How to take your Herbs - Tinctures, Capsules, Powders and More!

We're going to talk about something that doesn't get enough attention when it comes to herbs - delivery systems. We often focus on what herbs to take, but we don't talk enough about how to get those herbs into our bodies. I'll discuss the various methods, including eating the plants, making teas or tinctures, using glycerides or capsules, and their respective pros and cons.
Now, it's important to note that how we get the herbs into our body doesn't matter much from a phytochemical standpoint, but there are some important advantages and disadvantages to each delivery system.
If you're interested in learning more about herbs, check out our website homegrownherbalist.net, where I have blog articles on various topics, including case studies and other useful information. And for those serious about herbal education, take a look at the HomeGrown Herbalist School of Botanical Medicine, a remarkable course with lifetime access and a great community of learners. Thanks for watching, and I hope this video helps you better understand herbal delivery systems.
homegrownherbalist.net/school
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[@HomeGrownHerbalist]

Have you ever made your own herbal medicine?

[@annafast1519]

Yes I have! I've learned a lot these last few years. One of my favorites is a combination of herbs that help relax my muscles and help my brain calm down and sleep better.

[@charleshoweii2952]

Yes, thank you! Your videos are a great help

[@Junzar56]

Since watching your videos, yes!

[@cindyjones520]

I, recently, started making tinctures with 100 proof Vodka (don't know how people drink that stuff for pleasure!). Hawthorn Berry, Mullein, Rosemary, and I've started one with garlic pieces and skins. Thank you for sharing so much knowledge! 💚

[@CrystalQuartz]

Yes and one of my favorite homemade tinctures is echinacea root. I have a cabinet filled with my herbal meds.

[@joyannkjb4l250]

Doc, ....YOU are our 💥R O C K S T A R !!💥 Thank you for ALL you do! God bless you!📖🌱🌾🌿

[@jjshomeliving]

Always love learning from you. I’ve been messing with herbs for 20 years but I love learning from people who actually know what they are doing 😂

[@annebird9195]

On the topic of religious restrictions it was super funny last week cause I commented to a friend that I need to remember to ask the bishop where to get cheap vodka and they just stared at me like "your bishop drinks?!" "No. My bishop is a professional chef who I know makes their own vanilla in bulk every year." 😂

[@kakea8403]

If you're going to make an alcohol tincture, add a cinnamon stick or two, during the weeks of extraction. It makes everything taste better!

[@emcarver8983]

If you like cinnamon 😏

[@cindyjones520]

You are so right. God made these things for our health... including small amounts of alcohol as medicine, as a cleanser, and as a preservative, etc.. And thanks for explaining how "bitters" work.

[@debbiecurtis4146]

LOL! "getting the bejeebers kicked out of me" I can relate! But I really appreciated this because I'm learning more about herbs and such that are good for arthritis for both me and my older Border collie. And the young dogs, too, I want to do more preventative 'medicine'. I have arthritis in my thumbs, and that makes it tough to do my farm work, garden, shovel snow, or even drive some days. I've always been a huge fan of vets. As a little girl I went on ambulatory calls with Cornell vets because my sister wanted to be a vet (back in the day when they really didn't let women in). Then I went on a lot of cow calls in the '70's in high school. I'm a horse person, but this is dairy country. There are a lot of human doctors I don't think much of, and I've had a few 'discussions' with because they are wrong. EX: They wanted me to take omeprazole forever. This makes no sense to me because if omeprazole cures an ulcer in a horse's stomach, it will cure my ulcer. I leave them speechless, and I didn't take that at all, because a sip of vinegar did the trick! Thanks Dr. Jones.

[@emcarver8983]

💕 little boys cry too💕

[@joanmills1592]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Doc talks about his school.. I can assure you, if were able, I would sign up today.

[@minihomesteadcooking]

I signed up today .❤

[@tracy419]

​@@minihomesteadcookinghow's it been so far? Is the detail for actually making things good? I've seen plenty that seem to only give estimates, which doesn't seem nearly consistent enough to me.

[@minihomesteadcooking]

I love what I have seen so far. Some are very long. But I like it. I wish I had more time.

