By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Dry Lips
Herbal tinctures for dry lips are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants and herbs that have natural moisturizing and soothing properties.
These tinctures help to alleviate dry, chapped, and cracked lips by providing intense hydration and nourishment. Examples of herbal tinctures that benefit dry lips include calendula, aloe vera, and chamomile, which can be applied topically to provide long-lasting relief.
By using these tinctures, individuals with dry lips can experience improved comfort, reduced irritation, and a softer, more supple appearance, allowing them to enjoy life without the discomfort of dry, chapped lips.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for dry lips, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Calendula officinalis
- 2. Aloe vera
- 3. Helichrysum italicum
- 4. Symphytum officinale
- 5. Plantago major
- 6. Matricaria chamomilla
- 7. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 8. Hypericum perforatum
- 9. Urtica dioica
- 10. Althaea officinalis
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for dry lips?
- What ailments similar to dry lips are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Calendula officinalis
Pot marigold tinctures helps with dry lips because of its remarkable emollient and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tincture's potent flavonoids and carotenoids work to soothe and moisturize the skin, providing long-lasting relief from dryness and chapping. Additionally, pot marigold's natural antiseptic qualities help to reduce redness and irritation, leaving lips feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.
With regular use, this herbal remedy can provide a healthy and radiant appearance for your lips.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis tinctures that help with dry lips.
- Beta-sitosterol: Helps with dry lips by reducing inflammation and promoting skin regeneration, thereby soothing and protecting dry, chapped skin.
- Sesquiterpenes: Help with dry lips by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which aid in healing and protecting the skin from external irritants and infections.
- Saponins: Aid in soothing and moisturizing dry lips by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface, locking in moisture and reducing water loss.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make tinctures for dry lips.
- Flowers: They are rich in calendulin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making them ideal for treating dry, chapped lips.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and other compounds that help to protect and moisturize the skin, reducing dryness and irritation of the lips.
- Buds: They possess similar anti-inflammatory and soothing properties as the flowers, making them a suitable alternative for treating dry, cracked lips.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for dry lips.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh calendula officinalis flowers and chop them into small pieces.
- Combine the chopped flowers with 2 cups of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks, shaking jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar.
- Store the final herbal tincture in a cool dark place for at least 4 weeks before use.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe tinctures helps with dry lips because of its unique ability to provide instant hydration and nourishment.
The aloe vera plant contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that work together to soothe and moisturize the skin. When applied topically as an herbal tincture, these beneficial compounds help to lock in moisture, reducing dryness and flakiness on the lips.
As a result, lips become soft, supple, and protected from further irritation, making aloe tinctures a natural and effective remedy for dry, chapped lips.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera tinctures that help with dry lips.
- Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin is a lignan, a type of phenolic compound, that helps with dry lips by reducing inflammation and soothing irritation in the skin.
- Catechins: Catechins, a type of flavonoid, help to protect the skin from oxidative stress and promote hydration, thereby alleviating dryness and discomfort on the lips.
- Aloin: Aloin, a glycoside and anthraquinone derivative, has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that aid in hydrating and soothing dry, chapped lips.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make tinctures for dry lips.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Aloe vera due to their high concentration of soothing compounds like aloe-emodin, which helps to moisturize and protect dry lips.
- Gel (from leaves): Although it's a derivative of leaves, the gel is so commonly used that I'll add it: The gel from Aloe vera leaves is used to make tinctures because it contains a high percentage of water and glycoproteins that help to hydrate and soothe dry, chapped lips.
- Flowers: The flowers of the Aloe vera plant are used in tinctures for dry lips because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce lip irritation and discomfort.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for dry lips.
- Harvest aloe vera leaves with a sharp knife by cutting them from the plant at the base of the leaf.
- Dry the leaves in a single layer on paper towels for 7 to 10 days in a warm dry place.
- Chop the dried leaves into small pieces using a sharp knife with a 1 part aloe vera to 2 parts solvent ratio.
- Steep the chopped leaves in a high-proof alcohol solvent like everclear or vodka for 2 to 3 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle and store it in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.
3. Helichrysum italicum
Curry plant tinctures helps with dry lips because they possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that soothe and calm chapped lips.
