Sweetgrass (Hierochloe Odorata) Braid Tincture

Both are liquid extracts of the same Hierochloe odorata braid; only the solvent differs. This tincture uses organic alcohol with vegetable glycerin and water, the classic conventional method that yields a concentrated extract with a long shelf life. The alcohol-free version is a glycerite made with vegetable glycerin and purified water instead, for those who prefer to avoid alcohol. Choose the tincture for a traditional alcohol-extracted format; choose the glycerite if you prefer no alcohol. The braid inside is identical - and so are the coumarin-related safety cautions, which apply to both.

The sweet, vanilla-like, hay smell of sweetgrass comes from coumarin, a natural aromatic compound - the same family of compound that gives Tonka beans and freshly cut hay their scent. That is worth knowing because coumarin has real effects on the body (see the safety notes). It does not, however, make sweetgrass the same plant as others with sweet or "odorata" names: Tonka bean is Dipteryx odorata, a coumarin-rich seed that is actually restricted in food; Sweet Violet is Viola odorata, an unrelated flower that simply shares the species word "odorata"; and Sweet Vernal Grass is Anthoxanthum odoratum, a close grass relative. Ours is sweetgrass, Hierochloe odorata (Anthoxanthum nitens). We label it clearly so it is not mixed up with these.

Shake well first. Use the number of drops and the frequency shown on the label, in a little water, tea or juice, or as directed by your practitioner. Because this is an alcohol tincture, adding it to water softens the taste. Do not exceed the suggested serving - because of its coumarin content, more is not better. Because of the blood-thinning and pregnancy cautions below, please read the safety information before use. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

Please read this carefully. Sweetgrass owes its sweet scent to coumarin, a natural compound with real effects, so a few cautions apply. Blood thinning: coumarin is a natural anticoagulant and may add to the effect of blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin or heparin - if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding or clotting disorder, or are due to have surgery, do not use it without medical advice. Also note that if the plant is not dried correctly, coumarin can turn into dicoumarol, an even stronger anticoagulant. Liver and dose: high doses of coumarin can stress the liver and, in excess, cause nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness or jaundice, so keep strictly to the suggested serving and to short-term use. Pregnancy and nursing: there is not enough safety information, so do NOT use it internally during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Allergy: handling or inhaling the herb may rarely cause mild skin or breathing irritation. Do not use it to self-treat any medical condition - see a qualified doctor instead. Do not give it to infants or young children. If you take any medication or have a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use. Keep out of reach of children. This tincture contains alcohol and should be stored in a cool, dark place. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Made in the USA by Hawaii Pharm LLC, Honolulu, HI, with domestic & imported ingredients.

We offer a 30-day return policy. Returns are free and accepted by mail.

U.S. delivery takes 1 to 5 business days by USPS Priority Mail, UPS or FedEx; USPS Ground Advantage can take 10+ days.