Tinctures are concentrated liquid herbal extracts made by soaking the bark, berries, leaves (dried or fresh), or roots from one or more plants in alcohol or vinegar. The alcohol or vinegar pulls out the active ingredients in the plant parts, concentrating them as a liquid. Tinctures have been around for millennia and are a key component of traditional herbal medicine. They are used as herbal remedies for a wide range of issues, including indigestion, stress, PMS, pain, and insomnia. Tinctures can also be used directly on the skin and mixed into creams for a range of issues such as pain, bruises, spider veins, varicose veins, and other skin conditions such as eczema, and fungal or bacterial infections. Tinctures are easy to create and keep herbal medicines which have a long shelf life. They are simple to take and quickly dispensed by the herbalist. Tinctures can be slightly more expensive. It is important to note that tinctures are not well-studied, and their health effects are unclear. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting any type of herbal remedy regimen.