Tinctures

How to Make a Tincture


Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts that are made using alcohol and chopped herbs. The tincture is especially effective in drawing out the essential compounds of plants, especially those that are fibrous or woody, and from roots and resins. Since this method ensures that the herbs and their nutrients can be preserved for a long time, it is often mentioned in herbal books and remedies as a preferred way of using herbs.

Your tincture will not be of the same potency of the tinctures that registered herbalists make because they have access to much stronger alcohol. We use the best quality vodka possible. Although some people say you can use run, brandy or whiskey this changes the flavor. No matter what you choose it must be 40% to prevent mildew starting on the plant material. (For those who cannot drink alcohol use quality apple cider vinegar or glycerin.)

The container for the tincture should be glass or ceramic. Never use a metallic or plastic container because these can react with the tincture or leach dangerous chemicals over time. Items such as a mason jar, a glass bottle with an attached stopper, etc., are ideal for steeping a tincture. You will need to get some small dark glass tincture bottles for storing the tincture in once it has been made; these bottles should have a tight screw-on or tight clip-on lid to prevent air intrusion during storage but to allow for ease of use. Ensure that all containers are both washed clean and sterilized prior to use.

You can prepare a tincture by measurement or by sight; it really depends on your level of comfort with simply adding herbs and judging by eye, or whether you feel more comfortable adding them by measured weight. Also, you should know whether you want to add fresh, powdered, or dried herbs to the tincture. Some suggestions for adding the herbs in the order of fresh, powdered, or dried are as follows:

  • Add enough fresh chopped herbs to fill the glass container.
  • Cover with alcohol.
  • Add 113g of powdered herb with 473ml of alcohol (or vinegar/glycerin).
  • Add 198g of dried herb material to 1 liter of alcohol (or vinegar/glycerin).
  • Using a butter knife, stir around the edge of the glass container to ensure that all air bubbles are released.

Seal the container. Place it into a cool, dark area (in a cupboard). The container should be stored there minimum 8 days to a month.

  • Shake the container twice a day.
  • Be sure to label the steeping tincture so that you know what it is and the date on which it was made.
  • Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Strain the tincture. Once the steeping time is finished (the specific tincture instructions you’re following will inform you of this) strain the tincture as follows:

  • Place cheesecloth across a sieve.
  • Place a large bowl underneath to catch the strained liquid.
  • Gently pour the steeped liquid through the lined sieve. The cheesecloth will capture the plant material.
  • Press the herb material with a wooden spoon to squeeze out some more liquid, and then twist the cloth to extract any leftover liquid.

Decant the liquid into a prepared tincture bottle. Use a small funnel for this step if you don’t have a steady hand. Tighten the lid and date and label the tincture.

Store and use:

A tincture can have a shelf life of up to 5 years because alcohol is a preservative. However, know the properties of the particular herbs you’ve used, and follow the guidance of the recipe from which you’re making the tincture in terms of how long to keep the tincture for.

Follow the instructions relevant to your tincture for usage; consult a qualified, reputable herbalist or a health professional if you need more information and bear in mind that herbal treatments can be dangerous if you don’t know the properties of the herb and its consequences.

Found at: Wild Edible Food

Tincture of Lemon Balm

This is a great stomach soothing, anti-viral concoction, perfect to take when you feel like you’re coming down with a cold or bug.

To make the tincture:

Add lemon balm leaves to a jar until about three-quarters filled. Pour in 80 proof or higher alcohol (like vodka) until the jar is filled. Cap with a non-metallic lid and store in a cool, dark place for about 4 to 6 weeks, shaking periodically. Strain and store for at least a year.

Adult dose is 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) at a time, as needed. I usually mix with equal parts honey for better patient compliance.

From: The Nerdy Farm Wife

Peppermint Tincture for Digestion

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  •  1/2 cup dried peppermint leaves
  • 1/4 cup-1/2 cup very finely diced fresh ginger root
  • 1/4 cup dried fennel seeds
  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water
  • 1 1/2 cups vodka

Put peppermint, ginger and fennel in glass jar and pour over the boiling water until they are just covered. Fill the rest of the jar with vodka and close with air tight lid. Keep in a cool dark place for at least 2-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain through mesh strainer or cheesecloth and store in dark place in small jars.

For adults up to 1 tsp can be taken straight or in water as needed. For heartburn indigestion or nausea, one dose is usually sufficient, though sometimes a second dose is needed.

In pregnancy, 1/2 tsp in the morning often helps with morning sickness, with additional doses if needed throughout the day.

For children, 10-20 drops is usually enough, or it can be used externally.

Source

Peppermint Headache Tincture

ginger-tincture-in-glass-bottle-928x1024This remedy is especially helpful for those who are prone to headaches that stem from indigestion.

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts peppermint leaf
  • 1 part chamomile flower
  • 1 part feverfew flower and leaf
  • 1 part hops
  • vodka or brandy

Cover herbs with alcohol in a jar or bottle & leave closed in warm dark place for a 2-4 weeks. Strain.Bottle again.

Take ¼ – ½ tsp before and after meals.

Source

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