A herbal tincture is a liquid extract of an herb or combination of herbs. The herbs are soaked in a liquid extraction base, from 3-8 weeks. The liquid used most often to extract the properties of the herbs is commonly a drinking alcohol (such as vodka, brandy) of at least 80 percent alcohol content. Other liquids that can be used is water, witch hazel, and apple cider vinegar. The liquid depends on what type of tincture you will be making and what it will be used for. Fresh or dry herbs can be used in tinctures. The herb or herbs are placed in a jar with the liquid of choice for the extraction. They jars should be tightly sealed and shaken every day for 3-8 weeks depending on the tincture you are making. It's best to store your tincture jars, in a cool, dry, and dark place. If placed in sunlight or around heat the tincture may lose some of it's medicinal properties. When the herbs are finished soaking, the tincture is then drained using mesh cloth. The remaining liquid is a concentrated form of the herbs. This remaining liquid is the tincture. The tincture should be stored in dark colored glass bottles.
Supplies I used.
Tinctures are used for many different health issues. They are fast and easy to take and enter the blood stream within minutes of being taken. They are concentrated so very little is needed at a time. They are easy to store and have a long shelf life (on average 3-5 years) which makes them more appealing to have around then dried herbs that have a much shorter shelf life. Tinctures are a great alternative medicines for those looking for a more nature based remedy to their ailments. They are also easy and cheap to make. I recently started making tinctures and I'm still learning about herbs, but it has been rather simple so far. I will be posting some tincture recipes on here in case anyone who reads this wants to try and make their own. Recipes will be in my next post.
Rosemary and Vodka
Rosemary and Apple Cider Vinegar
St. John's Wort and Witch Hazel
White Willow Bark and Water
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