Tinctures
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Herbal
tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the medicinal
properties of herbs. Tinctures represent one of many different
ways to prepare and use herbs. The terms tincture and extract are
often used interchangeably. Technically these terms are an
indication of strength used by manufactures.
ALCOHOL TINCTURES
In most cases you should
choose to make alcohol tinctures because of its superior
qualities. Alcohol will extract volatile oils and most alkaloids
from your herbs and will preserve your tinctures longer. Most
herb tinctures will maintain their potency for many years. A
selection of dried herbs in your medicine cabinet has a shelf
life of approximately one year. Alcohol also acts as a carrier
for your herbs causing them to be rapidly absorbed into the
bloodstream when you take them.
If you don't wish to
consume alcohol it is possible to put the required dosage into a
cup of boiled water. The heat will cause the alcohol to evaporate
leaving the therapeutic qualities of the herb in the water. For
recovering alcoholics, liver problems, children or sensitivity to
alcohol it is possible to make your tinctures using vegetable
glycerin or raw vinegar. Both glycerin and vinegar tinctures will
be less potent and have shorter shelf lives.
To make an alcohol
tincture you will need the herb, 100 proof alcohol and a labeled
glass jar. An alcohol tincture is most often 50% alcohol and 50%
water. 100 proof vodka naturally contains the appropriate ratios
of water to alcohol. You can use gin, brandy or rum if you
prefer. Do not use isopropyl rubbing alcohol which is very
toxic when ingested!
Choose fresh plants for
making your tinctures whenever possible. Fresh plants may contain
properties that are lost or altered when the plant is dried.
Dried herbs may be used when they are of good quality. Do not
harvest plants that have been exposed to pesticides, herbicides,
car emissions and other toxic substances.
Manually remove any dirt
from your plants. Chop the plants up into small pieces so that
the alcohol will be able to contact a lot of surface. Sometimes a
blender is useful for the chopping hard roots. Use 100 proof
vodka if you need liquid in the your blender to chop the herbs
effectively.
Place the chopped herbs
in a glass jar and cover with alcohol plus another inch of
alcohol above the level of the herbs. Shake the mixture well to
expose all the surfaces to the alcohol. Label the jar with the
contents and the date.
If you make your
tincture using dried herbs they may absorb a lot of alcohol in
the first couple days. If this happens simply add enough alcohol
to cover the herbs again. Shake your tincture everyday throughout
the next six weeks.
If necessary, you may
begin to use your tincture after two weeks but allow at least six
weeks extraction time before straining. I often leave my herbs in
the alcohol much longer than six weeks and strain it only when
I've taken out enough tincture to expose some of the herbs to
air. It is convenient if you have small amber dropper bottles to
put your finished tinctures in so you can easily carry them with
you and measure dosages.
The method that was used
to determine the amount of alcohol to use in our tinctures is
called the Simpler's Method.
GLYCERIN TINCTURES
Glycerin is very sweet
and will dissolve mucilage, vitamins and minerals. It will not
dissolve the resinous or oily properties of herbs very well.
Because glycerin is sweet it is an excellent choice for
children's remedies. Make glycerin tinctures in small amounts
because it will not last as long as an alcohol tincture, about 1
to 3 years. Be sure to use 100 % vegetable glycerin.
Follow the same basic
instructions for making the alcohol tincture substituting
glycerin for alcohol. To make a glycerin tincture you can cover
your herbs with 100 % glycerin alone or combine 3/4 part glycerin
with 1/4 part water. Water also dissolves some properties of
herbs into solution so I recommend using it in your glycerin
tinctures when you are tincturing dried herbs.
VINEGAR TINCTURES
Vinegar primarily
dissolves alkaloids. It does not draw all the medicinal
properties from your herbs. Use vinegar for people sensitive to
alcohol or for tonic herbs that you will be taking over long
periods of time. Vinegar tinctures have a short shelf life, 6
months to a year if stored in a cool dark place.
Make your vinegar
tincture in the same manner as you do using alcohol. Make sure
the herbs are completely submerged in the vinegar. If you are
using fresh herbs, spread them out in an airy place to wilt them
first. This reduces the water content and reduces the chances of
spoilage.
DOSAGES
Dosages for herbal
tinctures are best determined individually based upon the power
of the herb & the reason for its use. A couple of good
reference books is the most reliable way of choosing the correct
dose. The dosage is dependent upon the illness you are treating
and the power of the herbs you are using. For most purposes,
herbalist use gentle herbs that can be safely used in large
dosages. Commercial tinctures are labeled with the recommended
dosage, usually 10-30 drops three times per day. Sometimes ten to
thirty drops of tincture is sufficient for a therapeutic dose,
other times you may need a teaspoon every hour.
| Equivalents |
| 60
drops = 1 teaspoon |
| 4
ml. = 1 teaspoon |
| 1
ounce = 28.4 grams (solid) |
| 1
fluid ounce = 29.57 ml. |
| 1
teaspoon tincture = 2 "OO" capsules |
Dosages
for children are not provided in most herbals. To
determine the correct dose you need to consider the size of the
child, the ailment, the power of the herb you intend to use, and
the adult dosage.
