Getting Started with Herbal Remedies Posted on 3 Aug 15:45 , 1 comment
There are many ways to use herbs for medicinal purposes and one of the is in a tincture. Other uses include consuming in food, salves, herbal vinegar and herbal oils, teas and even syrup. I thought I would start with Tinctures because it is quite simple and easy to use.
There are 2 important components to your herbal tincture: Herbal material and menstruum
Our DIY Organic Tincture Kits include everything but the liquid!
What is Menstruum?
Definition: a substance that dissolves a solid or holds it in suspension : solvent
Types of Menstruum is general vodka, when making a true herbal tincture. Vinegar can be used, it can be safer than alcohol, but is less effective at leaching out the medicinal components of the plant. When tincturing dried herbs, water is sometimes mixed with the vodka or alcohol. When tincturing fresh herbs, I always use high-proof alcohol.
An herbal tincture is simply an herbal extract. Herbal remedies have been used throughout history to treat illnesses and ailments without "modern medicine" and pharmacueticals. Tinctures are easy to make, home remedies. If properly prepared and stored, your tincture will last indefinitely.
How long will an Herbal Tincture last?
First, if you choose to use Vinegar, Apple Cider vinegar or Vegetable glycerin, your tincture will have a shelf life of approximately 6-8 months.
All tinctures should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place. A kitchen cabinet away from the oven or stove works perfect.
According to my research, properly made tinctures with high-proof alcohol do not go bad. Again, if prepared and stored properly.
A few of my favorites: Cayenne, Feverfew, Chamomile and Thai Holy Basil
The best way to use liquid herbal tinctures is to put the suggested amount in a glass of water, tea, or juice and drink the entire contents. You can just consume straight but some tinctures can be a little stout or spicy (like the cayenne).
Single herb tinctures use only 1 herb variety. Combination tinctures are a blend of specific herbs used for a specific purpose. I've made over 15 types of herbal tinctures and I continue to make new varieties every month. Each herb or herbal combination can be used for different ailments or health boosting properties.
We offer several different kits at Mary's Heirloom Seeds
All of our kits include:
1-32 ounce glass jar with lid, 1- 2 ounce Amber bottle with dropper top, 2 customized labels, 1 ounce of Organic Herb of your choice (additional herbs available) and Details Instructions
Stay tuned for herb-specific Tincture information including recipes!
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Comments
Yvonne Laroche on
Hi , I am very interested in herbal remedies
My greatgrand mother was native Indian, she would walk barefoot in the woods and come back with a cure for just about anything
I was to young to learn