Now that we've switched completely to natural medicine I thought it fitting that I learn to make tinctures. Because running out to the store to buy tinctures and syrups for $15 (or more) a piece just wasn't working out for us. I was a little nervous about tincture making at first, but now that I've given it a go I've learned that it's easy peasy! I personally prefer glycerin tinctures but you can use alcohol or even vinegar. I'm going to share with you the sealed simmer glycerite method. Hopefully after seeing how easy it is you'll be making tinctures yourself.
First we need the herbs that you will be using, a jar to put the herbs in, and a 40/60 mixture of water and vegetable glycerin. (this mix is your menstruum)
The general rule of thumb is to use about one ounce of dry herbs per pint of liquid, and to fill the jar if using fresh herbs. I made mine with less than a pint of liquid so I adjusted accordingly.
I made two tinctures at once. My "Be Well" blend and a Nettle tincture. After putting the herbs into the jar I added the water/glycerin mixture. I put the tops on and then shook them up. The shaking isn't really necessary I just wanted to make sure that everything was mixed up well. :o)
Next you put the jars in to a pot and fill it with water. You want the sides of the jar totally covered with water. Then you put them on the stove and allow it to boil for 20-40 minutes, or you can simmer them for 2-3 hours.
Once the mixture is finished you will need tincture jars, a container to hold the liquid and a cotton cloth or a cheese cloth.
Strain off the liquid, squeezing any excess out of the herbs. Then pour the liquid into a tincture bottle, put a lid on it, and store in the fridge. That's it! It's so simple and easy to make a glycerin tincture. It doesn't take much and you can do it, from start to finish, in an hour or so!
So what do you think are you going to give it a try?
And Elohim said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. -Genesis 1:29
I am so glad you posted this. I have been waiting to make one with glycerin instead of alcohol. I was needing to look up the process of how to put it in the glycerin but now I don't have to! Thanks! I have my echinacea sitting in a jar for weeks waiting for me!
ReplyDeleteWhat is your Be Well mix? Do you have anything you are using for fevers?
I'm glad this could be a help to you Abbey! Thankfully we haven't had a fever in awhile. But if we did I would use my Be Well (which has elderberry, yarrow, and peppermint)and try to encourage a bowel movement. Usually a fever is accompanied by a blocked up bottom. Once they go the fever should subside. It's not a 100% guarantee, but the two usually do go together.
ReplyDeleteThanks!We have some of all those things but not together. I might have to make that one to have on hand.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't had to deal with them lately either, Praise YAH! I had never heard about the bowel connection. Makes sense! Thanks again!
I have the glycerine... just haven't got aroud to making any tinctures. Thanks for the ratio and how to!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us at Eco-Kids Tuesday!! Hope you come link up again today!