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Using Tinctures

Tinctures as Plant Allies – Using Tinctures with Intention and Ease

Tinctures are liquid herbal extracts, traditionally made by steeping plant material in alcohol.

At RAW Forest Foods, we craft our tinctures using a true dual-stage alcohol extraction method, where we combine standard single-stage extraction with a dual-stage decoction. This approach delivers unmatched potency, rapid absorption, and long shelf life—making tinctures a reliable, effective way to incorporate therapeutic herbs and formulas, such as the phytoandrogens found in Pine Pollen, into your daily wellness practice.

How We Use Tinctures

Our preferred method is simple and effective:

  • Add your tincture to several ounces of cool water and drink in one smooth gulp—ideally on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating. This supports efficient digestion and fast, thorough absorption.

Common Ways of Using Tinctures

The best method is the one that works for you. Common ways of using tinctures include:

  • Mixing with Water – Add your tincture to water or a beverage of choice and enjoy.
  • Taking It Straight – Dispense the tincture directly into your mouth and swallow.  Note: We do not recommend sublingual tincture use.
<p>Start With Cool Water</p>

Start With Cool Water

<p>Measure Your Tincture</p>

Measure Your Tincture

<p>Stir Thoroughly</p>

Stir Thoroughly

<p>Drink and Enjoy</p>

Drink and Enjoy

How to Measure Tinctures by the Dropperful

One of the most common questions we receive is: “What exactly is a dropperful?”

And we get it—between different bottle sizes and pipette lengths, it can be confusing. Here’s how to measure your tincture with confidence:

  • The rubber bulb does the measuring—not the glass pipette.
  • One full squeeze of the rubber bulb (with the glass pipette fully submerged in liquid) will draw approximately 1 mL of tincture.
  • That’s equivalent to roughly 30 drops.

You might notice that the pipette doesn’t look “full.” That’s okay. It’s not meant to be. The volume drawn is determined by how much the rubber bulb can hold—not the length of the pipette. Whether you’re using a 2 oz. or 4 oz. bottle, a full squeeze from the bulb will consistently pull up about 1 mL.

<p>One Dropperful = 30 Drops</p>

One Dropperful = 30 Drops

Pro Tips for Success

  • Shake the tincture well before dispensing.
  • Always submerge the pipette fully before squeezing. This ensures a complete draw.
  • Squeeze and release the bulb once per dose. No need to double-pump or top it off.
  • Use the product label’s dosage recommendation to guide how many dropperfuls to take.

If you’re just starting out, we suggest beginning with a slightly smaller amount to see how your body responds—and increasing as needed over time.

Pine Pollen Tinctures and Phytoandrogenic Hormones

Pine Pollen contains a unique group of plant-based compounds called phytoandrogens—naturally occurring phytosterols structurally similar to human androgenic hormones. These include:

  • Androstenedione – Traditionally associated with strength and energy support.
  • Androsterone – Supports male reproductive health and secondary characteristics.
  • DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) – A key precursor in hormone production and healthy aging.
  • Testosterone – Linked with muscle maintenance, bone density, and libido.

Our dual-stage extraction ensures these compounds are fully available and readily absorbed.* Alcohol acts as a solvent and a carrier—supporting direct absorption into the bloodstream for maximum efficacy.

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

Pine Pollen's Proandrogenic and Adaptogenic Properties

Guidelines and Suggestions for Optimal Use

  • Consistency – Take your tincture at the same time each day. A steady routine encourages lasting benefits.

  • Split the Dose – Consider taking two-thirds of your dose in the morning and one-third in the evening—especially if you’re sensitive to alcohol or new to tinctures.

  • Empty Stomach is Best – Take tinctures on an empty stomach—ideally 30 to 60 minutes before meals or at least 1–2 hours after eating.

  • Soften the Taste – To reduce the alcohol taste, add your tincture to a heat-safe glass, pour in freshly boiled water, and allow it to cool before drinking. The heat helps the alcohol to evaporate, softening the flavor.

  • Honor Your Circadian Rhythm – For adaptogenic and proandrogenic formulas, take your tincture first thing in the morning. This timing aligns with your body’s natural androgenic hormone peak.

  • Tincture Best-By Use and Expiration Dates – When produced properly, tinctures are among the most shelf-stable forms of extracting and preserving herbs. Unlike foods and some supplements, tinctures do not have a true expiration date. This is due to their alcohol base, which acts as a natural preservative—preventing microbial growth and maintaining the integrity of the extracted constituents over time.

    The primary concern with aging tinctures is not the extract itself but the rubber bulb on the dropper, which can degrade and crack after prolonged storage. As long as the tincture is stored in a cool, dark place and the dropper remains intact or is replaced if necessary, the tincture will remain just as potent and effective as when it was first made.

  • Storage – Keep tinctures in a cool, dark place to protect their potency and extend shelf life.

Product Use Recommendation

Adding Tinctures to Your Morning Coffee

Elevate your morning ritual with our Twelve Rivers Functional Mushroom MycoMedic Elixir Tincture. Infused with a Spiced Winter Chai essential oil blend, it pairs beautifully with coffee—bringing functional mushrooms into your day with both ease and flavor.