Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
methods are basically the same. True tinctures are alcohol- or water-and-alcohol-based which
ensures that the solvent (the base) absorbs as much of the medicinal properties of the herb as pos-
sible. This alcohol-based liquid has a highly concentrated amount of the herb properties steeped
into an alcohol base.
deFinitiOn
An
infusion
is made by pouring boiling water over the herb material and allowing it to steep for a time
(like a tea). Some infusions are made with oil instead of water. A
decoction
is made by placing herbs into
boiling water and simmering them for about an hour (time varies). The herbs are then strained away and
the water stored and used. A
tincture
is used when the plant's substances don't dissolve as readily in water
and is made by covering the chopped-up herbs with alcohol and allowing them to soak for several weeks.
The herbs are then strained out.
Some people are concerned about the alcohol in tinctures. However, the amount consumed in most
doses is so small that it doesn't impair you in any way, but rather serves as a preservative base for
the healing properties of the herb.
The method I'm sharing today is more of a “folk” method and doesn't rely on the careful measur-
ing and weighing that a professional herbalist would use. Without measuring techniques to ensure
uniformity between batches, these tinctures won't be suitable for sale but will enhance the overall
health of your family.
To create an herbal tincture, follow these steps:
1. Chop up fresh herbs or coarsely grind your dried herbs. Put the herbs in a large jar—
canning jars work well for this. With fresh herb material you want to fill the jar as com-
pletely as possible.
2. Add 80 or 100 proof alcohol to the jar and fill it completely so all the herbs are covered by
the alcohol. Put the cap on tightly but make sure you wipe the rim completely clean first so
there is a good seal.
3. Now the fun part! Every day, shake the jar vigorously to help speed the infusion of the
alcohol with the herbal benefits. We sing silly songs and dance about the room wielding the
jars of macerated herbs like maracas. Fourteen days is a good minimum for this process but
if you forget for a few days and your herbs stay in the alcohol longer, no harm done. Some
herbal materials take longer.
4. Strain the herbs through a filter, catching the richly infused alcohol in a clean container.
Squeeze out the leftover herbs so you get every bit of juice out of them and then discard
them into the compost bin. The herbal tincture can be bottled into a glass vial with a drop-
per top for easy administration.
