About our Tinctures and Infused Oils
A tincture is an advanced liquid extract crafted through the process of macerating herbs, plants, or other substances in a solvent—most commonly alcohol, but also glycerin or vinegar—to isolate their beneficial compounds. With a longstanding history in traditional herbal medicine, tinctures are often administered orally for expedited absorption, offering a powerful, long-lasting remedy.
An herbal-infused oil is a powerful blend crafted by steeping herbs, flowers, or roots in a carrier oil—like olive, almond, or jojoba—to harness the plant’s potent medicinal, aromatic, and therapeutic benefits. Used primarily for topical applications such as balms, salves, and massages, these oils transfer their healing, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties to the skin.
At Wyld Witchery, we employ traditional methods to craft our tinctures and oils in small, carefully controlled batches. We begin with premium quality herbs, the majority of which are organic (each tincture specifies the certification status of the herbs used). For Tinctures, the herbs are immersed in our chosen medium for 3 to 6 months. For oils, we infuse the herbs in our chosen oil at low temperatures for 10-16 hours to ensure all of the benefits are extracted. The resulting product is a potent, highly concentrated extract that effectively captures the beneficial properties of each plant.
About our Sage Tincture
- Scientific Name of Herb: Salvia officinalis (Berggarten Sage)
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Parts Used: Leaves Only
- Cultivation Method: Locally cultivated in SC without chemicals
- Medium Used: Vodka, 80 Proof
- Strength: 1:5
- Shelf Life: 3-5 Years
Salvia officinalis (Sage) Materia Medica
- Energetics: Warm/Dry/Aromatic
- Tastes: Bitter/Pungent/Astringent/Salty
- Constituents: Alpha- and Beta-Thujone (Psychoactive ketones found in sage essential oil, thujones modulate GABA receptor activity), Eucalyptol (Known for bronchodilatory and mucolytic actions), Camphor (provides topical warming sensation and helps aching muscles), Rosmarinic Acid (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory), Ursolic Acid, (triterpenoid, anti-microbial and potential anti-cancer properties), Flavonoids – Luteolin, Hispidulin: (neuroprotective and anxiolytic), Caffeic Acid (antioxidant), Salvianolic Acids A and B, Tannins.
- Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-microbial, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Carminative, Expectorant, Immunomodulator, Nervine, Stimulant, Stomachiac, Vulnerary.
Therapeutic and Heath Benefits
Sage is a powerful herb celebrated in culinary traditions around the world. When used as a tincture or tea, its benefits become even more pronounced. Packed with antioxidant properties, it can help enhance oral health and cognitive function. Moreover, it can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- May support cognitive enhancement and Memory: Recent research indicates that sage extracts inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for memory and learning. Patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease have experienced cognitive improvements when administered standardized sage leaf extracts (tinctures).
- Digestive Support: Traditionally used as a digestive stimulant, Salvia officinalis tincture, tea, or infusion promotes healthy bile flow, speeds gastric emptying, and eases bloating.
- Antimicrobial and Oral Health: Thanks to its high levels of camphor and thujone, sage exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It has been used traditionally for sore throats, gingivitis, and halitosis. Add the Tincture to water to gargle or gargle with a Sage infusion.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief: The rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid in Salvia officinalis are credited with anti-inflammatory properties. Topically applied sage-infused oil or ointment can ease minor arthritic discomfort, sprains, and muscle strains. The Tincture can also be taken internally to help ease inflammation.
- May help with menopause and hormonal balance: Some women report relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings with sage. Researchers suggest that the mild estrogenic activity of flavonoids and phenols may underlie these effects. Sage tincture or infusion can be used this way.
- Skin and Hair Applications: The astringent tannins and antimicrobial oils in sage make it a popular ingredient in natural skincare for acne-prone skin. Traditional Appalachian vinegar rinses reportedly delay hair graying—possibly due to their antioxidative phenolic content.
- Respiratory and Mucus Regulation: Inhaling sage steam helps loosen mucus and soothe irritated airways. A pilot study of patients with chronic pharyngitis reported significant symptom relief and reduced cough frequency after gargling a sage decoction twice daily. Combination formulas with thyme or eucalyptus amplify these effects.
