How to make an herbal tincture

For centuries, herbal tinctures have been prescribed as remedies and strengthening tonics. A tincture -- or extract -- forms as alcohol draws out the medicinal constituents of the herb. As needed, drops of tincture are added to a beverage. Tinctures can be prepared from a wide range of herbs, from echinacea to valerian, and even ragweed.

Today, herbal medicine is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Many individuals wish to prepare their own remedies with fresh herbs from their gardens. The steps to preparing an herbal tincture are not complicated, and can be carried out at your kitchen table. To ensure effectiveness, however, it is necessary to learn the proper method for preparing an herbal tincture.

Instructions

Step 1

Harvest the fresh herb or select a dried herb; discard any discolored pieces.

Step 2

Coarsely chop fresh plant material (leaves, berries, roots - whatever part of the plant is used in a tincture).

Step 3

Fill jar with chopped fresh herb or half fill with dried herb.

Step 4

Fill jar to top with 100-proof vodka; to prevent spoilage, completely cover plant material. Poke mixture with a wooden spoon handle to remove air bubbles.

Step 5

Cap jar and attach label; with permanent marker, note date, herb, and harb part used.

Step 6

Place jar in cool, dark area for 6 weeks; eventually, you may need to add more vodka as the herb absorbs the liquid.

Step 7

After 6 weeks, strain the tincture through cheesecloth into a bowl. Pour tincture back into glass jar. Use the funnel to pour tincture into dropper bottle. Label as noted in step 5.

Step 8

Store tincture in cool dark place. Use as recommended.

How to Make Herbal Tinctures

www.mountainroseherbs.com How to make herbal tinctures. This is an herbal tincture recipe using Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis). Valerian tincture is a calming herb and a good herbal insomnia remedy. Valerian root tincture is also a good home herbal remedy for anxiety. Making a tincture is a great way of preserving these medicinal constituents since tinctures will last on your shelf for several years. Tinctures are also a very convenient way of getting herbs into our systems. This recipe uses dried bulk oranic herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs.

Things Needed

Fresh or dried herb of choice

100-proof vodka

Glass pint jar

Dark glass 1-ounce dropper bottle

Cutting board

Sharp knife

Wooden spoon

Adhesive labels

Permanent marker

Cheese cloth

Funnel small enough for dropper bottle

Tips & Warnings

Ask a trained herbalist or doctor about an herb's use; use fresh picked herbs only if you are sure of their identity and use.

Become familiar with your chosen herb’s peak harvest time, the medicinal parts of the herb, and whether the herb should be used fresh or dried.

Use only glass bottles and droppers; plastic will damage the herb’s medicinal value.

Alternatives to alcohol include vinegar and glycerin; however, alcohol extracts the most effective medicinal properties from the herb.

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Judith C Evans
Helium member since Sep 20, 09
Number of Guides: 6

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