The tincture's extracts, such as curcuminoids and terpenes, penetrate deep into the skin to provide hydration and reduce inflammation. As a result, dry, flaky lips become soft and supple, with improved texture and appearance.
Additionally, the tincture's antimicrobial properties help to prevent infection and promote healthy lip tissue, leaving lips feeling smooth and refreshed.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Helichrysum italicum tinctures that help with dry lips.
- Neryl acetate: This terpene component helps with dry lips by reducing inflammation and promoting skin regeneration, thereby soothing and moisturizing dry, chapped lips.
- Italidione: This sesquiterpene lactone helps with dry lips by reducing oxidative stress and promoting antioxidant activity, which helps protect the skin from damage and promote healing of dry, cracked lips.
- Caryophyllene: This sesquiterpene helps with dry lips by reducing inflammation and promoting anti-irritant activity, which helps soothe and calm dry, irritated skin and promote healing of dry, chapped lips.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of curry plant used to make tinctures for dry lips.
- Flowers: The flowers are used due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and moisturize dry lips.
- Leaves: The leaves are used for their emollient and soothing properties, which help to hydrate and calm dry, chapped lips.
- Stems: The stems are used for their astringent properties, which help to tighten and protect dry skin on the lips.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic curry plant for dry lips.
- Harvest 1 part of helichrysum italicum flowers and leaves at dawn in july and august.
- Chop 1 part of the harvested plant material into small pieces using a sharp knife.
- Combine 3 parts of 80 proof vodka with 1 part of the chopped plant material in a clean glass jar.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks to allow extraction to occur slowly.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into another clean glass jar and discard the solids immediately.
4. Symphytum officinale
Comfrey tinctures helps with dry lips because it possesses anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that soothe and hydrate the skin.
The herb's rich source of allantoin, a natural emollient, deeply nourishes and protects the lip tissue, reducing inflammation and flakiness. Additionally, comfrey's antiseptic qualities help to eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms that can contribute to dryness and discomfort.
As a result, comfrey tinctures provide long-lasting relief from dry, chapped lips, leaving them soft, smooth, and healthy-looking.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale tinctures that help with dry lips.
- Alkaloids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help to reduce dryness and irritation of the lips.
- Flavonoids: These flavonoids possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect the lips from damage, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy tissue regeneration.
- Saponins: These compounds have moisturizing and protective properties, which help to lock in moisture, soothe dryness, and shield the lips from environmental stressors.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of comfrey used to make tinctures for dry lips.
- Leaves: Leaves are commonly used due to their high concentration of mucilage, a thick, soothing substance that helps to lock in moisture and protect dry, chapped lips.
- Roots: Roots are also frequently used for their rich content of mucilage and other bioactive compounds that promote skin health and hydration.
- Flowers: Flowers are used for their delicate, yet potent, mucilage content, which is thought to be gentler on the skin than the roots or leaves while still providing soothing and moisturizing benefits.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic comfrey for dry lips.
- Harvest 1 part of fresh symphytum officinale roots and leaves in late summer or early fall.
- Chop the plant material into small pieces to increase the surface area for extraction.
- Combine the chopped plant material with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle, discarding the solids.
5. Plantago major
Plantain tinctures helps with dry lips because of its remarkable moisturizing and soothing properties.
The plantain herb contains mucilages, which are naturally occurring lubricants that help to lock in moisture and protect the delicate skin on the lips from further drying out. When applied topically as a tincture, plantain helps to calm irritated lip tissue and provide long-lasting relief from dryness, itchiness, and discomfort.
Additionally, plantain's anti-inflammatory properties may also help to reduce redness and swelling associated with chapped or cracked lips.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Plantago major tinctures that help with dry lips.
- Saponins: Saponins in Plantago major tinctures help soothe and moisturize dry lips by creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture and shields against external irritants.
- Flavonoids: These flavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and redness associated with dry, chapped lips, promoting faster healing and relief.
- Mucilages: Mucilages in Plantago major tinctures form a protective, soothing film on the skin that helps retain moisture, calm irritation, and reduce discomfort associated with dry, chapped lips.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of plantain used to make tinctures for dry lips.