- May lower blood glucose and cholesterol: The leaves of common sage have been used traditionally as a remedy against diabetes. Human and animal research indicate that it may help lower blood sugar levels. This can be taken in capsule, Tincture, or infusion form.
- May lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol: In one study, consuming sage tea twice daily lowered LDL cholesterol and total blood cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol after just two weeks.
- Alleviates diarrhea: Fresh sage is a traditional remedy for diarrhea. It contains compounds that may alleviate diarrhea by relaxing the gut. Sage tea infusion or Tincture can be used for this.
- May combat skin aging: Several test-tube studies suggest that sage compounds may help fight signs of aging, such as wrinkles.
Contraindications and Interactions
Medicinal dosing of sage might influence the effect of medicinal products acting via GABA receptors (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines). Using sage with such medicinal products is not recommended
Epileptics are advised to avoid sage in medicinal doses due to the convulsant potential of thujones. Sage has the ability to greatly lessen or completely dry up breast milk, so it is not advisable for lactating mothers who wish to continue to nurse, but sage can be a valuable support for assisting the weaning process. Lactating mothers are also encouraged to exercise caution due to the potential transfer of thujone through breast milk.
Salvia officinalis boasts a solid safety record when used in culinary amounts or moderate teas, though it’s wise to heed certain precautions:
- Thujone Toxicity: In rare cases, high doses of sage essential oil (particularly thujone-rich varieties) can lead to neurotoxicity, which may present as dizziness, vomiting, tremors, or even seizures. Always ensure proper dilution and adhere to recommended dosages for safety.
- Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience mild contact dermatitis when handling fresh leaves or essential oils. To ensure safety, we recommend performing a patch test before topical application.
- Hormone-Sensitive Conditions: If you have estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer or endometriosis, consult with your healthcare provider before using sage.
- Medication Interactions: Sage’s potent acetylcholinesterase inhibition enhances the effects of cholinergic drugs. Additionally, rosmarinic acid effectively engages with anticoagulants; maintain vigilant INR monitoring if on warfarin.
Prolonged use at elevated doses (e.g., exceeding 5g/day of dried leaf or concentrated tinctures beyond standard guidelines) may, in rare instances, result in liver toxicity; therefore, it is advisable to use cyclical dosing (e.g., two weeks on, one week off).
Consultation with a qualified herbal or medical professional is essential before embarking on intensive protocols, particularly for individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or managing chronic health conditions.
For pediatric patients, it is recommended to utilize gentle infusions (0.5 g per 100 mL of water). We do not recommend the use of essential oils or Tinctures. Pregnant individuals should limit consumption to minor culinary quantities and steer clear of medicinal doses.
Dosages
- Dried Leaf (Tea/Infusion): Typical dosage is 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves steeped in 6 oz of hot water, consumed 2–3 times daily. This is Ideal for digestive support and mild cognitive stimulation.
- Essential Oil: For inhalation, add 2–4 drops to 8 oz of hot water. For topical use, dilute 6-10 drops of EO per 1/2 oz of carrier oil (such as olive, MCT, or jojoba). Do not apply EOs without diluting them. Do not ingest undiluted essential oil.
- Tincture (1:5): Dose of 30 drops, 2–3 times daily. Useful for rapid absorption—good for sore throats or acute digestive upsets. Shake well before use. Tinctures can also be used in mouthwash—5–10 drops in a small glass of water to soothe gingivitis.
- For local skin applications: prepare a decoction by simmering 2-3 tsp of dried leaves in 8 oz of water for 10 minutes. Cool and apply as a wash or compress to acne lesions or minor wounds. In hair rinses, brew a strong infusion (3-4 tsp per 34 oz), steep for 20 minutes, then dilute to 1:1 with water for the final rinse after shampooing.
- Infused oil: Sage-infused oil can be applied topically to relieve muscle tension, joint pain, and soreness. For maximum benefit, it can be used 3–4 times daily to alleviate inflammation and muscle soreness. It is also effective in a warm bath (diluted with a carrier oil) or as a hot/cold compress.
Storage advice: keep dried leaves in an airtight container away from direct light to preserve volatile oils. Essential oils, tinctures, and infused oils must be stored in dark glass bottles at cool temperatures to avoid oxidation.