Young's Rule for
determining dosage uses the child's age divided by twelve plus
the age. The dosage for a 4 year old:
4/12+4 = 4/16 = 1/4 of the adult dose.
Clark's Rule for
determining dosages divides the weight of the child by 150 to
give the approximate fraction of the adult dose. Dosage for a 40
lb. child: . 40 /150 = .26 or approx. 1/4 the adult dose.
HERBS TO TINCTURE
When using herbs to help
maintain the health of your family you won't need to have a large
number of herbs on hand for general use. Some of the most
commonly used herbs are listed here as a basic starting point.
These herbs are mild in action and non-toxic. Add less commonly
used herbal tinctures to your medicine chest when you know they
will be useful to you.
BURDOCK ROOT (Arctium
lappa) - Burdock aids liver function, purifies blood, and is
antiseptic. It is effective in treating systemic skin disorders
such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and dandruff. Burdock is also
useful for arthritic conditions, rheumatism, and many types of
infections. It is the primary ingredient in ESSIAC TEA, a Native
American cancer formula. Burdock root is commonly eaten as food
among the Chinese. The boiled roots, called gobo, have a mild
flavor similar to potatoes.
Dosage for tincture is
1/2 teaspoon 3-4 times a day.
DONG QUAI ROOT (Angelica
sinensis) - Dong quai is a tonic herb rich in minerals and iron
and is an excellent remedy for many gynecological problems. Many
women have found dong quai to be useful in treating P.M.S. and
symptoms of menopause. Dong quai is a uterine tonic and hormonal
regulator. It is a specific for menstrual cramps, irregularity,
dysmenorrhea, and delayed or absent menstrual cycles. Dong quai
can stimulate bleeding and is not recommended for use during the
menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.
Dong Quai also acts as a
blood purifier and antispasmodic, useful for treating heart
palpitations, insomnia and cramps.
Dosage of dong quai
tincture is 1/4 teaspoon twice a day.
DANDELION (Taraxacum
officinale) - Dandelion root stimulates and aids the liver in the
elimination of toxins from the blood. Use dandelion for liver
disorders, and gall bladder problem. The liver is responsible for
so many functions important to good health, such as filtering the
blood of toxins, regulating and normalizing hormone production,
and metabolism of fats, cholesterol and enzymes. Dandelions
action upon the liver makes it useful for treating a large number
of ailments. Dandelion is useful for P.M.S., menopause,
hypoglycemia, recent onset diabetes, high blood pressure and
digestive disturbances. You can use dandelion root on a regular
basis for cleansing and toning the liver.
Dandelion leaf is one of
our best diuretic herbs because it contains large amounts of
potassium which is lost when the kidneys are stimulated by
diuretics. Use for treating water retention due to heart problems
or P.M.S.
Dandelion leaves are
also a wonderful spring green. They can be eaten freshly steamed
or marinated. Dandelion greens are very rich in vitamin A,
potassium and minerals.
Dosage for dandelion
tincture is 1/2 teaspoon 3-4 times per day for the root or leaf.
There is no known toxicity so you can eat as much as you like of
the greens.
ECHINACEA - ( Echinacea
purpurea or E. angustifolia ) This herb is the most widely
consumed herb in the world today. It is used internally to
activate the immune system when fighting colds and flu, or almost
any type of infection. You can use echinacea tincture whenever
you feel your body is fighting an ailment. In Germany, studies
have shown that echinacea has also been found to be useful for
some arthritic diseases, certain cancers as well as many viral
and bacterial infections.
The root is the most
powerful part of the plant. Two species, Echinacea purpurea and
Echinacea angustifolia, are commonly used. Both species are
powerful, but it is best to choose E. purpurea because it is the
most abundant species. E. angustifolia is becoming rare in the
wild. Many people cultivate echinacea in their gardens, commonly
known as Purple Coneflower. To avoid further depletion of wild
echinacea plants, try to buy only cultivated plants or grow your
own.
Dosage for echinacea
tincture is 1/2 teaspoon every 2 hours for acute conditions and 3
times per day for chronic conditions.
HAWTHORNE (Crataegus
oxyacantha) - Hawthorne berries are a circulatory system tonic
useful for treating both high and low blood pressure,
palpitations and arteriosclerosis. Hawthorne is also effective in
relieving insomnia. For a synergistic cardiac tonic blend
combines equal parts of hawthorne berries and motherwort herb.
Motherwort has properties similar to hawthorne.
Dosage for hawthorne
tincture is 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon 3 times per day.
