When Making a Tincture, What Do I Use?

 Method One

Anyone can make a tincture, it's easy. The hard part is finding a plant that fixes your problem, then figuring out how much you should take after you make the tincture.

So you're probably wondering exactly what is a tincture? Tinctures are medicines made by soaking a plant for several weeks in either alcohol or glycerin. This process extracts the plants medicine properties into a more concentrated form; it also makes taking your herbs much quicker in the long run.

In order to make a tincture you're going to need a few items.

Any size mason jar

.

Your plant of choice, or mix of choice

( be aware of each plant's properties before combining plant material together. You will also need to know how much of each plant you want to use, and write these down.)

100% Grain alcohol

The highest proof you can buy to make your tinctures with, is 190.

(Please keep in mind using lower proofs, lowers the potency of the tincture)

In order to use this method, you will need to know two things. Math and how much you want to make. Most roots, bark, and seeds usually take a 1:1 ratio of plant to alcohol, flowers and leaf are a 1:3 or 1:5, depending on how strong you want your tincture.  So if you're making a tincture from a root; for sleep, you would use 1 part plant material to 1 part alcohol. If a leaf or flower is what your using 1 part plant material to 3-5 parts alcohol.

Now you're probably wonder what's a part?

A part is a desired amount of herb that you add alcohol to. That's it, you decide how much tincture you want to yield and adjust your herbs accordingly.

Measure out your plant and alcohol ratios, then add your herbs to the jar. After, pour the alcohol over the herb. If your plant matter is above the alcohol, due to absorption, then add more alcohol. An easy way to judge your ratio, is if your alcohol level is about a 1/2 inch to 1 inch above your herb material, you know you have enough alcohol to complete the process.

How long do you store it?

Well I've heard and read different things, some people say 1 to 4 weeks some say longer, I let the plant judge. I usually only soak between 4 and 6 weeks. Once you have combined the herb and alcohol, cap the container and give it a good shake. (remember that plants, especially root, seeds, and bark take time to extract) Label and place your jar in cool dry place for the duration of the extraction process. Remember to check on it every day and give it a little shake. 

A word to the wise about making your own tinctures, and using websites for information. I have learned over the years of research that some people like to think they can make tinctures, and give you wrong information. Make sure you take care to assure yourself good directions. Here's a few red flags I have found over the years.

1.       If the person tells you that your tincture should not turn colors, run because they do not know basic plant anatomy. Each green plant contains chlorophyll, it makes the leaf the color green. If you're extracting from green plants, you will also extract the chlorophyll. This will turn your tincture different shades of green. The same goes for roots, flowers, and bark. If you are working with bark or roots you can expect the color to resemble shades of dirt, for flowers expect some different colors, but never think your tincture should be clear.

2.       If someone tells you that you can let the jar sit for "only hours," and extract plants medicine. Is wasting your plants. You will extract a very small amount, but it won't work like it should. A real extraction takes time for the alcohol to pull from the plant.

3.       If anyone tells you to make your internal tinctures with rubbing alcohol!!! You can use rubbing alcohol, but only if you are making for tinctures for external use only. NEVER, NEVER ingest rubbing alcohol!

Look for the second method to making tinctures coming up soon, and I'll be adding a dosing guide page for help on finding your dose.

Blessed Be