Tincture
Tincture Herbal Remedy Review
Herbal tinctures are liquid herbal extracts made with a combination of medicinal herbs, pure alcohol and spring water. To be classified as a tincture, these alcoholic extracts must contain between forty to sixty percent ethanol. Herbal extracts offer stronger medicinal dosages of herbs than other alternative forms of ingestions such as teas or capsules. When properly made and stored, herbal tinctures have a long shelf life (as much as four years).
Herbal tinctures have been used in Western and Eastern medicines to strengthen the body and treat many illnesses over the centuries. In recent years, herbal tinctures have been used by both complementary and traditional health care providers to relieve the discomfort and pain of the symptoms associated with outbreaks of cold sores or fever blisters. Cold sores or fever are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 or HSV-1. Herpes viruses cycle between periods of active disease (manifested by outbreaks of sores or pustules) and periods of remission. A cure for Herpes has not been developed. Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life. Recurrent outbreaks of cold sores periodically occur especially in times of stress or immune impairment.
How Does Herbal Tinctures Work?
Herbal tinctures are alcohol based and can be used topically to treat the pain and discomfort of cold sores. Herbs used in the compounding of herbal tinctures contain a complex mix of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and healing agents. These elements are thought to work synergistically to produce healing. Depending on the herbs used, these agents can be antibacterial, antimicrobial or antiviral. Herbal tinctures are also antiseptic and disinfect skin surfaces on contact killing or reducing populations of harmful bacteria or viruses. For example, a common herb used in the formulation of herbal tinctures is lemon balm or Melissa officinalis. Laboratory studies have shown that lemon balm extract can inhibit the ability of the herpes simplex virus to infect cells largely by limiting the amount of virus during cold sore outbreaks.
Herbal tinctures may also be ingested and used in support of the immune system. For example, tinctures may incorporate Astragalus an herb that has enjoyed long usage Chinese medicine to stimulate the immune system. Some research studies suggest that Astragalus may reduce the number and frequency of the outbreaks (as expressed by the eruption of cold sores). Additionally, there is some test tube evidence that Astragalus can inhibit the production of the virus causing cold sores.
Herbal Tinctures Safety
Herbal tinctures are safe if used only as directed. Herbal tinctures for the topical treatment of cold sores must never be ingested. Because herbal tinctures are plant extracts, they should be used with caution by individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to certain families of flowers or plants, or their chemical components such as alkaloids. Herbal tinctures should not be used by individuals with known sensitivities to hydrastine or berberine. Herbal tinctures may interfere with certain classes of prescription drugs such as thyroid medications. Use only as directed by your health care provider.
Herbal tinctures may not be suitable for use in children or in pregnant or lactating women. Herbal tinctures should not be used by individuals with alcohol sensitivity and should be avoided by individuals whose religion forbids the use of alcohol.
Herbal tinctures are concentrated forms of herbal preparation. Herbal tinctures have been used topically to treat the discomfort and pain of cold sores. Clinical studies have also shown that herbal tinctures can also be used in support of the immune system which may extend periods of remission for the herpes simplex virus. The studies also suggest that oral use of herbal tinctures can reduce the length and severity of cold sore outbreaks. If cold sore symptoms do not resolve within a period of a week to ten days, however, the advice of your primary health care provider.
