due to both our extraction methods, & that using alcohol extracts of a wider range of compounds than steeping them in hot water.
Plus, the long extraction process helps draw out certain compounds that are not water-soluble, resulting in more potent medicinal benefits & a holistic effect that encompasses the full spectrum of the herb's medicinal properties.
The alcohol can also enhance the bioavailability of certain compounds by facilitating their rapid absorption via your bloodstream.
(Thereby delivering you a more potent dose of plant medicine.)
***This can be especially helpful for someone struggling with digestive issues, as tinctures basically bypass digestion.
A tincture's effects are often felt 20-45 minutes after taking, depending on your dosage & metabolism. Why? Because your body doesn't need to break down the plant's cellulose in order to absorb the medicinal properties of the herbs.
What Is the Difference Between Hippy Britt’s Herbal Teas & Tinctures?
When herbs are steeped in hot water to make tea, the resulting liquid is relatively dilute compared to a tincture's. This means, the concentration of active compounds in a cup of tea is typically lower than in a dose of tincture.
So, brewing Hippy Britt's herbal tea blends delivers a slightly milder & less concentrated dose of plant medicine.
That makes Hippy Britt’s herbal teas:
-a gentle way to introduce your body to herbs
-suitable for individuals with sensitive stomachs or those looking for a more gradual effect
-a calming ritual for everyday use
-a cozy herbal alternative to other warm drinks that you may be aiming to avoid (like coffee)
If you are sensitive to specific herbs, tea is also a great way to build up your body’s tolerance before switching to taking a tincture.
***Every body is different, so everyone’s individual reactions to plants & herbs can vary.
What Separates Hippy Britt’s Herbal Tea Tinctures From Other Tinctures on the Market?
Hand-Selected Herbs
Each individual herb in Hippy Britt’s herbal tea blends is hand-selected by Britt herself & is included with specific intention for its powerful properties. This means nothing unnecessary, & everything is chosen with care & purpose.
Not only that, but we source only high-quality herbs that are organic & wildcrafted.
Small Batch Extraction
Then, we hand-craft our tinctures in small, individual batches.
Multiple Herbalist Collaboration
Hippy Britt’s herbal tea tinctures were created in collaboration with a Doctor in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Master Herbalist (Dragonfly River Apothecary).
His journey has spanned more than half a century in continuous education in several healing disciplines that include:
-An apprenticeship with his great-grandmother, a master herbalist born in the 19th century
-Combat medicine
-Traditional Chinese Medicine
Multi-Step Extraction Method
In our proprietary extraction method, we employ a modern twist to a method passed down from the 19th century.
We double extract, & vacuum seal our tinctures during the extraction process. This limits oxidation, & helps to maintain the integrity of the phytochemicals being extracted.
This process increases potency, & potency is our priority.
Our herbal tinctures are intentionally made very potent,
They are a 1:1 ratio, which means you’re getting equal parts herbs & liquid.
This means there is less alcohol, & more medicine.
Our goal is to make incredibly effective plant medicine.
Are Hippy Britt’s Herbal Tea Tinctures Safe?
When it comes to safety, the quality of both the herbs & the alcohol matter. We extensively research every one of our ingredients & source only organic & wildcrafted herbs for our tea blends.
Plus, we use distilled water when activating our herbs, chose an alcohol brand that is free from pesticides, & we follow a practice that has been used since the 19th century.
When it comes to herbs, safety largely depends on dosage more than anything else. Follow our suggested guide for dosing, or you can always start with a couple drops & see how your body responds.
***Every body is different, so reactions to herbs can vary person to person.
How Do I Take Hippy britt’s Herbal Tea Tinctures?
Tinctures are taken orally. They can be added to water, juice, a smoothie, etc, (ideally something cold) or you can take them directly under your tongue (sublingual).
When you take them sublingually, hold them under your tongue for as long as you can tolerate (20 seconds works well), & then, swallow the rest.
Taking tinctures directly under your tongue allows them to be immediately absorbed into your bloodstream.
What Is The Suggested Dosage For Hippy Britt’s Herbal Tea Tinctures?
Tincture dosages are determined by weight. We suggest adults who are 75 -150 pounds take one dropperful (or 1ml) under their tongue, or in their chilled drink of choice, one to three times per day.
One of the advantages of taking tinctures is that you can control the amount you're taking. If you don't want to jump right into taking a dropperful, you can always start by taking a few drops & seeing how your body responds to the herbs.
***Remember, everyone’s individual responses to herbs may vary. So you may need or want to adjust your dosage depending on your response, or desired results.
Are Hippy Britt’s Herbal Tea Tinctures Pregnancy Safe?
Two of Hippy Britt’s Herbal Tea Tinctures are safe to take while pregnant, & the other three are not intended for use during pregnancy.
Due to the particular combination of herbs, both Nutrient Dense & No Stress are safe to take while pregnant, while Womb Restore, Warrior Elixir, & Detox Tonic are not.
Are Hippy Britt’s Herbal Tea Tinctures Child Safe?
No Stress, Nutrient Dense, & Detox Herbal Tinctures are safe for children two years of age & older.
When it comes to herbs, safety depends on dosage more than anything else. Dosage is always important, but especially so for children.
With tinctures, dosage is based on weight. Follow our suggested guidelines for dosage.
***If you have any questions or doubts about whether or not a tincture is right for your child, consult a trusted herbalist, naturopath, or another holistic practitioner for guidance.
What Is The Suggested Dosage For A Child?
Our recommended doses are based on weight.
For children 25-50 pounds, we recommend a ¼ dropperful.
For children 50-75 pounds, we recommend a ½ dropperful.
And for children 75-150 pounds, we recommend one dropperful (1ml).
***Remember, you can always start by giving your child a couple drops & seeing how their body responds to the herbs.
For infants that are breastfeeding, the breastfeeding mother can take the tincture & the properties of the plant medicine will show-up in her milk.
How Can I Convince My Child To Take A Tincture?
Some children are fine with taking the tinctures under their tongue, & then sipping a drink right after. But if your child needs a little extra convincing, you can add it to their water, smoothie, juice, etc.
Another way to entice a child to take a tincture is to sweeten it with maple syrup or honey.
Hippy Britt likes to add her kids’ doses to a shot glass & then she adds half a teaspoon of maple syrup to sweeten it up for them.
Is It Safe To Give Hippy Britt’s Herbal Tea Tinctures To My Pets?
In theory, as long as each of the herbs in each individual tea blend is safe for a dog or cat, the tincture would be safe for them too.
But this isn’t our area of expertise.
Consult a holistic veterinarian for guidance on giving teas & tinctures to your furry family members.
Do Hippy Britt’s Herbal Tea Tinctures Need To Be Refrigerated?
Alcohol-based tinctures have a lengthy shelf life & do not require refrigeration if stored in a cool, dark place.
How long do Hippy Britt’s Herbal Tea Tinctures Last?
Because our tinctures are made with alcohol, they have a lengthy shelf life.
Tinctures made with a 50% (or higher) alcohol ratio don’t “go bad” (grow pathogens), & they can retain potency for six to ten years.
Tinctures can lose potency over time, & certain tinctures can lose potency faster than others.
We list the bottling date on our tinctures, & suggest using them before they are seven-years-old.
***This Tincture FAQ page is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. If you have any questions or doubts about whether or not taking a tincture is right for you, consult a trusted herbalist, naturopath, or another holistic practitioner.***
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