Many herbs contain active ingredients which are not easily extracted by water, or are destroyed by heat, and a tincture solves these problems. A tincture is an herbal preparation made with alcohol or distilled water and dried or fresh herbs. The alcohol preserves the medicine for 2 years or more. The alcohol used commercially is ethyl alcohol, but a spirit such as brandy or vodka is usually used for making tinctures at home. Do not use industrial alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, as they are poisonous.

Things you have to know when making tincture:

• Tincturing will extract and preserve both the water-soluble and alcohol-soluble properties of an herb.
• Rum helps hide the taste of bitter herbs.
• Distilled water or vinegar can be used to make nonalcoholic tinctures.
• Tinctures can last up to two years when stored in a tightly closed container.
• Tincture can be made in alcoholic or non-alcoholic bases. If you use water, it will not have the preservative characteristics that come with alcohol so your tinctures will not last long and there is a chance that they could grow mold over time. If made with alcohol, can last for up to two years with proper storage.
• Before you begin experimenting with tinctures, be sure you know the medicinal value of each herb you plan to use.

Making Your Own Tincture:

Ingredients: 200 g dried herb or 400 g fresh herb to 1 liter 100 proof vodka. Vodka is usually 100 proof, which means that it is 50% alcohol and 50% water. This is the ideal proportion for making tinctures. You can use another alcohol that is 100 proof. This will produce different flavors.

Procedure:

1. Put the herb into a large jar and pour on the vodka. Seal the jar and store in a cool place for two weeks. Shake the jar occasionally.
2. Pour mixture through a cheesecloth or jelly bag into a clean jug.
3. Squeeze out the tincture from the bag. Ideally, use a wine press and press the mixture into a clean jug.
4. Pour the strained liquid into clean, dark bottles. Seal and store. Keep in a cool dry place and label it with the date and the herbs that it contains.

Standard Doses: 1 tsp. 3 times daily. These may be taken diluted in a little water. For concentrated herbs such as Ginger, take up to 10 drops, 3times a day. Preferably take these with water.

Advantage of making your own tincture:

• Tinctures are more powerful and last longer than dried herbs.
• When you make you own tincture you can save hundreds of dollars. You can make about a quart of your own tincture for the price of a few ounces of tincture at herbal store.
• You are assured of the quality of the tincture since you have personally selected the herbs you use for the tincture.
• You can combine several herbs to make special formula.

Caution:

• Because a tincture is such a concentrated extract, only use when it is recommended, and for short periods of time. Do not be tempted to increase the dosage.
• If in any doubt about using a tincture, seek professional advice. Do not give tinctures to children, unless advised, and remember to keep all medicines out of the reach of small children.