A tincture is an alcohol based derivative of fresh or dried herbs or plants. Many people will also use a glycerin or vinegar base tincture. I have chosen to use an alcohol base because alcohol will extract volatile oils and most alkaloid, preserve the tincture longer than the other two and will maintain it's potency for years. One thing I learned and didn't know was that most dried herbs only have about one shelf life making it into a tincture is another way to perserve your herbs.
If your like me, I really don't want to consume alcohol (although the amount is small) just add your tincture to boiling water or to your hot tea, the heat will cause the alcohol to evaporate leaving only the therapeutic qualities of the herb.
I found an excellent article at Stony Mountain Botanicals that give a wealth of info on alcohol based tinctures.
What you will need to make it:
100% Vodka or Gin or Brandy
if using fresh herbs, clean and chop up into small pieces. I used dried berries often when using dried herbs you'll have to add more alcohol within a few days because the herbs absorb the liquid.
Place the herbs in a glass jar and then cover with alcohol about an inch over the herbs.
Shake the mixture and label with the day and herb.
Place in a dark cool place and shake the jar at least once a day. Leave the herbs in the alcohol for six weeks. You can start using the tincture after two weeks but keep the herbs in their for at least six weeks. After six weeks just strain the herbs and place the tincture in a amber bottle.
The dosage for different herbs can be found at Stony Mountain Bontanicals I'm make hawthorn berry tincture so my daily dosage will be 1/4-1/2 tsp three times a day.
I'm also making a garlic tincture which is 10-15 drops (about 1/4 teaspoon) once or twice a day according to John Heinerman, Ph.D. author of The Healing Benefits of Garlic.
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