Herbal Tinctures

Herbal remedies can be made from fresh herbs in six to eight weeks. Grow your own herbs or purchase them fresh from a reputable local grower. Although dried herbs and barks can be made into herbal tinctures, it is best to use fresh plant matter (leaves, stems, roots).

• It is best to pick your herbs early in the morning shortly after the morning dew has dried.
• Do not wash the plants, but remove any loose dirt or damaged parts from them.
• Coarsely chop the leaves, stems, and root material. If the plant was in bloom when you harvested it include whole blossoms in with the chopped parts. Place blossoms and chopped plant materials into a clean glass jar.
• Fill the jar with liquid preservative of your choice (brandy, vodka, vegetable glycerine, or apple cider vinegar).
• Seal jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• Label the jar with name of herb and date of preparation.
• Store prepared herb jars in a dark cabinet for six to eight weeks.
• Each week visit your preparations and give them a good shake.
• After the storage period strain out the herbs and pour the liquid into clean and dried tincture bottles.

Typical dosage is 15-20 drops from an herbal tincture. However, dosages of herbal remedies will vary depending on the potency of the herb being used, what the healing purpose it is being applied, and the recipient's tolerance to the herb.

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Reference: The Healing Sourcebook, Herbal Tinctures, David Vennells, O-Books