[@karenw9996]

As I'm learning I like to get my herbs in food, so there's less worry about dosage. I lowered my borderline-high BP by putting cinnamon on my oatmeal, cayenne in my tomato soup, and eating garlic bread more often. I've gotten some powdered herbs, alcohol, and amber bottles so I can make some tinctures...and I've got seeds for at least a dozen different herbs to grow this year, in addition to my dandelions, lambs quarter, shepherd's purse, mallow, purslane, hollyhocks. So much to learn!!!

[@mj2048]

How exciting. I've been trying to find a way to seriously lower mine. I want off the meds!

[@paulsmith1411]

Always got strep throat for years around July, Started taking Echinacea purpurea never had again...

[@debistokes6962]

I made my first tinctures this year to combat a repeat bronchitis attack. Made my first venture into a liquor store also. The tinctures worked. Tasted absolutely horrific but they worked. First time to have bronchitis and not have a repeat even after taking prescription medication for the first go around. If I have another attack, will start the tincture treatment sooner!

[@lifelovelettuce]

Your advice and your manner is always so warm and helpful. I've been growing my own herbs and taking teas from my garden for many years now. People always try to tell me that I should be doing this or that and teas are not good enough. I also enjoy the practice of replenishing my dried stores each year--if there's any left, out it goes on the compost pile. Thank you for confirming what I guess I've found to be my truth. I do love my daily herbal teas. Many blessings. 🌿

[@briancostello6892]

Old Saying I remember. If it doesn’t taste good. It’s good for you. 🤔🧐

[@corinnasmarr5672]

You Sir are the happiest moment in life. You bring peace to the chaos . My heart calms and anxiety subsides. Thank you for all the goodness you do. Be blessed kind sir.

[@katmarie4751]

Hope to join the school one day!!!

[@lisettef7947]

Wow!!! Were you listening to the conversation I was just having on Sunday with my local apothecary? Lol I was expressing how I wish they taught a class on the best way to take herbs and what each method means.. This video clarifies all the confusion I had. THANK YOU for simplifying!!!!!

[@turabahmad6214]

thanks for valuable information

[@mamabiz4150]

I used to make my own breastfeeding boosting herbal tinctures and teas. I ordered bulk dried herbs in organic alcohol. I know now that some plants are best preserved fresh, different parts of the plant is best. Still it was easy and fun.

[@florachildressEarth2Flo]

Love your jokes!

[@toneman8478]

Have you done a video on the Liver and varicose veins relationship and what medicinals help

[@AHomeIsHaven]

Thank you! This was fun to attend a live show! I have made a few tinctures since I started watching your channel. Cayenne tincture, lactucarium (using bolted romaine lettuce) tincture, thyme, sage and rosemary tincture also.

[@sharonheffner7082]

how do you make the Cayenne tincture and what do you use it for? Have you ever made a plantain tincture to apply topically for bug bites?

[@feltingme]

Capsules have a negative of containing glyphosate. They are made from gmo eating animal bones. Vegetarian capsules have similar issues also. Both can contain glyphosate.

[@Junzar56]

Keep wanting to do the school. I also hope the stupid emergencies like having the water heater break, or having to have dental work that zaps the savings will stop.

[@emcarver8983]

You can also make fruit leathers. I make raw hawthorn leathers that are really easy to take.

[@reneedrock2907]

I made comfrey water for my plants. Stinky but good for the plants. I also have stinky banana water.

[@tamidespain4677]

Thank you for this incredible information! New home, new area and new garden. Kind of new life as I had a stroke before we moved… so throw that into the mix and everything seems interesting or not at all lol… I appreciate your videos!!

[@denisestone8491]

The closest I've ever come to making my own herbal medicine would be teas. This is a great video. Thank you!

[@annafast1519]

I love your sense of humor- you make this all fun-er

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

Tinctures are always my first grab, but I will say that when my family was weathering covid I (the mom of the family and the herbalist...) got SUPER tired of taking tinctures. I see a lot of value in a good understanding of using herbs in various ways....and of stocking them in various ways. I love your daughter's tea line and have even tinctured a couple of the teas, so we can take them either way. We have a nice supply of what I call "40 Winks Tinc"--lol...great tea and good in tincture form as well. I've tinctured Nourishing Roots, too. Thanks for all that you share!

[@rhondatrumier5530]

Haha you seriously make my day. Love your laugh. All the info is an added bonus.

