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.

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
• alkaloids
• resins

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 method for removing 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.

First, measure a single dose of the tincture and put it in a cup.

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.

Also, it doesn't need to boil for long. Just bring it to a boil and it's ready.

Then, pour the water or broth into the cup with the pre-measured tincture.

Finally, just let it cool slightly. The cooling process evaporates most of the alcohol.

Remember, it's crucial you keep the tincture separated (in the other cup) from the water or broth because phytochemicals in herbs degrade when boiled.

Other Herbal Formula Options

There are also 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.