Alcohol Based Tincture – Step by Step Guide

  1. Open all herb packages and mix herbs into a larger jar, preferably 750ml or larger.
  2. Add Solvent, if you’re using alcohol as your solvent, select one that is 80- to 100-proof alcohol, such as vodka, gin, or brandy, making sure pour enough alcohol over the herbs to cover them by 2 to 3 inches. (NEVER use rubbing, isopropyl or wood alcohol).
  3. Cover the jar tightly so that the liquid cannot spill or evaporate. Place the jar in a warm place and let the herbs and solvent macerate (soak) for 2 to 6 weeks.
  4. You may need to add more alcohol over the next day or two as the dried herbs absorb and expand.
  5. The longer the maceration time, the better, stronger tincture you will get. Gently shake the mixtures once or twice a week during this period.
  6. When it’s ready, strain the tincture through a fine sieve into another jar or dark glass. Squeeze the saturated herbs, extracting the remaining liquid until no more drips appear.
  7. Store tincture in a cool place. Alcohol Tinctures can last up to 2-3 years when stored in a tightly closed container.
  8. Alcohol preserves the potency of herbs in a convenient form and is seen as a beneficial ingredient in its own right.

  

Non-alcoholic tincture – Step by Step Guide

  1. Open all herb packages and mix herbs into a larger jar, preferably 750ml or larger.
  2. If you’re using vegetable glycerin, dilute it first with an equal amount of water (1 part water to 1 part vegetable glycerin). If you’re using vinegar, warm it before pouring it over the herbs to help facilitate the release of the herb’s constituents.
  3. Life span of apple cider vinegar is reported to be about 1 year while alcohol is indefinite. Some people use apple cider vinegar because of its own health benefits and because the children take the tinctures as well.
  4. Cover the jar tightly so that the liquid cannot spill or evaporate. Place the jar in a warm place and let the herbs and solvent macerate (soak) for 2 to 6 weeks.
  5. You may need to add more solvent over the next day or two as the dried herbs absorb and expand.
  6. Leave the mixture for three to four weeks. Gently shake the mixtures once or twice a week during this period.
  7. When it’s ready, strain the tincture through a fine sieve into another jar or dark glass. Squeeze the saturated herbs, extracting the remaining liquid until no more drips appear.
  8. Vinegar tinctures should be refrigerated after straining and best use within 6 months.

  

DOSAGE:

Standard dosage is 1-2 teaspoon, 2-3 times daily, diluted in tea, juice or water.

  

SECOND EXTRACTION:

Our tincture kit contains very expensive herbs, so do not trash the herbs. You can use it for the second time, leave the alcohol for one month during the second extraction, and discard the herbs before drinking.

  

Disclaimer – These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information on herbalshop.com is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have.