Frequently Asked Questions

What is a herbal tincture?

A herbal tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made from medicinal plants.

Fresh or dried plant material is soaked in a natural solvent — usually alcohol or vegetable glycerine — for a specific period of time. During this process, the active constituents of the plant are drawn out into the liquid. The plant material is then pressed and removed, leaving behind a potent, shelf-stable extract.

The result is a concentrated preparation that delivers the plant’s beneficial compounds in a form that is easily absorbed by the body.

Tinctures are different from teas. A tea extracts only water-soluble compounds and is relatively mild. A tincture, particularly one extracted in alcohol, draws out a broader range of constituents — including those that are not water soluble — making it more concentrated and consistent in strength.

At Australian Medicinal Herbs, our tinctures are made using carefully calculated herb-to-liquid ratios, grown and extracted on our farm here in Australia. Every bottle is a concentrated form of the plant — nothing added for flavour, nothing included unnecessarily.

Simple. Potent. Intentional.

How do I use a tincture?

Herbal tinctures are simple to use.

They are typically taken in small, measured doses either directly under the tongue or diluted in a small amount of water. Holding the liquid under the tongue for 20–30 seconds before swallowing allows for quicker absorption, though mixing it into water is perfectly suitable if preferred.

Because tinctures are concentrated extracts, only a small volume is needed. The exact dosage will depend on the herb, the strength of the extract and the individual using it. Always follow the instructions provided on the label.

Our tinctures come with graduated droppers for accurate measuring, and each bottle clearly outlines how much to take and how often. We believe plant medicine should be both effective and straightforward to use.

For children over two years of age, dosage should be adjusted according to body size. If unsure, consult a qualified health professional for guidance.

Consistency is often key when working with herbal extracts, and many people incorporate them into their daily routine with ease.

Why choose herbal medicine?

It’s not about rejecting modern medicine. It’s about approach.

Biomedicine is extraordinary in acute situations. It intervenes quickly, suppresses symptoms rapidly and is essential in emergencies.

Herbal medicine works differently.

Rather than overriding or blocking symptoms, many medicinal plants are traditionally used to support the underlying processes contributing to those symptoms. Instead of simply quieting a cough reflex, for example, certain herbs are used to help the body address excess mucus. Rather than forcing sleep, some herbs are traditionally used to gently support nervous system regulation.

The aim is often to assist the body in doing what it is designed to do — more efficiently and with less disruption.

This is why herbal medicine is commonly chosen for ongoing or functional concerns. It tends to be slower, more supportive and better suited to long-term use when appropriate.

It is not either/or. Many families use both approaches — seeking medical care when necessary and incorporating herbal support as part of a broader strategy focused on resilience and underlying balance.

Plant medicine is not about masking.
It is about supporting function.

When used correctly, quality herbs can work alongside the body rather than against it.

Why single herb tinctures?

We focus on single-herb tinctures for a reason.

In conventional medicine, you wouldn’t usually begin several new medications at once — you introduce one, observe how it works, and adjust accordingly. We believe herbs deserve the same respect.

When you work with a single, well-chosen plant, you know exactly what you’re taking. You can observe how your body responds. There are no “filler” herbs and no unnecessary additions for flavour or marketing appeal.

Some people are sensitive to certain herbs, and when multiple plants are combined into one formula, it becomes difficult to know which one is helping — or which one may not be right for you.

We prefer clarity. One highly effective herb at a time. Clean, simple and intentional.

Does herbal medicine really work?

Yes — when it is used correctly, prepared properly, and grown to a high standard.

Herbal medicine is not a modern trend. Many of the plants used today have been prescribed in Western herbal practice for hundreds of years. That accumulated clinical observation — what we call traditional use — forms a substantial body of empirical evidence.

In recent decades, modern science has begun isolating and studying the active constituents within these plants. Peer-reviewed research, pharmacological studies and human trials now examine how specific herbs influence inflammation pathways, mucous membranes, nervous system signalling, cardiovascular tone and more.

In other words, we now understand why many traditional herbs work — not just that they do.

However, effectiveness depends on quality.
The soil.
The harvest timing.
The drying method.
The extraction ratio.

A poorly grown or poorly extracted herb will not deliver the same result as one cultivated and prepared with precision.

At Australian Medicinal Herbs, we grow organically, harvest intentionally and extract at carefully calculated ratios to preserve active compounds. Our tinctures are not decorative products — they are concentrated plant extracts.

We see the outcomes in the feedback we receive daily from customers across Australia. People don’t reorder year after year because something is fashionable. They reorder because it works for them.

Herbal medicine is not superstition.
It is applied plant pharmacology.

Is herbal medicine safe?

Herbal medicine should be treated as a medicine. It is a natural product and mostly completely safe when used in this appropriate manner. Autonomy needs to be taken by an individual to ascertain if a certain herb is right for them. If you are a normal healthy adult with no health issues and not on any medicines then it is likely that many herbs will be safe for you to take. If you are a person who has certain conditions which may make it inappropriate for you to take certain medicines, then it is important that you do your own research to see if something is right for you. For example, people with low blood pressure should not use large amounts of the Hibiscus as it lowers blood pressure. People with thyroid issues need to be careful using Lemon Balm as it can affect the thyroid in high doses. Common sense and education are to be applied with the use of any herbal product, and use it only as instructed.

What if I am on medication?

If you are on medicine prescribed by a doctor it is imperative to check with your specialist or medical professional to ensure that the herbal medicine is not contraindicated. You may be able to do your own research online, and we encourage this, but the final word should be from your medical professional.

What if I have health issues?

Before starting any new medications, be they natural or not, you need to consult your treating health practitioner to discuss it with them. This is especially the case if you have cardiac issues or thyroid issues.

Can I take herbs instead of my medications?

It can be very dangerous to discontinue medications without appropriate supervision from a consulting medical practitioner. Medicinal herbs can be utilised to assist with many health issues, however it is not safe to simply replace bio-medicines with medicinal herbs. It is imperative that any change of medication is done in consultation and under supervision of a treating doctor or appropriately qualified natural health practitioner.

Can I use these products if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

These products are not to be used whilst pregnant or breastfeeding.

Are these products suitable for children?

Herbal medicine can be used with children — but it must be approached thoughtfully.

As a general guideline, most medicinal herbs are not recommended for children under two years of age unless under professional supervision. Infants process substances differently to adults, and extra care is required.

For children over two who are otherwise healthy, certain herbs may be appropriate when used in age-adjusted doses. The key is choosing the right herb, in the right preparation, at the correct strength.

Children are not simply “small adults.” Their dosage should be adjusted according to body size and developmental stage. Quality and clarity of ingredients also matter — knowing exactly what herb is being used (and not blending multiple unknowns together) becomes even more important with little ones.

If a child has underlying health conditions, is on medication, or if you are unsure, it is always wise to consult a qualified health professional before introducing any herbal product.

Used appropriately, herbs can be a gentle and supportive option for families — but informed use is essential.