HERBAL MEDICINE: Tinctures

Perhaps the most prevalent method of making herbal extracts for ingestion are simple, yet highly effective, tinctures.

Thyme/White Vinegar Tincture

Tinctures can be made using either vinegar or alcohol. Alcohol is generally accepted as the better, more potent choice for medicinal purposes. However, the vinegars are very versatile and can be used for culinary purposes as well. If you plan on primarily using your tinctures to treat small children medicinally, use vinegar.

MATERIALS:

Clean Glass Jar

Plant Material

Solvent*

Cheesecloth

Small Glass Bottle

*Choose One: Vodka, Brandy, White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar

PROCEDURE: 

Stuff plant material into a clean glass jar. Pour chosen solvent into jar, enough to cover your plant material by an inch or two. Place the jar in a sunny window for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Strain the plant material out of the solvent with cheesecloth and store your tincture in a small (preferably dark colored) glass bottle in a dark, dry, cool place.