Here I will explain the very basic method for creating your own herbal tinctures.
What you will need:
Your Choice of Herb/s
80 proof Vodka
Jar with Lid to make things easier have an extra on hand
Cheese Cloth or Coffee Filters
Rubber band
What youll want to do is this, take your jar and fill the jar half way with your choice of herb/s then take the 80 proof vodka and fill the jar up to the rim. Tighten the lid and give it a good shake for a minute or two.
Then you will want to let the mixture sit for a period of time, here is a general guideline for wait times:
Dry Roots or Thick Herbs Let sit for (6-8 weeks) Periodically shaking the mixture several times daily.
Dried Leaves Let sit for (4-6 weeks) Periodically shaking the mixture several times daily.
Fresh Roots or Thick Herbs Let sit for (3-4 weeks) Periodically shaking the mixture several times daily.
Powdered Herb Dry or Fresh Let sit for (2-3 weeks) Periodically shaking the mixture several times daily..
*Note that certain herbs will have shorter or longer sit times, as the above stated sit times are general in nature. Make sure to check or research the specific herb/s for specific times and or instructions.
Once your tincture mixture has sat for recommended or instructed time, it is time to prepare your final tincture liquid. What you will want to do is before removing the lid from the jar give it one last good shake. Then remove the lid and take either your cheese cloth or coffee filters (1-3 sheets) and wrap it around the mouth of the jar; secure cloth or filters with the rubber band. Slowly drain and filter your finished tincture liquid into a clean empty jar. Your tincture is now ready to use.
*Note that some pulp is normal. When using and taking tinctures follow the prescribed dosages exactly, and make sure the herb/s you are using are safe and effective for the conditions or symptoms you are trying to alleviate. It is recommended if you are inexperienced that you do plenty of research on the herbs you are using, further research specific tincture instructions for the exact herb/s you are using, and furthermore consult an experienced and or if possible a certified herbalists for advice and information.
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Further information and notes:
The amount of final product that you will have will depend on the size of jar you use and the herb/s to vodka mixture ratio.
For powdered herb/s it is allowable for the ratio to be 1/3 herb to 2/3 vodka.
For storing final products, you can keep the majority of the tincture liquid in the jar, and fill smaller easier to carry dosages with different sized amber vials, preferably with dropper tops.
Comparing tincturing with other herbal remedies: Tincture are more effective and more potent than infusions (teas), decoctions, and even tablets. Both the water soluble and fat soluble medicinal qualities of the plant/herb is extracted with this method. The shelf life of average tinctures vary between 3-6 years if not longer for some. And finally tinctures may be combined, mixed, or altered as desired more easily than any other herbal remedy, with this benefit it makes it the ultimate herbal internal (consumed) remedy. And contrary to popular belief tinctures may be derived from an alcoholic base, but when taking normal dosages they under normal circumstances have no ill side effects such as hangovers etc. Although tinctures depending on the herb/s used, some may cause slight headaches or digestive (nausea) problems, but is rare.
I never knew how to use vodka or other alcohol to extract high potencies of herbal remnants from the plant to the alcohol. From what I've read there are different ways to do this.
Yes there are different methods of extracting the medicinal qualties from herbs and plants, tincturing is just one method, and there are also many methods for tincturing as well, this is just a general one I outlined here. Instead of vodka or ethanol as a base you could use glycerin and several other substances.
Yes you can use some different methods for it, one of my favorite, easy-to-do, and fairly quick ways of going about it is just boiling the plant over a low, concentrated heat source like a torch.
That method is very easy, it's called a decoction for reference, however while it's quick and easy, decoctions have a very short shelf life. Usually several days refrigerated if you don't use it all right away.
Note I learned from the herbal expert at my local pagan store;
You can also make tinctures using apple-cider vinegar if you don't wish to use alcohol, and more importantly apple-cider vinegar is almost the same pH as healthy skin. If you're like me and need tinctures for you skin use apple-cider vinegar to make it and then pour a little in your bath.
Works better than the junk my dermatologist prescribes!
What your describing Chiron isn't a tincture or more specifically a true tincture, by definition and nature tinctures are derived from a base of ethanol spirits because the alcohol extracts both the water soluble and fat soluble compounds from the plant. Whereas apple cider vinegar might extract some of the medicinal qualities of the plant, but using such a method is not recommended or prescribed for internal consumption, as tinctures are to be taken internally. Using apple cider vinegar if taken internally would cause stomach and throat irritation, gastrointestinal distress, and weakining of the stomach lining.
I found this interesting. I recently made two tinctures. One from parsley and one from chickweed. I was just wondering. Chickweed gets mixed reviews. Some people say it can be taken internally while some say it's toxic. Would you happen to know if chickweed is safe to consume?
In most cases yes it is relatively safe, although one should not take chickweed in any form while pregnant as it disrupts normal hormone production. Avoid taking high doses over a continuous period of time.
