Dr. David Orman

QUESTION: “Can the phase of the moon influence the potency or absorption of herbal remedies, and if so, how should timing be adjusted when using tinctures or decoctions?” This is from Shauna who lives in Bangor, ME. Thank you Shauna!

ANSWER: Throughout the ages, lunar rhythms have been honored as subtle but potent influencers of human physiology and nature’s healing cycles. In natural medicine—particularly in Taoist, Ayurvedic, and certain Indigenous traditions—the moon is not merely a backdrop to the night sky, but a rhythmic pulse that guides plant vitality, fluid dynamics in the body, and even emotional receptivity. Practitioners who work closely with herbal medicines have observed that certain phases of the moon enhance absorption, cellular response, and the energetic imprint of the remedy itself.

The new moon is seen as a time for cleansing and release, making it ideal for detoxifying herbs and purgative formulations. In contrast, the full moon amplifies energy and circulation, often enhancing the potency and uptake of tonics, adaptogens, and blood-moving herbs. During the waxing phase (new to full), the body is considered to be more absorptive, which supports building and nourishing remedies. The waning phase (full to new) is better suited for clearing and eliminating protocols. Even the timing of harvesting herbs is affected—plants gathered during a full moon often have stronger aromas and active constituents.

While modern science has only begun to scratch the surface of lunar medicine, bioelectrical and circadian studies are showing correlations between moon cycles and hormonal fluctuations, sleep patterns, and even wound healing. For those crafting or prescribing tinctures and decoctions, subtle timing can be the invisible thread that deepens effectiveness. If we learn to sync our remedies with nature’s pulse, we engage not just in medicine—but in rhythm, reverence, and relationship.