The last few breaths of summer have been whispered. Harvest season is upon us. Though it may be that everything is beginning to die, autumn can be one of the best times to make tinctures. By definition, “tinctures are medicinal extracts of any herb or herbal concoction in an alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin base.” - The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies Pg. 39. Tinctures are used orally and topically and are an easy access to the medicinal properties of plants. Gather your bark, berries, leaves, and/or roots and let’s get started.
The Science of a Solvent
By pulling out the active ingredients in the parts of the plant you have gathered, the alcohol or vinegar concentrates them into a liquid. Like water, alcohol is also a universal solvent (solvent- a substance that has the ability to dissolve other substances). Alcohol has the ability to extract the essential oils from herbs as well as most of the other chemical compounds that pure water can extract.
There are two main reasons why an alcohol tincture is preferred over a water tincture:
1. The first reason is the preservative properties. The microorganisms responsible for decomposing die before the decomposition process begins. Therefore, if stored properly in a well-sealed container, your tincture will nearly never go bad.
2. The second reason is the rapid speed of absorption into the body. In fact, upon taking the tincture, the alcohol begins to absorb into your mouth and stomach lining. This process bypasses the normal route of digestion and is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream instead.
Types of Solvents:
- An alcohol that is at least 80 proof (40% alcohol).
- Vodka, rum, gin, brandy, and whiskey will work.
- No alcohol? No problem however, these often don’t last as long.
- apple cider vinegar
- food grade vegetable glycerin
How To Make A Tincture:
Find your sterile glass jar and fill it with the parts of the plant you would like to use. Do not pack down.
1. With chopped fresh leaves, fill the glass jar 2/3 to 3/4 of the way up
2. With dry leaves, fresh roots, fresh bark, or fresh berries, fill your jar halfway
3. and fill your jar, 1/4 of the way when using dried roots, bark, or berries
4. Pour in your salute, completely submerging your herbs yet leaving half an inch of headspace.
5. Place the lid on top, and don’t forget to label your texture with the date and contents.
6. Shake your tincture often as you let it sit for Four weeks to six months.
7. The time it takes for your herbs to extract depends on your unique tincture itself. Things that factor in are:
Whether or not you used dry herbs as opposed to fresh
What part of the plant you are using
How potent your plant is naturally
Usually, eight weeks is a long enough period for extraction. Using a cheesecloth, strain your tincture. The remaining liquid is your complete tincture.
Risks:
Any time you’re using a medicinal herb, there are always risks for allergic/adverse reactions. Make certain you have identified your source carefully and correctly. Be sure to note your personal limitations. As an example, if you are diabetic, there are several herbs, such as milk thistle, that can cause your blood pressure to drop to dangerous levels
Aside from knowing your herb and your body, evaporation is the most significant risk for your tincture.
Final Notes:
1. According to The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies, the proper dosing is as follows:
1. ½ to 1 teaspoon is a normal dose for adults.
2. For children dosage is about 1/4 to 1/3 of the adult dose, depending on weight
2. Some plants may need double extraction in order to maximize your use of the medicinal properties.
Sources:
- Nicole Apelian, Ph.D. & Claude Davis, The Lost Book Of Herbal Remedies. Copyrighted by Global Brother SRL © 2019
About Me:
Hello, my name is Shannon. I joined FireKeepers International as a volunteer in 2023. In 2014, I began the Master Herbalist program at Trinity School of Natural Health and completed the program in September of 2017. Since then, my main studies have been Biblical truths, astronomy and the Hebrew language. I am a born and raised “Michigander,” currently living in one of Northern Michigan’s beautiful national forests.
When I’m not keeping busy with the homestead, you can find me out in nature or hibernating in my cabin.
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