How to Use Tinctures: A Guide by RAW Forest Foods

Experience the Inherent Vitality of Nature

Tinctures are liquid extracts of herbs, prepared by steeping them in alcohol or another solvent.

At RAW Forest Foods, our alcohol-based tinctures are crafted for high bioavailability, fast-acting benefits, unparalleled potency, and a long shelf life. These tinctures provide a convenient and effective way to incorporate our therapeutic herbs and master formulas—such as the naturally occurring phytoandrogens in Pine Pollen—into your daily routine.

How We Use Tinctures

Our preferred method for consuming tinctures is to mix them with several ounces of water and drink them in one gulp, ideally on an empty stomach and at least 30 minutes before a meal. This approach supports thorough digestion and promotes rapid absorption.

Common Methods of Using Tinctures

The best way to take tinctures is the method that works for you. Two popular approaches include:

Adding to Your Drinks: Mix the tincture into water or another beverage and drink it.
Taking it Directly, By Mouth: Dispense the tincture directly into your mouth, swallowing immediately. We do not advocate for taking tinctures sublingually.

<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

Pro-Tip on Measuring Tinctures by the Dropperful

A common question we receive is how to measure tinctures by dropperful. Droppers vary in size depending on the bottle—e.g., a 2-ounce bottle has a smaller dropper than a 4-ounce bottle. Here’s how it works:

The rubber bulb of the dropper determines the measurement, not the glass pipette.
One full squeeze of the bulb (with the pipette fully submerged) will draw approximately 1 mL of liquid—equivalent to 30 drops—into the pipette.

When measuring tincture, the rubber bulb controls the measurement, not the glass pipette. While it’s not 100 percent precise, a full squeeze of the rubber bulb, when the pipette is fully submerged, will draw approximately 1 mL of liquid—equivalent to 30 drops—into the pipette. The pipette may not appear “full” because the measurement is determined by the rubber bulb, which consistently draws the same amount of tincture regardless of pipette size.

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

Pine Pollen Tinctures and Phytoandrogenic Hormones

Phytoandrogens are naturally occurring phytosterols that are analogous to male androgenic hormones. Pine Pollen contains several key phytoandrogens:

Androstenedione: Associated with promoting strength and energy levels.
Androsterone: Supports male physical characteristics and reproductive health.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Essential for hormone production and contributes to healthy aging.
Testosterone: Plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and libido.

Our dual-stage alcohol extraction method ensures these phytotherapeutic compounds are fully dissolved and bioavailable. Alcohol enhances absorption directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion for maximum efficacy.*

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

Pine Pollen's Proandrogenic and Adaptogenic Properties

Pine Pollen Tinctures and the Phytoandrogenic Hormones

Guidelines and Suggestions for Optimal Use

Consistency: Take your tincture at the same time daily to build a habit and ensure maximum benefits.
Splitting the Dose: Divide the recommended dose into two-thirds in the morning and one-third in the evening. This is ideal for sensitive stomachs or first-time tincture users.
Take on an Empty Stomach: For best results, take tinctures on an empty stomach. Avoid eating for at least two hours before and wait at least 30 minutes after taking your tincture before consuming food.
Reduce the Taste of Alcohol: To minimize the taste of alcohol, add your measured tincture dose to a heat-safe glass, pour in freshly boiled water, and let the mixture cool before drinking. The heat helps dissipate the alcohol flavor.
Storage: Store tinctures in a cool, dark place to preserve their potency and extend their shelf life.
Follow Your Circadian Rhythm: For adaptogenic and proandrogenic herbs, take tinctures in the morning, immediately upon waking. This timing aligns with your body’s natural androgenic hormone peak, enhancing their effectiveness.

Product Use Recommendation

Adding Tinctures to Your Morning Coffee

Enhance your morning coffee ritual with our Twelve Rivers Functional Mushroom MycoMedic Elixir Tincture. Infused with a Spiced Winter Chai essential oil blend, it pairs beautifully with coffee, adding both flavor and function.