Tinctures are produced by extracting medicinal constituents of herbs in alcohol. They are more potent and longer lasting when compared with preparations that are water based such as decoctions and infusions.
Tincture Preparation
You will need the following ingredients:
- 30g dried herbs
- 400 ml of brandy
- 170 ml water
Method
- Bruise the herb and mix the water and spirit together
- Place the herbs in a large jar and add the water and spirit
- Leave to stand in a cool dry place for only 2 weeks. Make sure that you shake the jar daily.
- After the 2 weeks, strain through a muslin cloth and pour the liquid in a sterilized glass bottle.
- Make sure that you label the bottles with the name of the tincture, the dosage and use and also the date.
The standard dose is 1 to 3 tablespoons daily. For gargles and washes however, it is important to dilute 1 tablespoon in 1 cup of water.
Tinctures are able to preserve themselves indefinitely.
