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What do you suggest people do if they want to use tinctures for herbal potency but don't like the idea of using alcohol?

You can use the tinctures containing alcohol, but before taking your dose heat an ounce of water or distilled water. The water should be warm, but not boiling. Place your dose of the herbal tincture in the water and let it sit for five minutes. The alcohol will evaporate and your herbs will remain. Or, you can make an herbal infusion. This is a fancy way of saying herbal tea. Herbal teas are another way of getting herbs into the body, but they will not be as potent as an aged tincture. You will have to drink your herb tea frequently and make sure the herbs are of good quality.

Why do herbalists use alcohol to make herbal liquids? Can’t they use something else?

Alcohol is the best catalyst for most herbs. The alcohol can draw out the plant chemicals better than water. For some herbs, a mixture of alcohol and vinegar is necessary to pull all of the plant’s alkaloids into the liquid. Herbalists strive to use all of the plant alkaloids because they are designed to work together. See the above question on how to remove the alcohol from your tincture.