Too Much Alcohol in a Tincture? Here's How to Get it Out!

Tinctures are a quick and easy way to administer TCVM herbal formulas to pets!

But then you open the bottle and smell alcohol. You wonder if it will harm your pet.

The good news is that the tinctures sold in our store have been tested and are safe for pets.

However, if you want to remove the alcohol, it's pretty easy to do at home.

Key Takeaways

• Why alcohol is used: Alcohol helps extract herbal compounds and preserve the finished extract.
• Single-dose preparation: The method below uses a measured tincture dose and separately heated water or broth.
• Keep heating separate: Heat the liquid separately rather than boiling the tincture itself.
• Other formats: Teapills, capsules, and powders may be easier to give some pets.
• Food therapy: An energetically appropriate diet is part of the TCVM approach discussed here.

Why Is There Alcohol in the Tincture?

Manufacturers often use alcohol because it is an excellent solvent for herbs.

Alcohol can extract compounds and active ingredients that aren't water-soluble. Some examples are:

• Essential oils: One category of compounds extracted with alcohol.
• Alkaloids: Another category of active herbal constituents.
• Resins: Herbal substances discussed among the extraction examples.

In addition, alcohol is the only edible solvent that can effectively extract the active ingredients required in many tinctures.

Alcohol also helps extract the herb's properties into a more concentrated form and preserve the extract once made.

However, in choosing a natural lifestyle, you may prefer non-alcoholic versions of herbal remedies for your pet(s).

The method below is the easiest way to remove alcohol from a single dose of tincture.

Evaporating a Single Tincture Dose in Boiling Water or Other Liquid

If your pet likes to lap things up, this method works great!

Some people prefer using low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth instead of water to hide the scent and taste of the herbs in the tincture.

1. Measure the tincture: First, measure a single dose of the tincture and put it in a cup, or follow your veterinarian's directions.
2. Heat the liquid separately: Next, heat one-fourth cup of water or broth to a boil. You can do it on the stove or in the microwave, whichever you prefer.
3. Bring just to a boil: It doesn't need to boil for long. Just bring it to a boil, and it's ready.
4. Combine: Pour the water or broth into the cup with the pre-measured tincture.
5. Let cool: Finally, let the mixture cool. The original method describes the cooling process as evaporating most of the alcohol.
6. Serve with food: After it has cooled to a safe serving temperature, pour the mixture over your pet's food and mix it in.

Remember: Keep the tincture separated in the other cup while heating the water or broth because phytochemicals in herbs degrade when boiled.

Other Herbal Formula Options

There are other herbal variations available, some of which may be easier to give your pet.

Some examples are:

• Teapills
• Capsules
• Powders

If using tinctures is difficult for you, we may be able to help you find a better variation.

How to Make Your Tinctures and Herbs Work Better

Did you know that tinctures and herbal formulas work better when you feed your pet an energetically appropriate diet?

It's true! Helping your pet become more energetically balanced makes everything work better.

Learn more by grabbing a copy of our free ebook, Eastern Food Therapy for Pets: How to Use Food as Medicine for Health and Harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is alcohol used in herbal tinctures?

Alcohol helps extract compounds that are not water-soluble, including essential oils, alkaloids, and resins. It also helps concentrate the herbal extract and preserve it once made.

Can I use broth instead of water in this preparation method?

The article suggests low-sodium chicken or beef broth as an alternative to water. Some people prefer broth to help hide the scent and taste of the herbs. Heat the liquid separately and let the combined mixture cool before serving.

Why should I keep the tincture separate while heating the liquid?

The method keeps the measured tincture in a separate cup because directly boiling herbs can degrade phytochemicals. Bring the water or broth to a boil first, then pour it into the cup containing the tincture.

What herbal formats can I consider if tinctures are difficult to give?

The article lists teapills, capsules, and powders as other options. We may be able to help you find a variation that is easier for your pet. Your veterinarian can guide the amount when changing formats.

The Bottom Line

Understanding why tinctures contain alcohol can make your pet’s herbal routine easier to navigate. The article’s single-dose method, alternative herbal formats, and TCVM food therapy offer practical topics to explore for a routine that suits you and your pet.