Using Tinctures

Experience the Inherent Vitality of Nature

Tinctures are liquid extracts of herbs, carefully prepared by steeping them in alcohol or another solvent. At RAW Forest Foods, our alcohol-based tinctures offer high bioavailability, act swiftly, and possess a lengthy shelf life. They provide a convenient and effective way to integrate therapeutic herbs, such as the naturally occurring phytoandrogens in Pine Pollen, into your daily routine.

How We Use Tinctures

Our preferred method of consuming tinctures involves mixing them with several ounces of water and drinking them in one gulp, ideally on an empty stomach and at least 30 minutes before a meal. This promotes thorough digestion and rapid absorption.

Common Methods of Using Tinctures

There are multiple ways to consume tinctures, with the optimal approach being the one that suits you best. The two standard methods are:

• Adding to Your Drinks: Mix the tincture into water (or another fluid) and drink it.
• Sublingual Absorption: Dispense the tincture directly into the mouth and either swallow immediately or allow it to rest under the tongue for sublingual absorption.

How Much is One Dropperful?

This is a common question we receive at RAW Forest Foods. Droppers vary in size based on the bottle. For example, the dropper in a 2-ounce bottle of tincture will be a different size than the dropper in a 4-ounce bottle. The dropper consists of two parts:

• Rubber bulb

• Glass pipette

When measuring the tincture, the rubber bulb is responsible for the measurement, not the glass pipette. Although it’s not 100 percent precise, one full squeeze of the rubber dropper, when the pipette is fully submerged, will draw approximately 1 mL of liquid—equivalent to 30 drops—into the pipette. The glass part of the dropper, the pipette, may not appear ‘full.’ This is because the measurement is controlled by the rubber bulb, which consistently pulls in a specific amount of tincture, regardless of the pipette’s size.

Pine Pollen Tinctures and Phytoandrogenic Hormones

Phytoandrogens are naturally occurring plant hormones (phytosterols) that may mimic male androgenic hormones. Pine Pollen contains several important phytoandrogenic sterols:

• Androstenedione: Enhances strength and energy levels.
• Androsterone: Influences male traits and reproductive activity.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Crucial for hormone production and healthy aging.
• Testosterone: Supports muscle mass, bone density, and libido.

Tinctures capture the plant’s essence and active compounds in a bioavailable form. Our dual-stage alcohol extraction method ensures the phytotherapeutic compounds are fully dissolved and uniformly dispersed, making them highly potent. Alcohol facilitates direct absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion and maximizing efficacy.*

Interested in using Pine Pollen as a proandrogenic and adaptogenic herb?

Tips for Optimal Tincture Use

• Consistency: Take your tincture at the same time each day to help form a habit. Consistency ensures you receive the maximum benefits from the supplements.
• Splitting the Dose: Dosage can be divided by taking two-thirds of the suggested serving first thing in the morning and the remaining one-third in the evening. This approach is best if you have a sensitive stomach or are new to using tinctures.
• Take on an Empty Stomach: For best results, take tinctures on an empty stomach. Avoid eating for at least two hours before and wait at least 30 minutes after taking your tincture before consuming any food.
• Reduce the Taste of Alcohol: To reduce the taste of alcohol in the tincture, measure your desired amount into a heat-safe glass and add several ounces of freshly boiled water. Let the mixture cool before drinking. The freshly boiled water will help dissipate the alcohol taste in the tincture.
• Storage: Store tinctures in a cool, dark place to preserve their potency and extend shelf life.
• Following Your Circadian Rhythm: For adaptogenic and proandrogenic herbs, we recommend taking these products first thing in the morning, immediately upon waking. This timing aligns with your body’s natural peak in androgenic hormone levels, maximizing the effectiveness of the herbs.

Product Use Recommendation

Adding Tinctures to Your Morning Coffee

Enhance your morning coffee with our Twelve Rivers Functional Mushroom MycoMedic Elixir Tincture. Infused with a delightful Spiced Winter Chai essential oil blend, it pairs particularly well with coffee, adding both flavor and function.

Explore the RAW Forest Foods Product Use Guides

Learn More About our Tincture Processing