What is an herbal tincture?
Tinctures are herbal medicines made using a variety of liquid mediums to introduce extracted herbal medicine into the system quickly.
What you'll need
dried or fresh herbs in powdered or finely cut form.
80 -100 proof vodka, brandy or rum (NEVER use rubbing, isopropyl or wood alcohol).
wide-mouthed glass jars with lids (mason jar or equivalent).
unbleached cheesecloth or muslin
labels and markers.
The process
Pour the amount of herb you desire into the glass jar and slowly pour the alcohol until the herbs are entirely covered. Then add an inch or two of additional liquid. Seal the jar tightly so that the liquid cannot leak or evaporate. Put the jar in a dark area or inside a paper bag and allow to rest for 4 to 6 weeks.
Shake the jar every day. When ready to bottle, pour the tincture through a cheesecloth into another jar or dark colored tincture bottle. Squeeze the saturated herbs, extracting the remaining liquid until no more drips appear. Close the storage container with a stopper or cap and label.
Addition Notes
*200 grams dried or 300 grams of fresh herbs (chopped) to one liter of liquid is needed.
*Rum helps hide the taste of bitter herbs.
*Distilled water, vinegar, glycerine or glycerol can be used to make nonalcoholic tinctures.
*Standard dosage is 1 teaspoon, 1-3 times daily, diluted in tea, juice or water.
*Tinctures can last up to two years when stored in a tightly closed container.
*Several herbs can be combined into a tincture formula.
*Keep tinctures out of extreme heat and direct sunlight.
*Always use a tinted bottle to store your tinctures.
*Good for 3-5 years.
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