Adding tincture to gummy bears is absolutely possible. Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts made from herbs that are soaked in a solvent like alcohol or vegetable glycerin. The tincture infusion process allows the therapeutic compounds in the herbs to be extracted into the solvent, creating a potent liquid that can be easily added to foods like gummy bears.
What is a tincture?
A tincture is an extract made by soaking herbs in a liquid solvent like alcohol, vinegar, or vegetable glycerin. The herbs can be fresh or dried. The solvent helps break down the plant material and draw out the beneficial phytochemicals, essential oils, and other medicinal compounds from the herbs into the liquid.
Tinctures have been used for centuries in herbal medicine traditions around the world. They are more concentrated than herbal teas, allowing you to get a stronger therapeutic dose of the herbs in a small serving. Tinctures also preserve the potency of herbs long-term since they are not diluted like teas.
To make a tincture, the herbs are soaked in the solvent for a period of weeks up to a month or longer. The solution is then strained, pressing out all the liquid from the plant material. What remains is a potent liquid extract that can be taken directly by mouth or added to foods and drinks.
Benefits of tinctures
There are several advantages to using tinctures:
- Concentrated: Tinctures contain a higher concentration of medicinal compounds from the herbs compared to teas. You can get a stronger therapeutic dose with just a few drops.
- Absorbed faster: Tinctures bypass the digestive process and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream under the tongue, providing faster relief.
- Versatile: Tinctures are easy to add to water, juices, smoothies, desserts, etc. This makes it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
- Long shelf life: Properly stored tinctures can last for years while maintaining their medicinal potency.
- Alcohol-free options: Vegetable glycerin can be used to make alcohol-free tinctures.
Common types of tinctures
There are several commonly used tinctures that can provide various wellness benefits:
- Echinacea: Used to help boost immunity and fight cold/flu symptoms.
- Elderberry: May help with coughs, congestion, and viral infections like the flu.
- Valerian: Promotes relaxation and sleep.
- Ginkgo: Improves memory, focus and circulation.
- Milk thistle: Supports healthy liver function and detoxification.
- Ashwagandha: Relieves stress and anxiety.
- St. John’s Wort: Lifts mood and eases mild depression.
- Calendula: Soothes skin irritation and inflammation.
- Peppermint: Aids digestion and relieves headaches.
- Lavender: Encourages relaxation and sleep.
Why add tincture to gummy bears?
Adding tincture to gummy bears is a tasty way to get your daily dose of herbs. Here are some of the benefits of infusing gummy bears with tincture:
- Enjoyable delivery method: Many people find taking tinctures alone unpleasant due to the strong taste. Gummy bears mask the flavor making tinctures more enjoyable.
- Portable and discreet: Infused gummy bears are easy to take on-the-go. They don’t require water or other liquids to swallow like drops.
- Dose flexibility: Gummy bears allow you to customize your ideal dose by adjusting the amount of tincture added to the gummies.
- Fun and flavorful: Kids and adults alike enjoy the candy-like flavor and chewy texture of gummy bears.
- Helps with consistency: Taking tinctures daily can be difficult to remember. Gummy bears build it into your routine and makes it a treat.
How to make tincture gummy bears
Infusing store-bought or homemade gummy bears with a tincture you’ve created is a simple process. Here is an easy gummy bear tincture recipe to follow at home:
- Start by choosing a high quality tincture, like organic echinacea or elderberry extract. Avoid cheap tinctures as they may contain artificial flavors or sweeteners that can ruin the gummies.
- Buy a bag of natural, gelatin-based gummy bears free of corn syrup and artificial colors. Organic, vegan gummies made with fruit juices or pectin are also a good option.
- Determine the dose of tincture you want per gummy bear. Start low at 1/2 dropper per gummy until you know how it affects you.
- Add the gummy bears to a bowl. Carefully drip the desired amount of tincture over the gummies while mixing to evenly coat each one.
- Let the infused gummy bears sit for at least 4-6 hours to fully absorb the tincture. Overnight is best.
- Store the medicated gummy bears in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, they last 1-2 months.
Be sure to keep infused gummies away from children as tinctures can have a strong effect in small doses.
Tincture infusion tips
Here are some tips when infusing gummy bears with tincture for best results:
- Use an eyedropper for easy, controlled dripping onto the gummies.
- Choose real fruit or vegetable glycerin-based tinctures. Avoid artificial tinctures.
- Gently turn the gummies to evenly coat in tincture and prevent pooling.
