Herbal tinctures: What you need to know about the centuries-old (and increasingly popular) wellness practice

HErbal tinctures – concentrated, drinkable plant extracts – are a centuries-old well-being practice that dates back to the ancient Egyptians. Recently, however, they have become increasingly popular due to their support for an intense, modern lifestyle.

Tinctures are said to help relieve a variety of ailments, including symptoms of anxiety, digestive problems, insomnia, and fatigue.

For example, after she opened up on social media about her personal struggles with chronic disease, supermodel Bella Hadid was spotted incorporating it into her morning routine.

This is something that Fleur Sladen, founder of the award-winning tincture brand Blooming Blends, has been promoting for years. Its products are currently stocked by leading wellness retailers, Victoria Health and John Bell & Croydon, and can also be found at the stunning Cotswolds hotel and country club, Estelle Manor.

“I used to run a food delivery company that offered freshly prepared, organic meal boxes for new parents – at a price similar to a bouquet of flowers,” she begins.

“Drawing on the principles of both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, these meals are designed to support postpartum healing. They included slow-cooked stews and delicate dishes that were easy to digest and contained beneficial herbs to support sleep and milk production.”

Then, on a visit to Los Angeles, Sladen noticed the widespread use of tinctures, which were largely absent in Britain.

“The tinctures were hidden in little-known sections of specialized stores, often without appropriate information,” he says. “Using my background in wellness cuisine, I wanted to make herbal remedies more accessible and user-friendly with clear, informative packaging – and thus Blooming Blends was born.”

Sladen says explaining tinctures to people can be a challenge because many are unfamiliar with the concept. They often hesitate and prefer something more common, such as chamomile tea. Her goal is to demystify these herbal remedies, encouraging us to redefine the way we care for ourselves.

“One of the greatest advantages of tinctures is their effectiveness. When taken under the tongue, they are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and ensuring the use of 98% of the properties of the herbs,” he explains.

“On the other hand, pills must be broken down in the intestines and liver, resulting in only about 50% absorption and often requiring daily intake.”

He promotes tinctures as a complement to daily supplements that people already trust and use. Her blends contain no additional vitamins or minerals – they simply harness the power of plants to provide fast and powerful relief tailored to your specific needs.

Made in small batches in the wilds of the English countryside, the Blooming Blends range includes seven products. “Nighttime” – the brand’s bestseller – helps relax the nervous system, rejuvenating and regenerating the body throughout the night, ensuring a restful sleep and a smooth awakening.

The ‘Digestion’ blend is formulated to relieve bloating, soothe wind and soothe acid, while the caffeine-free ‘Energy’ elixir is refreshing, promoting focus and concentration.

Sladen recommends using tinctures only when needed. She says: “If I’m feeling a bit run down, I take ‘Defend’ – our immune-boosting blend – for five days. Then when I feel better I stop taking it. It’s all about listening to your body.

“The same goes for our Nighttime blend – if you sleep well, you don’t need it. However, if you have trouble falling or staying asleep, it’s worth having these on hand. The purpose of tinctures is not to repair or cure, but to provide additional natural support and relief when needed.