How To Make Tinctures
Tinctures are plant extracts that are used as medicine. We use them in our everyday life on a regular base allowing us to avoid harsh chemical medications for the majority of our health needs. The side effects of plants are generally much less than modern medicins and using natural antibiotics for as much as possible allows us to not contribute to the growing epidemic of antibiotic-resistant bacteria so when they are truly needed these medications will be able to do their job. Learning how to make tinctures is a great way to make blends that fit all of your needs from energy to immune boosting and even fighting off seasonal allergies.
Uses for tinctures
Tinctures are used for delivering the properties of medicinal plants to your body as quickly as possible. For me, this means having a stock of tinctures that can do basic things that help us every day. From Shepherds purse to help slow and stop bleeding (really handy if you have kids or suffer from tough periods) to enchanica for its immune boosting antibiotic qualities that help us fight off illness.
Plants that make great tinctures
nearly any medicinal herb makes a grear tincture. The key to picking the plants youw il use is to avide any that have been exposed to chemical treatments. Herbacised and pesticides on and within your medicinal plants will get into your body so be mindful of this when picking your herbs. If using fresh be sure that the plants have not been treated with chemicals. If buying herbs to save money making your own tinctures opt for organically grown herbs.
How to make tinctures
The hardest part about making tinctures is deciding what herbs you want to add and the long wait while they herbs seep in the alcohol or glycerin. While many people can not use alcohol it is the most potent and frugal option for extracting the medicinal qualities of the plants. If alcohol is not an option for you look for food grade glycerin often found in the baking section.
Fill a glass jar with the herbs of your choice. Add your alcohol or glycerin until the herbs are covered. Apply an airtight lid to seal the herbs inside. Place in a cool dark space for 6 to 8 weeks allowing the herbs to seep and the liquid to pull out the valuable components of the plants.
Strain and place into glass bottles with droppers for easy dispensing.
Tips for using tinctures.
Know the plants you are using. Plants while natural, come with both risks and benefits. Study the plants you choose to work with. Be mindful that tinctures are much more powerful than teas for administering herbs. This means you will be getting a much higher concentrated dose.
