What characterizes a tincture?

A tincture is best characterized as a typically alcoholic mixture containing plant material dissolved in water. This definition aligns with the traditional preparation method for tinctures, where alcohol serves as the solvent to extract active ingredients and therapeutic properties from the plant material. The alcohol not only helps to dissolve these compounds but also acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of the tincture.

In practice, tinctures are often concentrated and can be administered in small doses due to their potency. They are commonly used in herbal medicine for their convenience and effectiveness in delivering the benefits of various plants in a form that is easy to use.

This understanding differentiates tinctures from other formulations, such as non-alcoholic extracts, which would not fit the traditional definition as they do not involve alcohol in the extraction process, and solutions like saltwater that do not involve plant material. The components described in the other choices do not encapsulate the essence of what constitutes a tincture.