How to make an herbal tincture
Many herbs contain active ingredients which are not easily extracted by water, or are destroyed by heat, and a tincture solves these problems.
Things You'll Need:
a large jar
alcohol (see tips)
water
cheesecloth
bowl
dark bottle for storing the tincture
herbs
1
Put the herbs into a large jar and pour in a mixture of 25% alcohol and 75% water.
2
Seal the jar and store it in a cool place for two weeks. Shake the jar occasionally during this period.
3
Place a piece of cheesecloth over a bowl, jar, or jug. Pour the herbal mixture through the cloth into the bowl. When your finished pouring the mixture out of the jar, wrap the herbs in the cheesecloth and give them a few last squeezes to get all the liquid out.
4
Pour the strained liquid into your tincture bottle and store it in a cool dry place.
Tips & Warnings
The alcohol used commercially is ethyl alcohol, but a spirit such as brandy or vodka can be used for home tinctures.
Do not use industrial alcohol, isopropyl, or methylated spirits, as they are all poisonous.
Because a tincture is a concentrated extract, only use them as recommended and only for short periods of time.
Do not give tinctures to
children
unless advised by a professional.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2000936_make-herbal-tincture.html
Many herbs contain active ingredients which are not easily extracted by water, or are destroyed by heat, and a tincture solves these problems.
Things You'll Need:
a large jar
alcohol (see tips)
water
cheesecloth
bowl
dark bottle for storing the tincture
herbs
1
Put the herbs into a large jar and pour in a mixture of 25% alcohol and 75% water.
2
Seal the jar and store it in a cool place for two weeks. Shake the jar occasionally during this period.
3
Place a piece of cheesecloth over a bowl, jar, or jug. Pour the herbal mixture through the cloth into the bowl. When your finished pouring the mixture out of the jar, wrap the herbs in the cheesecloth and give them a few last squeezes to get all the liquid out.
4
Pour the strained liquid into your tincture bottle and store it in a cool dry place.
Tips & Warnings
The alcohol used commercially is ethyl alcohol, but a spirit such as brandy or vodka can be used for home tinctures.
Do not use industrial alcohol, isopropyl, or methylated spirits, as they are all poisonous.
Because a tincture is a concentrated extract, only use them as recommended and only for short periods of time.
Do not give tinctures to
children
unless advised by a professional.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2000936_make-herbal-tincture.html
