Herbal Tinctures

Tinctures are alcohol-based preparations and a common way of making herbal medicine in Western herbalism. For most plants, alcohol is a better solvent than water, and some herbs have components that can ONLY be extracted with alcohol. In addition, the alchohol acts as a preservative for the plant material, extending the shelf life of the medicine. Some tinctures are made using glycerin or vinegar, although this is less common. Tinctures are quite strong, certainly stronger than infusions and simple Western decoctions. Dosage varies by herb but is generally considered between 5-15 drops, 3-4 times per day. To take a tincture, the drops can be simply taken straight from the bottle, or they can be added to water or another beverage. If alcohol is an issue, for instance for children, the drops can be placed in a small cup of steaming hot water so that the alcohol will evaporate and the herb content will be left. The water can be drunk warm, or left to cool first.

Directions for making a tincture at home, as written in The New Holistic Herbal by David Hoffmann:

1. Put 120 grams (4 ounces) of chopped or ground dried herb into a container that has a tight-fitting lid, such as a mason jar.

2. Pour half a liter (1 pint) of 30% (60 proof) vodka on the herbs and close tightly. (Be sure the herbs are completely covered to prevent any mold from growing on the plant material)

3. Keep the container in a warm place for two weeks and shake it well twice every day. (Be sure to label the jar with contents and date, epecially if you have more than one tincture brewing at a time.)

4. After decanting the bulk of the liquid, pour the residue into a muslin cloth suspended in a bowl.

5. Wring out all the liquid. The residue makes excellent compost.

6. Pour the tincture into a dark bottle. It should be kept well stoppered. (Again, labeled with contents and the date.)