How to Make Liquid Herbal Medicine
Tinctures are herbs in a concentrated liquid form. These extracts are very potent and can be taken with a dropper or by adding them to warm water or juice. There are a variety of choices such as alcohol, apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin. Although the latter two are not as strong as alcohol, they are a good choice for
children
or people who are sensitive to alcohol. Read on to learn how to make liquid herbal medicine.
Things You'll Need:
High quality dried herbs
The solvent for the base or menstruum (alcohol, vinegar or glycerin)
Mason jars that seal tightly
1
Choose a high quality fresh or dried herb from a reputable source. Tincturing preserves the plant and it's healing potential. Put the herbs in a clean, dry mason jar.
2
Pour the menstruum over the herbs until it is approximately 2 to 3 inches over the herbs. The herbs must be completely covered by the liquid. Cover the jar with a tight fitting lid. If you are using glycerin, dilute it with an equal amount of water before pouring it over the herbs. If you are using vinegar, warm it before pouring it over the herbs.
3
Store the tincture in a warm spot in a place that will undisturbed for a minimum of four to six weeks. The longer it can sit, the more potent the tincture.
4
Shake the tincture periodically during the gestation period. This will allow for a more complete mixing process to occur. Some people like to stir them in the full moon to increase the potency of the medicine.
5
Strain the herbs from the menstruum using a large stainless steel strainer lined with cheesecloth or muslin. The strained liquid is now a potent tincture. Bottle the tincture into dropper bottles and label. Store your tincture in a cool, dark place out of children's reach. Tinctures last around 10 years.
Tips & Warnings
Some of the alcohol in the tincture can be removed by placing the tincture in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes. Some alcohol will remain (about 50 percent).
Herbal blends can be made using the same method.
Tincture are very concentrated and should be administered carefully and used sparingly.
Always use the smallest dosage possible first; "start low, go slow."
Determine if the herbs used have any potential for toxicity and use respectfully.
Match the herbs to the appropriate condition for the specific organ system.
Take the person's general health into consideration and do not overuse the herbs.
Consider whether you are addressing a chronic or acute condition, and recognize that sometimes chronic conditions present with acute symptoms.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2165437_liquid-herbal-medicine.html
Tinctures are herbs in a concentrated liquid form. These extracts are very potent and can be taken with a dropper or by adding them to warm water or juice. There are a variety of choices such as alcohol, apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin. Although the latter two are not as strong as alcohol, they are a good choice for
children
or people who are sensitive to alcohol. Read on to learn how to make liquid herbal medicine.
Things You'll Need:
High quality dried herbs
The solvent for the base or menstruum (alcohol, vinegar or glycerin)
Mason jars that seal tightly
1
Choose a high quality fresh or dried herb from a reputable source. Tincturing preserves the plant and it's healing potential. Put the herbs in a clean, dry mason jar.
2
Pour the menstruum over the herbs until it is approximately 2 to 3 inches over the herbs. The herbs must be completely covered by the liquid. Cover the jar with a tight fitting lid. If you are using glycerin, dilute it with an equal amount of water before pouring it over the herbs. If you are using vinegar, warm it before pouring it over the herbs.
3
Store the tincture in a warm spot in a place that will undisturbed for a minimum of four to six weeks. The longer it can sit, the more potent the tincture.
4
Shake the tincture periodically during the gestation period. This will allow for a more complete mixing process to occur. Some people like to stir them in the full moon to increase the potency of the medicine.
5
Strain the herbs from the menstruum using a large stainless steel strainer lined with cheesecloth or muslin. The strained liquid is now a potent tincture. Bottle the tincture into dropper bottles and label. Store your tincture in a cool, dark place out of children's reach. Tinctures last around 10 years.
Tips & Warnings
Some of the alcohol in the tincture can be removed by placing the tincture in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes. Some alcohol will remain (about 50 percent).
Herbal blends can be made using the same method.
Tincture are very concentrated and should be administered carefully and used sparingly.
Always use the smallest dosage possible first; "start low, go slow."
Determine if the herbs used have any potential for toxicity and use respectfully.
Match the herbs to the appropriate condition for the specific organ system.
Take the person's general health into consideration and do not overuse the herbs.
Consider whether you are addressing a chronic or acute condition, and recognize that sometimes chronic conditions present with acute symptoms.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2165437_liquid-herbal-medicine.html
