Tincture

In the medicinal sense, tinctures are solutions of medicinal substances in alcohol or diluted alcohol. Apple cider vinegar may be used for some special preparations. These are explained in the Vinegar section.

Tinctures in alcohol are prepared by steeping herbs in the rectified spirits or alcohol, by heating herbs and alcohol at various temperatures, or by filtering alcohol through herbs suspended in a parchment cone filter. This last is accomplished in the same way coffee is made in some coffee makers, except that soluble

Alcohol

This alcohol is not rubbing alcohol, but rather ninetyproof spirit or, if the tincture is to be used internally, a ninetyproof vodka or gin. I also often use an eighty or eighty sixproof brandy or whiskey for tinctures, and I have found them quite acceptable. I often use herbs steeped in sherry for mouthwashes and gargles. I frequently use vinegar tinctures as body washes, liniments, and for healing compresses.

Dosage

An alcohol solution dissolves all the chemical principles of a plant and acts to preserve it for further use. Since tinctures are very concentrated extracts of herbs preserved in alcohol, very little is needed. Use from five to an average of fifteen drops at a time.

A drop of tincture is equal to a teaspoon of the herb juice.

When to Use

Use drops of the tincture added to hot or cold herb teas for additional preventive or remedial action, or added to water for external use in compresses, foot baths, and arm baths.

Add drops of healing tinctures to oils or fats to create an instant healing ointment, to cocoa butter for healing or specialacting suppositories, or to dried herbs for pills or lozenges.

Basic Tincture Technique

The easiest home preparation is made by steeping herbs inn either vodka, gin, whiskey, or brandy. This way I always know that my tinctures can be used internally when necessary,

I pint ninety proof vodka or gin
1 4 ounces cut form of herb, depending on the strength of the herb (4 ounces are best)

Steep the cut herb (powders tend to get stringy) for two weeks. Strain out the herb or herbs. Label the bottle.

For a Stronger Tincture

Filtering ninety proof alcohol through coarse herbs can produce a strong tincture. Place the herbs in a cone shaped parchment. Pass the filtered alcohol repeatedly through the powdered or cut herb. Catch the slow drippings in a jar or the bottom of a clean glass coffeemaker. When it has passed once, you may use it, but the more you repeat the process, the stronger the tincture will be. Label the jar.

Adding Water

It is possible to dilute any alcohol tincture. This is an acceptable pharmaceutical technique.

If you wish to extend the amount of tincture, add 4 ounces of water and 1 teaspoon of glycerine for every pint of alcohol. The glycerine is optional, but additional preservative is often used by professional pharmacists.

Some Tinctures

Compound Tincture of Lavender' This recipe is given to show how several oils and powders may be combined. This tincture is prepared by filtration. It is a lovely compound of spices and can be used along with other herbal medicines. It is an old remedy for gastric uneasiness, nausea, and flatulence.

The dose is 7 drops on 1/4 lump of sugar, 15 drops on 1/2 a lump, 30 drops on a whole lump. Or the sugar may be mixed with several tablespoons of water, and the drops added to the water.

1/4 fluid ounce oil of lavender
1/4 fluid ounce oil of rosemary
1/2 ounce cinnamon powder
1/4 ounce fine nutmeg powder
Calcium Tincture for Daily Calcium Needs [Vinegar tincture] * Break open a dozen eggs. Place the yolks and eggs aside for food use. Dry the eggshells, and pull out the membranes. Blend dried egg shells into powder in a blender or mortar. Add to a pint of apple cider vinegar, but use a quart to a 2 quart bottle, as the preparation creates a lot of fizzle. Put on bottle cap immediately. Use 1 tablespoon three times a day.

We also use this old fashioned folk medicine tincture combined with honey, as the apple cider vinegar and honey combination provides needed hydrochloric acid. If deficient, use more 2 tablespoons three times a day. Do not use if ulcers are present. Keep refrigerated.

1-handful moderately fine red saunders powder
1and 1/2-pints alcohol
2-cups water

Dissolve the oils in the alcohol. Add the water. Mix the powders. Moisten the mixture with a fluid ounce of the alcoholic solution of the oils. Pack it into a conical percolator such as the Chemex, and gradually pour over it the remainder of the alcoholic solution.

Ice Lemon Vodka Drink

1-fifth or quart bottle minus 1/4cup vodka
3-lemons
1 2 teaspoons sugar
1/4-teaspoon salt
5 -drops glycerine

Remove large pieces of washed rind from the lemons, and place the pieces into the bottle. Add the sugar, salt, and glycerine. Seal, and refrigerate. Before serving, place the bottle in the freezer for three hours.