NETTLES (Urtica urens) -
Nettles are rich in minerals, vitamins, and chlorophyll. The new
shoots are eaten lightly steamed in the spring. They contain the
indole histamine which makes them useful for allergies and
asthma. Nettles are a tonic and general detoxifying remedy for
the whole body, primarily for the lungs, stomach and urinary
systems. Use nettles for allergies, asthma, eczema, urinary
complaints and arthritic and rheumatic problems. Nettle root is
used for benign prostate enlargement.
Nettles offer the most
benefit if they are tinctured using the fresh herb. With careful
attention and a firm grasp you can pick nettles without getting
stung, or wear long sleeves and gloves. Nettles lose their sting
when they are dried.
Dosage of nettle
tincture is 10 - 30 drops 3 times per day.
USNEA (Usnea barbata) -
Usnea is an herbal antibiotic useful for treating respiratory
infections, colds & flu, urinary tract infections, bacterial
infections and fungal infections. Usnea inhibits the growth of
staphylococcus, streptococcus and pneumonococcus. At the onset of
an illness I use a combination of echinacea and usnea. I have had
great results using this herb and would not be without it. The
active ingredient in usnea does not dissolve well in water so the
tinctured form is more effective than tea.
Dosage for usnea
tincture is 1/2 teaspoon 3 - 4 times per day.
VALERIAN ( Valeriana
officinalis ) - Valerian is sedative and antispasmodic useful for
insomnia, nervousness, pains and the symptoms of stress. It has a
strong odor and taste that is disagreeable to many but its
effectiveness makes it a worthwhile herb to have in your medicine
chest. Tincture valerian alone or combine with skullcap, hops,
and passion flower for a synergistic combination.
You can grow valerian in
your garden for your own supply of fresh root. The odor of the
fresh root is not as disagreeable as the dried root.
Dosage for valerian
tincture is 10 drops to 1 teaspoon three times a day, or as
needed.
GATHERING &
HARVESTING HERBS
With a little effort you
can find many useful herbs for tincturing growing near your home.
If you want to obtain your herbs this way you will need to pay
attention to these plants so that you can harvest them at the
appropriate time. The general rule is to harvest the above ground
portions of the plant when it is flowering and harvest roots when
the above ground portions begin to die back. You can find many
useful herbs growing near your home. Perhaps in your lawn, a
meadow, or in a wooded area. If the herb is growing in an area
that is free from chemical contamination then it is safe to
harvest some for your own use. Avoid harvesting from fields that
may have been sprayed with pesticides and from harvesting along
roadways where the plants absorb pollutants released from cars.
Please honor the ethical
wildcrafting guidelines. It is not difficult for us to severely
threaten a plant species due to over- harvesting. We see this
with many herbs that are valuable to us such as ginseng,
echinacea and goldenseal. If you choose to collect your own
herbs, remember to show appreciation for these healing gifts the
earth provides to us and collect in a way that helps the plants
to reproduce and flourish in their natural environments.
The information
contained here is a sharing of the authors experiences and those
of other herbalist. It is not intended to treat, diagnose or
prescribe. This information is not a substitute for professional
health care and guidance.
Recommended
Reading and references
AN ELDERS' HERBAL.
David Hoffmann. Vermont. Healing Arts Press.1993
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF
NATURAL MEDICINE. Michael Murry, N.D. & Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
California. Prima Publishing. 1991.
HERBAL HEALING FOR
WOMEN, Rosemary Gladstar. New York. Simon & Schuster.1993
THE HERBS OF LIFE.
Lesley Tierra. L. AC. California. Crossing Press. 1992.
THE MALE HERBAL:
HEALTH CARE FOR MEN & BOYS. James Green. California. Crossing
Press. 1991.
PRESCRIPTION FOR
NUTRITIONAL HEALING. James F. Balch M.D.& Phyllis A. Balch,
C.N.C. New York. Avery Publishing Group. 1990.
THE WAY OF HERBS,
Michael Tierra C.A.,N.D. New York, Simon & Schuster Inc.1990.
ECO-HERBALISM: ENVIRONMENTAL
CONCERNS FACING HERBALIST TODAY. Rosemary Gladstar. Written for
the North East Herb Association Newsletter
HERB BOOK. John Lust. New York.
Bantam Books. 1974.
HERBAL HEALING FOR WOMEN,
Rosemary Gladstar. New York. Simon & Schuster.1993
HERBAL MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS.
Rosemary Gladstar Slick. Vermont. Sage
INDIAN HERBOLOGY OF NORTH
AMERICA, Alma R. Hutchens. Boston. Shambhala. 1973.
THE WAY OF HERBS, Michael Tierra
C.A.,N.D. New York, Simon & Schuster Inc.1990.
POCKET HERBAL REFERENCE GUIDE.
Debra Nuzzi. California. The Crossing Press. 1992.
USNEA: THE HERBAL ANTIBIOTIC.
Christopher Hobbs. California. Botanica Press. 1990.
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