[@shermdog6969]

Some herbs need an alcohol to remove certain chemicals that our bodies can pull out naturally so it also depends on extraction method. Water, glycerin, alcohol and steam. Glycerin is actually a form of natural soap. It's made by mixing with lye do if you're wanting a more natural form they don't go that route. Thank you for all the information.

[@tracyjudd3877]

Thanks, Doc!! Appreciate you sharing your expertise with us. Love the school! I’m enjoying it & learning so much!!!

[@rainwaterfallsapothecaryay8102]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 🙌

[@wilburcollins8342]

I just found you and I'm new to tincturing and you are amazing. Funny but right on. Yeshuwa turned water into wine.

[@reneedrock2907]

I know a lady that uses glycerin to make her extracts vanilla etc. She has them for a year. Making a half a gallon at a time leaving them in her pantry on the shelf and they never go bad.

[@melbocarol1960]

I found that black seed oil is great topical for arthritis pain in my shoulder.

[@jenniferbunker2757]

Thank you love watching you . Where can I learn dosages for each tinctures? And what i can give children and animals?

[@turabahmad6214]

good question

[@kakea8403]

I just love your videos!

[@hoosiermama72]

It’s probably been asked, but did not see if it was… what if you don’t want to do the traditional oral ingestion, does transdermal have the same effect ie: like a calendula cream vs a tea or tincture? THANK YOU!!!! 😊

[@CDGMR1]

Thank you

[@tamararobinson2069]

I Love This!! Helps So Much!! QUESTION - Dosing confuses & scares me - especially with autoimmune disease - Graves Disease specifically - THANK YOU!!

[@smithanastasia2172]

Thank you thabk you thank you Dr Patrick!!! God bless

[@abbielynnjuett4031]

Thank you. 💚💚💚

[@angelapriddy6308]

Thank you❤

[@violetgentry9041]

Do you ever talk about Herbs for Epilepsy or do you teach this in your school?

[@reneebulkley1333]

Well explained. Thank you for sharing. *Ripe bananas contain alcohol.

[@lindcobbs4615]

Thank you sir, plain God given common sense. Very valuable information. 🙏🏾

[@mollyosburn5688]

Have you done a video for book recommendations?

[@mistymountain1967]

loving your school

[@HomeGrownHerbalist]

Hope you're learning lots!

[@loveisaliveamen7066]

I LOVE LOVE UR VIDEOS, and yes in a month I plan on taking ur course!!! But asking can you do a video about which tincture you can use topical and which will not work topical. Seems like it may be logical, saying if for liver may not work topically... I really would love to know more please!! 💕

[@mizzkathryn7]

So happy to see you on here thank you so much!!

[@katmarie4751]

Thank you for the info as always!!

[@johntitor994]

Great Video!

[@TSis76]

Thank you!!

[@mikec7160]

Thank you for sharing

[@LorrayneHam]

Great break down …

[@Neirawr]

Thank you 😊

[@oceanluv88]

Very interesting and helpful. Subscribed.

[@eddieschneider1947]

useful knowledge

[@itstime2bnice]

Yes! But I like yours better! ☺️

[@clayphillips9998]

yes thank you.

[@kristenwatson3443]

I’ve learned so much from you I have one of your books and have several tinctures made, my husband and I have done this for several years. Like watching your visits with josh and Caroline. Hoping to join your school.

[@KathyJordan-fy8ew]

How do you make a tincture from powdered herbs?

[@esterwyman]

Thank you so very much 🌿, this was a most informative and helpful video. Just the information I needed before starting my herbal tinctures and oils .

[@Mandiikinz]

Randomly stumbled across this video! And super inspired! I love growing my own herbs, but I never use them because I can’t stand the texture of little green “bits” in food lol I’ve often wondered if I could dry and powder them! Love the taste ( of most herbs ) and obviously the health benefits… surely adding powdered herbs into dishes can’t hurt right?

[@maryjanegilmore5525]

I grow and dry my own herbs. Have not used them medicinally.

[@karenw9996]

If cayenne improves vascular flexibility can it also help with varicose veins?

[@marilyn5208]

I put dried herbs in a teaspoon of raw honey.

