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the plants themselves
cups worth) into three glasses and drink at intervals throughout the day.
tinctures
31
These are mixtures in which the medicinal components of herbs have
been extracted, ideally into organic grain alcohol or vinegar. To make a
standard quantity of alcohol or vinegar tincture at home, use 8 ounces of
dried roots, berries, leaves, or flowers, or 16 ounces of fresh material, with
enough vodka to cover— a minimum of 32 fluid ounces (1 quart).
1
. Place the chosen material in a blender or food processor and cover
with vodka; standard 45-proof is effective, but 70- to 80-proof is even
better. Blend the ingredients. If using berries, the mixture will be
particularly stiff and hard, making it difficult for the blades to turn
and requiring more vodka to get them to break down. Once the mix-
ture is well blended, pour the tincture into a dark, airtight con-
tainer — a dark glass jar with a rubber seal is ideal.
2
. Shake well, label the jar carefully, then store it in a cool place out of
direct sunlight.
3
. After two days, measure the contents and add water. For dried berries,
leaves, and flowers, add 20 percent of the volume if using 45-proof
vodka, and 50 to 60 percent of the volume if using 70- to 80-proof
vodka. Leave for two to four weeks, shaking at least twice a day.
4. Strain the mixture through a jelly bag, preferably overnight, until you
have strained the last drop. For the best result, use a wine press.
5. Pour the resultant liquid into dark jars, label, and store in a cool, dark
place. For personal use, decant into a 2-ounce tincture bottle.
Some herbalists like to plan the making of tinctures around the moon
phases, using the gravitational waxing and waning of the moon to add
power and energy as the old herb alchemists did. To do this, start the
process when the moon is new, then strain and bottle at the full moon.
To keep tinctures over a long period of time, seal the stopper with wax
and store in a dark place. If you wish to avoid the alcohol when
administering a tincture internally, you may evaporate 98 to 99 percent of
the alcohol from the solution by putting it into a little boiling water.
Otherwise, simply add your tincture to a little cold or warm water or to
fruit juice.
The average recommended dosage for tinctures made from berries,
leaves, flowers, barks, root barks, rhizomes, and seeds varies from herb to
herb, so consult a herbal practitioner for guidance.
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