Single Herb vs. Multi-Herb Tinctures

One of the beautiful things about herbs is there are many different ways to use them. This is especially important in the natural health world as everyone has unique needs, sensitivities and preferences. Herbal remedies can come in the form of combination formulas that include multiple supportive herbs that work together to achieve a health goal. Herbs can also be used on their own in a single tincture form. Both versions are appropriate and effective, but one can be more suitable than the other depending on the individual.

Blends

WishGarden has not only developed herbal blends since 1979, we are often considered the pioneer for this type of herbal medicine. Each herb in our herbal blends have a specific roll and the herbs work together synergistically creating highly effective results. Here a few reasons to choose multi-herb blends:

• Trying to soothe multiple discomforts at once: This method can be really helpful when dealing with an issue that seems to be presenting itself in more ways than one. For example, our Serious V-Fighter contains a team of herbs that target the immune system and the respiratory tract while also supporting a healthy microbial balance, soothing an achy body, and helping to maintain a healthy body temperature.

• Targeting different body systems at once: Similar to the above, combos are great when you’re trying to support the health of multiple body systems at once. For example, our Deep Cleanse Reset & Flourish supports the health of the kidneys, the liver, and the lymphatic system creating an optimal trio for daily detoxification.

• Flavor: Most people with experience in using herbs know that some of them just down right taste terrible. Combos can help us ingest these pungent herbs easier. Valerian tends to have a strong aroma and flavor but adding in chamomile and linden flower can mild out those flavors and further support relaxation and sleep. It’s a win, win.

• Synergy: Plants tend to play well with other plants. When combining the different constituents of each plant, we can create a beautiful synergy with effective results.

Singles

Single herb tinctures are also a highly effective herbal remedies. While we’ve traditionally offered multi-herb blends, we also create single-herb tinctures of herbs we consider especially "super-powered." Here a few reasons to choose single-herb tinctures:

• Testing out body’s sensitivity to an herb: For those who have more sensitive bodies, sometimes it’s more appropriate to try a single herb to truly feel how their effects resonate in the body. It’s hard to pinpoint a sensitivity within a multi-herb blend because all herbs have different actions.

• Organoleptics: This is a huge piece in becoming an Herbalist or learning about herbs and plants. It’s an important practice when it comes to getting to know an herb on a deep personal level. Organoleptics is the practice of using all of your senses to experience how an herb looks, tastes, smells, and how it feels in your body. This would be difficult in a blend and is best done with a single herb.

• Only seeking to target one body system:. For example, if your immune system is healthy and there’s no need to activate your immune response, but you’d like to support your respiratory tract, you can take herbs that only have an affinity for that part of the body, like mullein. It supports our lungs without stimulating our immune system.

• Simplicity: Sometimes it really is just that simple, and we only need one herb. I love to use Skullcap to calm my nervous system during the day, as it is effective but not overly sedative. If I were to use a blend of calming herbs, it might be overly calming and have me wishing for a nap. But on its own, its perfect for that moment.

Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women's health. She aspires to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of life. She studied Herbal Medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the customer journey lead at WishGarden Herbs.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or sell any product.