FAQs

Find clear answers to the most common questions about our herbal formulas, ingredients, and safety — all in one place.

Tincture Basics

Everything you need to know before starting with tinctures

Getting Started with Tinctures

How to take Desert Willow Botanicals

Put the recommended number of drops into a swallow of water (about 1 to 2 oz.) and take it. Water is the best medium, but a small amount of diluted apple juice is okay. I advise against using citrus juice. Take the extracts before or a while after meals; in other words, apart from food.

What is a tincture, and why choose it over tea or capsules?

A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made by soaking fresh or dried herbs in alcohol (or sometimes glycerin). The alcohol acts as a natural preservative and powerful solvent, drawing out the plant’s active compounds—including alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils—that water alone cannot fully extract.

Unlike teas, which only release water-soluble compounds, tinctures capture a wider spectrum of beneficial constituents. This means you get more of the plant’s healing potential in every drop.

Compared to capsules or tablets, tinctures are also:

  • Faster-absorbing: Because they’re taken under the tongue or in liquid form, tinctures enter the bloodstream more quickly than pills, which must first be digested.
  • Easier to take: Just a few drops in water, tea, or directly under the tongue—no swallowing large capsules or brewing time required.
  • Longer-lasting: Alcohol-based tinctures are naturally shelf-stable and can remain potent for 7+ years without refrigeration.
  • Customizable: Dosage can be easily adjusted drop by drop, unlike fixed-dose pills or tea bags.
  • Gentle on digestion: People who have trouble digesting tablets or teas may find tinctures easier on the stomach.

In short, tinctures offer a more complete, convenient, and potent way to benefit from herbs—delivering both immediate absorption and long-term stability.

How do I take a tincture?

Most tinctures are taken by placing a few drops under the tongue or adding them to a small glass of water or tea. Always follow the directions on your bottle and consult your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.

How do your tinctures taste?

It is important to understand that the many tastes of herbs can give us a valuable connection to the Earth. The taste of an herb is a part of its energy. For instance, it has been shown scientifically that the bitter taste on the tongue strongly activates many of the glands and organs involved in digestion, assimilation and elimination. These properties are lost if the herb is taken in a capsule. It is reassuring for most people to know that the strong taste is indication of the potency of our product. The taste of the herb is only momentary with the extracts. Most of the herbs have mild and interesting flavors and most people can get used to the taste after a short period of time. For those who truly cannot get used to the taste, the herbs can be placed in a little diluted apple juice, or a small nibble of something can be taken after the herb.

How do I choose the right tincture for me?

You can browse by wellness goals (like sleep, stress relief, immunity, or pain support). If you’d like guidance, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help you find your perfect herbal match.

Safety & Quality

Do your tinctures contain alcohol?

Yes, our tinctures are alcohol-based, which helps preserve potency and extend shelf life. If you prefer, you can add drops to hot tea or water to allow much of the alcohol to evaporate.

Can children take tinctures?

Some herbs are safe for children in adjusted dosages, but suitability varies. Always consult a qualified pediatric healthcare professional before giving herbal remedies to kids.

Are your tinctures vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! All of our tinctures are 100% plant-based and made with gluten-free alcohol.

Safe & Trustworthy

Our commitment to purity, safety, and your well-being

Longevity of Our Tinctures

How long they last and the best way to store them

Shelf Life & Storage

How long do tinctures last?

Properly stored in a cool, dark place, tinctures can remain effective for 7 years or more thanks to the natural preservative action of alcohol.

Sourcing & Craftsmanship

Where do you source your herbs?

We work with trusted growers and wildcrafters who use ethical, sustainable, and often organic practices.

Do you test your products?

Yes. We test herbs for identity, purity, and safety—including microbial checks and heavy metal screening. Each tincture is crafted to deliver consistent, reliable results.

How are your tinctures different?

Our tinctures are artisan-made in small batches using traditional methods. We never use fillers, shortcuts, or low-grade ingredients—only potent, carefully prepared herbal extracts made with love!

From Farm to Bottle

Sustainably sourced herbs, crafted with care

Where to Find Us

Details on shipping and availability of our products

Shipping & Availability

Do you ship internationally?

Right now, we ship within the United States and Canada We are working toward offering international shipping soon. In the meantime, you can contact us and we can work with you directly to make it happen.