- If the gummies become sticky, lightly dust with starch or cornstarch.
- For potent effects, let gummies absorb in the fridge overnight before eating.
- Consume within 1-2 months and store in an airtight container.
How much tincture should you use?
Dosing is very individualized when it comes to tinctures. Each person will react differently based on factors like:
- Age
- Weight
- Metabolism
- Sensitivity to herbs
Most tincture labels provide a recommended dosage amount, usually in the range of 1-2 droppers full taken 1-3 times per day. This can vary based on the strength of the product.
When infusing into gummy bears, start low and go slow. Begin with just 1/2 dropper of tincture per gummy until you understand how that dose level affects you. Then gradually increase the tincture as needed to achieve desired effects without going overboard.
Never exceed dosage on any tincture product labels without consulting your doctor. More is not always better when it comes to herbal extracts.
Potency over time
You may notice that a batch of infused gummy bears seems more or less potent over time. How long they take to absorb the tincture can impact strength.
Gummies that absorb overnight tend to have the strongest effects. After a few weeks, the tincture may spread across the remaining gummies in storage making them slightly less concentrated per piece.
Humidity and heat can also degrade potency over time. Store gummy bears in an airtight container in the fridge to get the longest lasting effects from your infusion.
Benefits of specific tincture gummy combinations
Certain tinctures pair especially well with gummy bears for added benefits:
Elderberry tincture gummies
– Help boost immunity
– Provide antioxidants
– May reduce flu symptoms
– Vitamin C for cold/cough relief
Ashwagandha gummies
– Relieve anxiety
– Lessen stress
– Improve focus
– Boost energy and stamina
Ginger tincture gummy bears
– Ease nausea and motion sickness
– Settle upset stomach
– Reduce inflammation
– Warming and circulatory benefits
Lemon balm gummies
– Promote calm and sleep
– Mildly reduce pain and headaches
– Improves mood and focus
– Aids digestion
Valerian tincture gummies
– Relieve insomnia
– Promote relaxation
– Decrease anxiety
– Reduce muscle tension
Additional medicated gummy options
While tincture works well, you can also infuse gummy bears with:
- CBD oil: For anxiety, pain, and inflammation relief without the high of THC.
- Melatonin: To improve sleep quality and treat insomnia.
- Caffeine powder: For an energizing, mood enhancing treat.
- Vitamins/supplements: Like vitamin C, magnesium, or amino acids.
- Medicinal mushrooms: Such as lion’s mane or cordyceps powders.
Dose carefully starting with just a small amount until you know how each ingredient affects you. Store in the same way by keeping in an airtight container in the fridge.
Precautions when taking tincture gummies
While infused gummy bears offer a tasty delivery method, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
- Dose carefully and start low until you understand the effects.
- Don’t exceed recommended dosing on any tincture labels.
- Watch for possible herb-drug interactions if taking other medications.
- Avoid giving to children without medical guidance.
- Pregnant/nursing women should consult their doctor first.
- Don’t use if you have an allergy or sensitivity to any ingredients.
- Tinctures may have a high alcohol content. Avoid over-consumption.
It’s also important to note that tincture gummies do expire and may grow mold over time. Discard any batches that look or smell abnormal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any tincture?
Most tinctures can be infused into gummies, but alcohol-based tinctures absorb better than glycerites. Avoid artificial or poor quality tinctures for best flavor.
How long do infused gummy bears last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, tincture gummies last 1-2 months before losing potency or going bad from moisture exposure.
What’s the best way to store them?
Keep gummy bears infused with tincture or other ingredients in an airtight glass jar or container in the refrigerator to maintain potency and prevent molding.
Can I give tincture gummies to my kids?
Children should not ingest tincture gummies without medical guidance, as dosing is very individualized. Stick to regular gummies for kids under age 12.
Will the tincture change the texture or taste?
If infused properly in small amounts, tincture adds little to no flavor and should not affect the base gummy texture.
Conclusion
Adding tincture to gummy bears is a creative way to get your daily dose of beneficial herbs and botanicals. Tinctures seamlessly absorb into gelatin or pectin-based gummies for a potent, convenient and tasty supplement. Useful tincture combinations include elderberry, ashwagandha, lemon balm, ginger, and valerian.
Dose carefully by starting with just 1/2 dropper of tincture per gummy until you understand the effects. Let infuse overnight in the fridge for best potency. Store tincture gummies properly in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 months to prevent deterioration. While infusing gummy bears can make tincture-taking more fun, enjoy them responsibly by adhering to dosage guidelines.
