Tinctures

By: Narda

August 19. 2021

Tinctures are liquid extracts from herbs; they are easy to use. They are taken under the tongue, therefore, they enter the bloodstream faster and act quickly.

You will need:

Preferably vodka or grain alcohol; if not available, you may substitute with brandy, rum or whiskey. It should be no less than 80 proof (40% alcohol) to avoid mold.
When alcohol cannot be used due to the patient’s age or underlying medical condition, organic cider vinegar with the mother or glycerin can be used
A large, sterilized mason jar with airtight lid is a must. Avoid metallic or plastic containers they react with the tincture and could seep unsafe substances
Butter knife
Labels and a marker
Large glass bowl that has been thoroughly washed, boiling water poured into it, and then let dry
Large sieve
Muslim cloth
A wooden spoon
Sterilized, dark, glass medicinal syrup bottles with tight screw-on or clip-on lids
Funnel

What you need to do:

Label your container naming the ingredients, the tincture’s use and the date
Decide whether you want to add fresh, powdered or dried herbs.
The easiest way is to fill the jar up to ½ an inch from the bottom of the mouth of the jar
Cover with alcohol (or choice of substitute when indicated) up to the edge where the mouth of the jar begins
If you prefer to measure, the ratio will be 5 ounces of alcohol (or cider vinegar or glycerin) for each ounce of dry herb or 4 ounces of powdered herb for each ounce of liquid. Remember to always add the herbs first and then the liquids
Stir around the edge of the mason jar with the butter knife, making sure that all air bubbles disappear
Close the mason jar making sure it is tightly sealed
Place in a cool, dark corner in your cupboard, out of reach of children and pets
The jar must remain there a minimum of eight days to a maximum of thirty

What you need to do, Cont.:

Shake the container twice a day for the first two weeks
Label your dark tincture bottles. Always include the date of production
After the designated steeping time has passed, it is time to transfer to the dark jars, ready for use
Place the sieve on the large bowl and the muslin on it
Slowly pour the tincture
Once all liquid has passed through, press the herbs with the wooden spoon to squeeze remaining liquid
Finally, twist the muslin tight to extract any leftover liquid
Fill tincture bottles using the funnel
Close tightly
If the tincture is not for immediate use, it is recommended to seal the caps with wax
If properly stored, your tincture could have a shelf life of approximately five years. This will depend on the specific properties of the herb you use
Follow instructions carefully and don’t exceed the recommended dosage

Extra tips

Follow directions to the “T”
Do not exceed the recommended dose
Always label your tinctures, it is important to know their components and date of production
Sterilization is very important

When using a dropper, always squeeze the bulb tightly between your thumb and index, then put in the tincture and slowly release to have a dropperful or squeeze, don’t worry if it only fills halfway
All bulbs are the same size regardless of the lenght of the tube; the bulb determines the amount of tincture in the squeeze

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Photography by: Content Pixie, Fulvio Ciccolo, Jordane Mathieu, Kathrin Hauf, Kelly Sikkema,and Towfiqu Barbhuiya @ Unsplash