How to make an herbal tincture

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.



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