How To Use CBD Tinctures 101

Heard of tinctures but aren’t exactly sure what they are? We’ve got you covered! These old-fashioned extracts come in a variety of different forms and can pack an impressive therapeutic punch. 

Our tincture guide will explain the different types of tinctures available and the best option for you. 

Tinctures are a type of herbal extract created by soaking plant material in alcohol, hydrocarbon, CO2, or other suitable solvent. The solvent suspension pulls out the active compounds present in the plant, producing a concentrated liquid product that does not contain plant fiber or other material. 

Tinctures are not a new invention—this plant extract has been around for hundreds of years!

Because of the simplicity of the tincture production process, a variety of plants can be used to produce tinctures. One of the most popular tinctures that you may have heard of is cannabis tinctures, which are created by soaking cannabis buds.

How to use a tincture 

Tinctures are consumed by placing a few drops of the liquid under your tongue. This is a type of consumption method called sublingual application. While it might seem similar to simply swallowing the tincture, it’s quite a different absorption process. 

When placed under the tongue, active compounds are absorbed by tiny mucous membranes that quickly move the compound into the bloodstream, all while avoiding the stomach. 

Because sublingual application avoids the metabolic activity of the gut that breaks down compounds, it will deliver stronger and quicker effects than if you just swallowed the tincture (1). 

Different types of tinctures

Tinctures are not a one-stop shop, there are a range of different types that you can purchase, including:

•  Full-spectrum tinctures: Full-spectrum tinctures contain traces amount of THC (<0.3%, the Federally legal limit) and offer the benefits of all the cannabinoids of the plant, including minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, CBC, and others. This is generally the recommended tincture unless there is drug testing for work, in which case, the THC could show. We would then recommend Isolate tinctures if people are looking to avoid THC altogether. 
• Broad-spectrum tinctures: The typical way of making a tincture will result in a broad-spectrum product, meaning that it contains the full range of active compounds from the plant material source. This makes broad-spectrum tinctures a great option for people wanting to experience the full effects of a plant while staying away from THC. 

• Isolate tinctures: Isolate tinctures work a bit differently to the standard tincture that you’ll come across. These are a “purer” type of product, containing specific compounds from a plant, rather than the plant’s entire compound range. Isolate tinctures can be a good choice for people wanting target effects from specific compounds, such as our CBD Isolate tinctures which contain 0.00% THC. 

How are tinctures made?

Tinctures are made by soaking plant material in an alcohol, hydrocarbo, CO2, or other solvent.

Health benefits of tinctures

The health benefits possible from a tincture will depend on the type of plant used in the extraction method. The following tinctures are some of the most popular that you are likely to find on the market today. 

Tincture of echinacea

Echinacea is a herbaceous flowering plant that has long been sought after for its immune-boosting properties. Tinctures made from echinacea may be able to help you fight off infections (2).

Tincture of ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a small shrub, most well known for its use in Ayurvedic medicine. Research into the effects of this plant tell us that it may be able to help improve:

• Anxiety (3)
• Sleep (4)
• Blood sugar levels (5)
• Inflammation (6)
• Male infertility (7)

Tincture of cannabis

Cannabis tinctures are an easy and subtle way to incorporate the cannabis compound CBD into your routine. CBD has shown a lot of promise as a therapeutic tool and may be able to:

• Reduce anxiety (8)
• Improve sleep (9)
• Reduce inflammation (10)
• Reduce pain (11)

Most cannabis tinctures do not contain THC, which means that they won’t get you high.

Tincture of ginkgo

Ginko biloba is a herb that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Research into its effects tells us that could help to improve the symptoms of:

• Alzheimer’s disease (12)
• Schizophrenia (13)

It is important to note that ginkgo can cause an allergic reaction. It should not be taken if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medication that impacts clotting (including NSAIDs like ibuprofen). 

Tincture of valerian 

Valerian root can have an impressive affect on your sleep levels, with one study finding that this herb was able to improve sleep quality in women with menopause who were experiencing insomnia (14). 

Valerian tinctures are easy to use and could help you get a better night’s sleep.

The bottom line 

Tinctures are an extract product that offer an easy way to consume the active compounds present in plants. You can learn about all the various tinctures we offer here.

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**Standard Disclaimer: CBD is not FDA-approved. We make no such claims that using our products will guarantee relief. Moreover, research regarding CBD is still ongoing and in the early stages

Because of the simplicity of the tincture production process, a variety of plants can be used to produce tinctures. One of the most popular tinctures that you may have heard of is cannabis tinctures, which are created by soaking cannabis buds.