- Leaves: They contain mucilages, which provide soothing and moisturizing properties to help relieve dry and chapped lips.
- Seeds: They are rich in fatty acids, which can help to lock in moisture and provide nourishment to dry lips.
- Roots: They contain a variety of bioactive compounds that may help to soothe and protect dry, irritated skin, including dry lips.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain for dry lips.
- Harvest fresh plantago major leaves in the early morning to ensure highest concentration of medicinal properties.
- Clean the leaves thoroughly with distilled water to remove any dirt and debris.
- Combine 1 part plantago major leaves with 2 parts vodka or glycerin in a clean glass jar.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks to allow extraction to occur.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a separate container to remove the solids.
6. Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile tinctures helps with dry lips because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The herb contains apigenin, an antioxidant that calms irritated skin and reduces redness, making it an effective remedy for chapped and dry lips. Additionally, chamomile's moisturizing properties help to lock in hydration and protect the lip surface from further drying out.
When applied topically as a tincture, chamomile's benefits can provide quick relief from dry, cracked lips, leaving them feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla tinctures that help with dry lips.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing swelling and soothing irritation associated with dry lips.
- Alpha-bisabolol: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, helping to calm and hydrate dry, chapped lips.
- Luteolin: This flavonoid has antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and promoting the healing of dry, cracked lips.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make tinctures for dry lips.
- Flowers: They are used due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm dry and chapped lips.
- Leaves: They are used due to their antiseptic and antifungal properties, which help to prevent infections and promote healing of dry lips.
- Seeds: They are not typically used as much for tinctures, however, I was forced to select only 3. The actual most used part is the Flowers: They are used due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm dry and chapped lips, but I was forced to select only 3.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for dry lips.
- Gather 250g of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers and 750ml of 40% glycerin or ethanol as the solvent.
- Chop the dried flowers into small pieces to increase their surface area for better extraction.
- Combine the chopped flowers with the solvent in a clean glass jar and store it in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks.
- Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container and discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid and label it clearly with the date and contents.
7. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice tinctures helps with dry lips because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm irritated skin.
The tincture's glycyrrhizin content helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing, making it an effective remedy for chapped and cracked lips.
Additionally, licorice tinctures provide antioxidants that help protect the lips from environmental stressors and moisturize the skin, leaving lips feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with dry lips.
- Saponins: These triterpenoid glycosides help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further dryness, thereby reducing the discomfort associated with dry lips.
- Glycyrrhizin: This primary active compound is known to exhibit anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help to calm and comfort dry, chapped lips.
- Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds possess antioxidant properties that help to protect the skin from free radical damage, promote collagen production, and maintain the skin's natural barrier function, all of which can contribute to healthier, more hydrated lips.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for dry lips.
- Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are commonly used due to their high glycyrrhizin content, which has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that help soothe dry lips.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect and hydrate dry lips.
- Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm and moisturize dry lips.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for dry lips.
- Harvest glycyrrhiza glabra roots in late summer or early fall when the plant is mature.
- Clean the roots thoroughly with water to remove dirt and debris before drying.
- Dry the roots in a well-ventilated area at a temperature below 40 degrees celsius for 2 weeks.
- Crush 100 grams of dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Steep 100 grams of powdered roots in 500 milliliters of 95 percent ethanol for 2 weeks.
8. Hypericum perforatum
St john's wort tinctures helps with dry lips because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm irritated skin.
The herb's antimicrobial actions also help to combat fungal and bacterial infections that can cause dryness and discomfort. Additionally, St John's Wort contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which provide antioxidant protection and help to lock in moisture, leaving lips feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Regular use of a St John's Wort tincture can help to alleviate dry lip symptoms and promote overall lip health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum tinctures that help with dry lips.
- Hyperforin: Acts as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, helping to soothe and protect dry, irritated lips by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
- Flavonoids: Function as antioxidants and free radical scavengers, which may help to protect and moisturize dry lips by neutralizing damage-causing free radicals and promoting collagen production.
- Naphthodianthrones: Display anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can aid in reducing inflammation, preventing infection, and promoting the healing of dry, cracked lips.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make tinctures for dry lips.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, which provide antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe dry lips.