[@gryphc3860]

As always, great information Doc and your presentation is lovely🙏💚. One thing I would suggest is using clear alcohol for tinctures only, like vodka, because darker alcohols, like rum etc have already got "plants" infused in them to give them their flavour and colour. 🤷

[@williamjacobs6763]

Thank you! I was having this very discussion this Sunday!

[@BelindaTN]

I love this. The first time I have heard anyone (that knows anything) explain how to best use herbs and how they work on the body. And why taking them one way is better than another, depending on the herb. Not enough explaination out there about this. the other question is when, how long to take medicinal herbs and dosages?

[@jenniferbunker2757]

Do you have a video on how to make crisis tinctures and dosages, please

[@emcarver8983]

You can make a glycated instead of alcohol, but they're are sickening sweet. I can't take glycite, they burn my throat. But... For children it can be mixed with water.

[@onehorsetown3434]

Do you grown “Salvia miltiorrhiza” on your farm? It’s become one of my favorite plant medicines. I’m not sure if it can grow here in Idaho though?

[@lizmichel8239]

Can you use goldenrod that was drying outside in a shed and the temperature dropped below freezing

[@latieplolo]

The main use I have for herbs these days is for cold/flu prevention and treatment for my little kids. If I plan to just make a fresh batch each year, would that be an appropriate use for glycerides?

[@shilohboy8949]

Can the poultice tincture that you sell be applied directly to a wound after you mix it with water?

[@bernielemire4980]

I bought the cleanse kit but do not have instructions on how to use it, where can i find that?

[@never2muchcoffee]

Any thoughts on medicinal wines? Either using wine as a menstrum or making a wine from medicinal herbs.

[@Willie3]

Why can't I take cayenne pepper!? I can eat small amounts in food but when I try to take it in capsule form I get a very upset stomach. I've tried different brands but nothing seems to work. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.😊

[@violetgentry9041]

Taking on empty stomach can sometimes irritate the stomach. Need to take with milk, smoothie or food to problems. I take every day with milk. Since I have a past history of ulcers. No problem after year taking it this way.

[@KeyAnah]

What are your take on oxymel, (vinegar and honey) as a herbal preparation

[@Herbhead369]

Can we do half glycerin and half alcohol for a tinture ?

[@mizzkathryn7]

I love all herbs in a tea it is hot and so good.

[@jillluvslife1640]

This is off topic, but does anyone know what I could give my 4 year old grandson for molluscum contagious? This is my first time to hear of it, and his is not wanting to go away. Thanks for any advice you can give.

[@amesstoday]

When making a tincture, how long do you soak the dry herbs in the alcohol?

[@shara4389]

2 weeks and there's nothing left in the herbs to pull out. Keep it in a cool dark place and shake daily (or as often as you can remember).

[@hopesto]

Yes, I make a Ceylon Cinnamon tincture for my hubby!! Our Naturopath has my hubby on a combination tincture, he has HYPOtension and type 2 Diabetes ... docs want to blame the LOW BP on the diabetes, and not look any further, she feels it has something to do with his Adrenals .. he's taking a tincture with 40% Licorice root, 40%Astragalus, 40%Panax, 40%Ginseng, 40%Ginko 40%Reishi also Lions Mane.... I'm wondering if he should take a cayenne tincture also?, as she has never suggested it...... he can NOT stand longer than a minute or 2 or he feels weak. I would so deeply appreciate any input

[@terryhall2299]

Question. Does Food grade non-GMO vegetable glycerin go bad on the shelf? I have a bottle that has an expired date on it from 2015.

[@shara4389]

Generally it's not an "expired" date, but rather a "best by" date. 99% of things are still good after that date, but the date is there just to say "we know it will still be great by this date, we just don't know how great it will be later than that" (it's called CYA!).

[@Peonyprashanti]

Can i put my toncture in hot water?

[@Cfoots03]

Can I put your powders in a vegetable capsule?

[@annebird9195]

Question: what is the best way to take St John's wart? I was thinking of making my sister come capsules to take for anxiety cause I cant seem to keep her attention long enough for her to take it as a tea, she just forgets. Is there anything missed with taking it's a pill?

[@shara4389]

Remember to check all the contraindications of using SJW - it's one of the few that has quite a list of things not to use it with (big pharma type products).

[@annebird9195]

@@shara4389 i know. 👍

[@Tri-countyhomestead]

How do we mix your joint support powder to make a tincture? What are the amounts of each?

