Forgotten Rhythms — The Role of Natural Cycles in Tincture Making

Reawakening the Timeless Calendar

For millennia, healers around the world have harvested and prepared plant medicine in alignment with the celestial rhythms of the cosmos. The phases of the moon, the movement of the sun through the seasons, and the positions of the planets were once considered essential cues for engaging with the full vitality and subtle intelligence of the plant world. These natural cycles were not mystical superstitions but deeply empirical systems, honed by generations of observation and ritual.

In today’s industrialized herbal medicine industry, many of these temporal harmonies have been forgotten. Tinctures are mass-produced without regard for the phases of the moon, the life cycle of the plant, or the alignment of harvest timing with astrological influences. Yet, a growing resurgence in traditional and biodynamic herbalism is restoring this ancient practice. Six Lotus is part of this movement, aspiring to integrate natural cycles into every possible phase of our tincture making process. At present, we align all our tincture formulations with lunar phases. In the future, as we deepen control of our global endangered medicinal plant supply chain, we aim to fully align our operations with solar, and astrological calendars.

The Lunar Blueprint: Phases of the Moon

The moon, with its predictable rhythm and gravitational influence, has long guided the timing of both planting and harvesting. In herbal medicine, the moon’s phase is believed to influence the upward and downward movement of sap, which in turn affects the potency of flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds.

New Moon (🌑)

This dark phase is a time of beginnings, intention-setting, and deep internal shifts. Tinctures initiated at the new moon are traditionally focused on detoxification, elimination, and inner transformation. It is a potent time for remedies that support the kidneys, lymphatic system, and emotional clearing.

Waxing Moon (🌒→🌕)

As the moon increases in light, energy is said to rise and expand. This is the ideal time for tinctures that aim to fortify, build, or energize. Adaptogens, tonics, and nourishing nervines benefit from preparation during this phase, drawing up the plant’s full growing potential.

Full Moon (🌕)

The full moon represents maximum potency and illumination. This is the peak moment to prepare tinctures from flowers, aromatic herbs, and emotionally supportive plants. Traditional herbalists believe that plants processed under the full moon yield stronger medicine for the heart, mind, and spirit.

Waning Moon (🌖→🌑)

As the moon’s light recedes, the body is said to become more receptive to purification and release. This is the phase for making tinctures that address parasites, inflammation, fever, and infection. It is also the optimal time to process roots and barks, which concentrate their medicinal compounds deeper underground.

The Solar Year: Seasons and Solstices

Just as the moon governs tides and internal rhythms, the sun’s arc across the year shapes the metabolic expression of plants. Observing the solar calendar enables herbalists to harvest plant parts at their energetic peak.

Spring Equinox: Emergence and Detoxification

In spring, plants are full of upward momentum and chlorophyll-rich growth. This is a time for making tinctures that stimulate liver function, gallbladder activity, and lymphatic drainage. Bitters, young shoots, and leaf medicine are ideal.

Summer Solstice: Peak Solar Energy

At the height of the sun’s power, flowers are blooming and metabolic expression is at its zenith. This is the optimal time to craft tinctures from flowers and aromatic leaves, especially those that calm the nervous system or support the cardiovascular system.

Autumn Equinox: Roots and Restoration

As energy descends into the earth, roots and fruits mature. This is the time to harvest deep tonics, adaptogens, and immunomodulators. Many of the most valuable herbal medicines—ashwagandha, burdock, astragalus—are gathered now for their dense phytochemical payloads.

Winter Solstice: Inner Vision and Deep Repair

The darkest time of year is traditionally a period of reflection and hibernation. Remedies prepared now often support the adrenals, kidneys, and endocrine system, or focus on spiritual insight and dream work. Tinctures may be begun and slowly macerated through the winter for maximum depth.

Planetary Days and Astrological Timing

In both Western and Eastern alchemical traditions, each day of the week corresponds to a planetary archetype. Herbalists attuned to these rhythms often initiate tinctures or perform specific herbal tasks on days ruled by the planetary force that most resonates with the medicine’s intention.