- Flowers: Contain hyperforin, a compound that helps to protect and moisturize dry, chapped lips.
- Leaves: Also contain glycosides and other compounds that aid in wound healing and tissue repair, beneficial for dry, cracked lips.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for dry lips.
- Harvest 250 grams of fresh st johns wort flowers and leaves on a dry morning when dew has evaporated.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a single layer for 7 to 10 days at 35 to 45 degrees celsius.
- Chop the dried plant material into small pieces and combine it with 750 milliliters of 35% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.
9. Urtica dioica
Stinging nettle tinctures helps with dry lips because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm irritated skin.
The tannins present in stinging nettle have astringent properties that help to reduce lip inflammation and tighten the skin, providing instant relief from dryness and chapping. Additionally, stinging nettle's antioxidants and vitamins A and E promote healthy skin cell growth, further nourishing and hydrating dry lips.
This natural remedy provides long-lasting results without leaving any sticky residue or artificial fragrances behind.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica tinctures that help with dry lips.
- Ascorbic acid: This vitamin C compound helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin, reducing dryness and inflammation associated with chapped lips.
- Polysaccharides and mucilages: These complex carbohydrates form a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and providing soothing relief to dry, irritated lips.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and discomfort caused by dry, cracked lips.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make tinctures for dry lips.
- Leaves: The leaves are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe dry, irritated skin.
- Roots: The roots contain compounds that promote skin health and have been used to treat skin conditions, including dryness and irritation.
- Stems: The stems have anti-inflammatory properties and contain compounds that help to soothe and protect dry, chapped skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for dry lips.
- Harvest 1/3 to 1/2 of the plant tops and leaves of urtica dioica in the morning after dew has evaporated.
- Dry the harvested urtica dioica plant material in a warm low-heat oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
- Combine 1 part dried urtica dioica plant material with 2 parts 95 grain alcohol in a clean glass jar.
- Shake the jar containing the urtica dioica and alcohol mixture daily for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the tincture through cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle discard the solids and store in a cool dark place.
10. Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow tinctures helps with dry lips because its mucilaginous properties provide a soothing, protective barrier for the skin.
The tincture's botanical ingredients, derived from the marshmallow plant, create a gentle, non-irritating coating that locks in moisture and shields the lips from harsh environmental factors.
As the tincture absorbs into the skin, it helps to soften and hydrate dry, chapped lips, leaving them feeling smooth, supple, and comforted.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis tinctures that help with dry lips.
- Mucilages: Mucilages help to soothe and protect dry, chapped lips by forming a protective barrier on the skin surface, reducing irritation and promoting healing.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in dry, cracked lips, promoting healthy tissue repair and regeneration.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which can help to neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote the healing of dry, irritated skin on the lips.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make tinctures for dry lips.
- Roots: The roots are the primary part used for tinctures due to their high mucilage content, which provides soothing and moisturizing properties for dry lips.
- Leaves: The leaves are also used for tinctures, as they contain a similar high concentration of mucilage, making them effective in relieving dry, chapped, and irritated skin, including lips.
- Barks: The barks of Althaea officinalis contain mucilage and other compounds that help to soothe and protect dry, cracked skin, making them another commonly used part for tinctures.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for dry lips.
- Harvest 1 cup of fresh or 4 cups of dried roots of the plant in early spring or late summer.
- Clean the roots thoroughly by gently scrubbing them with a soft brush under cold running water.
- Chop the roots into small pieces and combine with 2 cups of 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discard the solids.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for dry lips?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with dry lips is a blend of aloe vera, chamomile, and honey.
Aloe vera provides soothing hydration, while chamomile calms inflammation and reduces irritation. Honey's antibacterial and moisturizing properties further nourish and protect dry lips. When combined in equal parts, these tinctures create a natural remedy to combat dryness, itchiness, and chapping, promoting healthy and soft lip tissue.
Apply topically as needed for optimal results.
What ailments similar to dry lips are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to dry lips that are treated with herbal tinctures are skin irritations such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Herbal tinctures like calendula, chamomile, and tea tree oil can soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Additionally, tinctures of marshmallow root and aloe vera can provide relief from minor burns, cuts, and scrapes by promoting tissue repair and wound closure.