[@libbyolinger4731]

He usually says 1 part powder to 4 or 5 parts vodka.

[@Tri-countyhomestead]

@@libbyolinger4731 by weight or with measuring cup?

[@libbyolinger4731]

I'm not sure what he would say, but based on what I did know him to say, I used a cup of Teasel root powder and filled the rest of the quart mason jar with vodka. It worked great.

[@shara4389]

It's a 1 to 5 ratio. 1 part (any size you want - teaspoon, 1/2 cup, thimble, etc) to 5 parts of the same measurement. Make sure it is all fully submerged under the booze or it will mold. Shake daily. Works like the bomb when the herbs are powdered, they co-operate much better.

[@gowest5145]

I didn't get a notice for this.

[@HomeGrownHerbalist]

Here's the link to watch it :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX-nmX1pa8h7p5Y

[@gowest5145]

@@HomeGrownHerbalist Thanks, I want to order some rattle snake tincture from you. I live in rattlesnake country!

[@PrayerOpensDoor]

If those folks reading this want to make the best investment for your lives , this is it. Docs school is unprecedented the best education I’ve ever participated in & I am retired now but was in the medical profession. You won’t be sorry, if you love to learn and help people , this is it. We are going to need this knowledge the way our medical system is going in 🇨🇦 and I would pretty much say that worldwide. Thanks Doc for making this and many of your vids free here on you tube. All of which should be enough to wet the preverbal whistle. ♥️🌟🇨🇦

[@Nezzy1111]

Can you please tell me what tincture or herb is good for the lymphatic system

[@paularobinson2352]

Cleavers!

[@Nezzy1111]

@@paularobinson2352 thank you so very much grateful and gratitude

[@judithspears9356]

​@@Nezzy1111 Cleavers makes a great tea especially combined with stringing nettle.

[@Nezzy1111]

@@judithspears9356 where is the best place to purchase bcuz where I live in upstate New York there’s no herbal shops I want to buy but don’t know where to begin

[@judithspears9356]

@@Nezzy1111 I'm in Australia where these plants grow wild in our bush area's and back yards. What a shame you don't have herbal shops. Maybe you could get them online..❤️

[@ShortbusMooner]

I bought an ultrasonic cleaner machine to make tinctures.. 😁👍

[@lauralowery9303]

I need to say that not everyone lives on a farm or has a big garden or even a little garden. Some of us live in apartments or rent a room from someone. We CAN'T grow our own. My room is also full of the owners personal furniture and stuff. I have a very tiny area to work in. I am blessed to have this room because I lost my home to hurricane Harvey. So all the herbs I have are from the grocery or the internet. Can you please do a video for people like me?

[@pattypayant9684]

Perhaps you could do a little "wild foraging" to obtain some simple herbs/weeds/ and other "free" foods. You can always dry them in your room and then have them at the ready. Easy to find: Dandelion -all parts, Plantain, Mallow/ Malvaceae Neglecta, Cleavers, Purslane, London Rocket/ Wild Mustard, Russian thistle, & Nettles Rinse/Wash the cut herbs - tie them up with a rubber band, hang them upside down in a dark well ventilated area until they are very dry -then store them in a glass jar with a lid. It's great to do a foraging walk and learn to identify the plants you find as well as the walk is great exercise and health giving.

[@zina6581]

🥰

[@juliehochstetler3417]

My daughter wants to know what the plant is behind your head

[@marilyn5208]

Maybe a dwarf Schefflera

[@karenw9996]

Don't know if anyone will answer, but I'll ask the question: if someone has extremely painful feet (to the point of tears by the end of the day, every single day) would cayenne in coconut oil rubbed on them help? I'm trying to come up with something that will help her without having to buy anything, because my budget is super tight right now. Thanks!

[@libbyolinger4731]

My grandma used something similar to that for sore feet. Be sure to wear gloves when applying it so you don't get it in your eyes by rubbing them afterward. The hot oils stay on your hands for a long time.

[@karenw9996]

@@libbyolinger4731 Good point, thank you!

[@shara4389]

Arnica is great for pain, but poisonous so ONLY use topical (and to save money, you can use rubbing alcohol with arnica since you will NEVER ingest it).

[@florachildressEarth2Flo]

It’s a chemical experience, not a social one😂😂😂😂