But the last couple of times that I tried to take it, I would up with an awful stomach ache. So I looked around for alternatives.
I bought a tincture of turmeric in a base of alcohol and water. It is to be held in the mouth, and should therefore absorb directly under the tongue.
I can't help but wonder if this is really going to be absorbed by my body. I've taken three doses so far (small doses, just in case I wind up with the stomach ache again, but so far, so good).
I'd appreciate any thoughts on this matter. Has anyone tried taking Turmeric this way? Does science support the claim of absorption via the mouth if it's in a base of alcohol?
Replied by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 01/29/2016
Dear Rose,
I have made turmeric tincture to have on hand in case I want to use it, but I have not actually used it yet.
Regarding the effectiveness of tinctures in general...tinctures are a great way to extract the medicinal properties from an herb. I make extracts all the time and they do work well. I make extracts in the form of a tea. I use oil to extract properties of herbs then use the oil to make a salve. And I use alcohol to make extracts as well. All three have their place and I have seen them to work very well (if made properly.) One advantage to the extract is that you are doing the work of extraction instead of expecting your body to do it. (For people with poor digestion, their body isn't going to do that work very well, either.)
Some herbs are better extracted in water (like red raspberry leaf.) But most are better extracted in alcohol. I have several herb books that reference the use of a turmeric tincture. I have seen tinctures taken the way you are taking the turmeric work very well and quickly. If it isn't working for what you are hoping though, it could be the quality of the tincture, the amount you are using, or just that it isn't the best remedy for you.
Just my 2 cents on the whole tincture thing. :)
~Mama to Many~
