Shelf Life Alcohol also acts as a preservative. Dosage Proper dosage is paramount. When using a tincture for the first time, try a few drops to see whether you are allergic to it, then increase the dosage to your needs. Ma Huang and Valerian are the most likely to cause allergic reactions. It is not uncommon to need 60-90 drops for a desired effect.
Many herbalists believe herbs work best over time when taken regularly in small doses.
One must be very careful about giving young children certain herbs. Check with a local herbalist or naturopathic physician if you have any doubts. A Word of Caution Use caution when combining herbs with pharmaceutical medicines or other drugs. Do not mix calming herbs such as Valerian, Skullcap, and Parrot's Beak with alcohol or sedatives. Other herbs can modify the excretion of drugs, either canceling or potentiating the drug's effects.