April 6, 2008
Herbal Tinctures
Herbal tinctures are herbs in liquid form, and are also referred to as herbal extracts. They are made by aging herbs in apple cider vinegar or alcohol, which results in a herbal remedy that is more potent, and more easily absorbed by the body. Depending on what you are using them for, tinctures can be taken orally, or used as a topical application.
They can often be bought from online or local herbal supply stores or health food stores. You will generally find herbal tinctures made from a single herb, but there are also some tinctures made from a combination of herbs. A fairly popular example of an herbal tincture is Tea Tree Oil. Tea Tree Oil comes in a small brown bottle, usually with an attached dropper for ease of use.
The process of aging herbs in alcohol is done with the drinking variety of alcohol, as opposed to using rubbing alcohol. An example of the kind of alcohol used to make herbal tinctures, would be 100 proof undiluted alcohol (like vodka), or Everclear (130 TO 160 proof) diluted in half. Apple Cider Vinegar can also be used by those who are opposed to using alcohol.
Tinctures made using alcohol are stronger, however, because alcohol extracts more of the plants medicinal properties than vinegar.
Powdered or dried herbs can be used to make your own custom tinctures, using single herbs or a combination of herbs, based on your specific needs. You should use approximately 4 ounces of powdered herb per pint of alcohol or vinegar, and 8 ounces of dried herb per pint of liquid. Of course, when combining herbs, you should measure the mixture together, as opposed to using 4 to 8 ounces of each herb.
Mix the dried or powdered herbs in a bottle with the liquid, then shake the mixture at least 2-3 times a day, for approximately 2 weeks (for dried herbs). The powdered herb version will be ready to use in about a week.
Herbal oils can be created using a similar technique. To make the oils, use about 2 ounces of powdered or dried herbs with virgin olive oil. Just add the herbs to a pint of virgin olive oil, and let it sit in a warm place for at least 4 days. You can also speed up the process by using your stove, if you prefer.
Combine the oil and herb in a double boiler or pan, them heat the mixture gently for 2 to 3 hours. After heating the mixture, press the oil from the herbs, and add a small amount of vitamin E to preserve it. You can then store your herbal oil in the refrigerator in a glass bottle.
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