Tinctures can be made at home in your kitchen!

A tincture is a fluid extract that has drawn out the medicinal values of the herbs and preserves it for future use. The drawing liquid or solvent acts as a preservative; vodka, brandy, glycerin or vinegar (an acid tincture) is used.

A typical tincture is prepared by infusing 1 part herbs to 2 parts alcohol in a jar for ten to fourteen days. The resulting mixture is strained, poured into a sealed jar, and stored in a dark place.

Tinctures increase in potency for the first ten to fourteen days, then decrease somewhat in strength thereafter, but many tinctures will last indefinitely.

One recipe I use is 4 ounces of dried herbs by weight (or 8 ounces fresh) to 2 cups of 80 proof brandy.(if you wish, cut this recipe in half for a smaller batch) Bruise fresh herbs in a bowl or with a mortar and pestle. Place in a sterilized jar and add the brandy. If the alcohol doesn't cover the herb, then add enough so it covers about an inch above the herb. Gently shake this mixture every day to keep herbs submersed in the liquid. It is recommended to use only one herb per tincture, however, drops of the different tinctures can be combined when using for medicinal purposes.

Pregnant or nursing women or those with chronic disease should always consult with their health care provider on using some herbs, as they may react with prescription drugs or existing conditions. (Ginseng, Gingko, Ephedra, Valerian, St. Johnswort, just to name a few)

Dosages usually are between five drops and 30 drops in one half a cup of water. To eliminate the alcohol, place the drops in hot, boiled water. The heat will evaporate the alcohol.

Be aware of the properties in the herbal preparation and do your research on the potency of the herb you choose. Always try herbs in small amounts to ensure that there are no reactions.

Know the source of your herbal supply if you do not grow your own to ensure a quality product.

Glycerin Tinctures: Make sure you are using 100% vegetable glycerin. This solvent is sweet and will dissolve vitamins, minerals and mucilage, however, oily properties of herbs do not dissolve as well. Follow the same recipe amounts as the alcohol mixture. You can use all glycerin to cover the herb or 3/4 parts glycerin and 1/4 part water. When using dried herbs it is advisable to use some water to help draw the herbal values out into the tincture.

Vinegar Tinctures: This solvent does not draw all the medicinal values from your herbs as it primarily dissolves the alkaloids. Vinegar tinctures are more useful for lengthy usage; more with herbs being used as a tonic. Use the same basic recipe as the alcohol-based tincture. If using fresh herbs allow the plants to dry somewhat (or wilt) to help lose some of the moisture content before adding to the vinegar. I make a winter tonic using organic apple cider, garlic, onions, horseradish, cayenne pepper, & ginger. It not only tastes great, but all of these ingredients are warming and stimulating to the blood stream. There are many beneficial effects, but again, consult a health care professional if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any conditions or medications currently. These are, in fact, foods, and most people find no side effects.

Recipe for my winter tonic:

Using Roots, Peppers, Onions & Garlic

Ms. Bear’s Super Tonic

6 Garlic Cloves crushed and chopped

½ Cup grated Ginger Root

½ Cup Onion chopped

¼ Cup Horseradish grated

¼ Cup Cayenne peppers chopped

One quart jar filled two inches from top with apple cider vinegar. Cover, label and date, place in cupboard for 2 weeks, then strain herbs. This is pretty concentrated, dilute with water To taste. A natural antibiotic, take to boost immune system and for colds and flu.

Harvesting for Tinctures:

An easy rule-of-thumb when harvesting herbs for tinctures is to harvest leaves and stems (the above ground portion of the plant) prior to flowering. If using the root (i.e. Echinacea) harvest after the plant dies back.

Always ensure that you are using pesticide free plants. If you are wildcrafting for herbs, be aware that fields may have been sprayed and roadside plants have absorbed the pollution from the passing vehicles.

When wild crafting, don't over harvest any one plant if you hope to use it for the next year. Too often the wild plants are being eliminated by careless practices. Find out which plants are on the endangered species list before harvesting.

To retain the active ingredients of the herbs, pay attention to your drying methods. When properly done, the herb retains it flavor, color and aroma. If the herbs are moldy or musty, (from too long of a drying time), brown or light in color (from too much sunlight or heat) they have lost much of their medicinal value.

Outdoor Drying: Pick a well ventilated, shady place away from the direct sunlight. While foods can be dried in the sun, herbs will lose their potency quickly. Lay on screens (turn everyday) or hang in small bunches. A small barn, garage, or drying shed would be terrific. I put shade cloth inside my small greenhouse, leave the door open, and place a fan inside for proper ventilation. They will take five to seven days to dry.

Indoor Drying: Basically the same as outdoors ensuring good ventilation, dust-free and away from direct sunlight. Also keep them away from pets. My experience with some herbs is that my cats love them and will often chew them up if I leave them laying on screens (especially the catnip and mints).

This article is for information only and in no way replaces traditional medical care by a professional.

Cher Marie 2008

Catnip has a long history of use in alternative medicine, especially uses for digestive system. As it stimulates sweating, it is useful in reducing fevers. The fresh juice is used as an emmenagogue (to promote menstruation). Mild catnip tea has been used to relieve colic in babies, restlessness and nervousness. Stronger tea relieves fevers due to colds and flu and calms the stomach,preventing nausea and diarrhea. The fresh young shoots are good in spring salads and rubbed into meat for flavor. Applied externally or added to bath it is good for skin irritations. A strong infusion can be used to repel fleas from carpets or the fur of animals. An extract from the leaves (called nepetalactone) has herbicidal and insect repellant properties