Throughout the world people are turning to herbal remedies, but many are intimidated by the complex jargon that masks the simplicity of homemade herbal cures. Using herbs to ease common ailments has been around since the beginning of time and the only thing that prevents individuals from utilizing these common home remedies is the medical jargon that disguises simple preparations as something far too complex for the layman to tackle.
Well, that's a lie. If our ancestors could mix up a tincture or infusion, so can you. So I've decided to put together a series of articles on simple herbal preparations that anyone, yes anyone, can make.
What is a Tincture?
A tincture is a solution of herbs in alcohol. Apple cider vinegar may be used in some special preparations. The alcohol dissolves all of the chemical principals of the plant and acts as a preservative for future use.
How is a tincture prepared?
Tinctures in alcohol are made by steeping herbs in rectified spirits or alcohol, by heating herbs and alcohol at various temperatures, or by filtering alcohol through herbs, (similar to the way you brew a pot of coffee, by suspending the herbs in a filter, and the alcohol drips down through the soluble plant material and the herb-saturated alcohol is then used.)
The alcohol used to make a tincture is not rubbing alcohol but a 90 proof spirit, such as vodka, gin or brandy.
Basic Tincture Technique
The easiest way to make a tincture is to steep herbs in vodka, gin, whiskey, or brandy. This way your herbs can be taken internally. Use (1) pint of ninety proof alcohol (as suggested above) with 4 ounces of cut herbs. Allow the herbs and alcohol to steep for 2 weeks. Strain out the herbs, then bottle and label your tincture.
How to use your tincture Drops of tincture may be added to hot or cold herbal teas for drinking, or may be added to water for external use on compresses. Tinctures can also be added to oils or fats for an instant healing ointment.
Sample Tincture
Comfrey is wonderful example of a healing tincture well worth keeping on hand. For a full list of this herbs properties, please see my article on Comfrey. Tincture of Comfrey can be added to any compress to treat injuries such as cuts and bruising. It will help to alleviate the pain and promote healing; in fact, its healing ability is nothing short of miraculous.
Reference: Buchman, Dian Dincin, "Dian Dincin Buchman's Herbal Medicine", Gramercy Pub. 1980
MK Welty hosts an informational website for herb enthusiasts at http://usingherbs.com
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