Tinctures - alcohol based herbal medicine. Some people use Vodka if they can’t be 180 proof, some states don’t allow. I buy “Clear Springs” 180 proof, and for tinctures 1/2 water and 1/2 180 proof. Vodka is 90 proof (iirc) so it can be used as is.
Whatever kind of herb you are using, best is fresh, not tried. Rip or cut up the herbs and stuff into a quart mason jar, or other glass jar that has a tight fitting lid. Pack the herbs but not as tight as humanly possible, you want some room. Fill with the vodka or or the 180 proof/water mix. Store in a dark place, shake every few days. There isn’t really a set time of how long to let it sit. I forgot about a quart of catnip for a year, and it was just fine.
I have made a LOT of catnip tincture - it’s all over the garden as it re-seeds easily, and it is extremely useful. For helping sleep, calming the nerves, stomach ache/colic (I’ve seen catnip tea work magic with a colicky baby), and also helpful with flu type symptoms.
Also made lemon balm tincture as it’s growing all over, it is also calming, and if anyone gets shingles, apply to the lesions for quick healing. Lemon balm is calming, and excellent for cold sores or herpes sores. Helps digestion. If anyone grows lemon balm, it’s also good to dry for a nice tea.
Last year I finally made Usnea tincture as it’s growing on a lot of trees around here, I’ve posted about its uses up the thread a ways.
I am NO expert, and have not made many other tinctures other than Lomatium, which is excellent for lungs and flu, and tastes HORRIBLE. It doesn’t grow around here, is a tough root, so I bought it to make tincture. I still have more than I can ever use up.
Prunella, aka Self-heal or Heal-all is another useful herb to tincture. It spread all over the garden so I have a lot of it. It is useful for flu or other types sickness; I think I posted about its many uses up the thread. When I had a “bad” tooth I applied prunella tincture with a tiny brush (and other measures) and was able to get rid of the infection or whatever it was and didn’t have to go to a dentist.
With flowering plants, best time to harvest for tinctures is as soon as they start flowering.
Dug this up about Prunella:
Prunella Vulgaris - Self Heal; Heal All
Instructions: Use 6-12 drops in juice or water, under the tongue or as desired. Dose can be increased in cases of infective illness. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place.
Useful for viral illnesses including flu and flu-like illness, along with other herbs. Considered to be anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, useful for fevers or other infective illness, can be applied to the skin for cold sores or herpes, wounds such as scratches or bites.
In The Herb Book, naturopathic doctor John Lust identifies self-heal as having the following properties:
• antispasmodic (relieves spasms)
• astringent (reduces secretions)
• bitter tonic (increases appetite and promotes digestion)
• diuretic (increases the flow of urine)
• styptic (stops bleeding)
• vermifuge (expels intestinal parasites)
• vulnerary (heals injuries)
Also, a study published in Virology Journal, in summarizing findings about Prunella vulgaris, stated that the herb has proven anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It has been shown to have pharmacological effects in vitro and in some animal models as an antioxidant, immune stimulant, viral replication inhibitor and an anti-inflammatory agent.
Self-Heal is a remarkable herb for inward wounds or ulcers in the body, and for bruises or falls and hurts. It is thought to be a potent antiviral agent and in laboratory tests it has shown great promise for possible use in herpes, HIV and AIDS. As an astringent, it has been effective in controlling both internal and external bleeding. It has an anti-bacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas, Bacillus typhi, E. coli, Mycobacterium tuberculi and other bacteria.
Used internally to stop hemorrhage, internal bleeding ulcers and excessive menstruation, and its gentle astringency also helps to control chronic and sudden diarrhea. Externally, it may be applied to relieve hemorrhoids and decrease the bleeding of wounds and cuts.
Self Heal is also considered to be an antibiotic and antiseptic and is used externally in gargles to relieve sore throat and ulcerated mouth, and to stopping infection from spreading, also speeding up the healing of wounds, cuts, bruises, burns, ulcers and sores, and is believed to reduce scarring.
It is reported to reduce lymphatic congestion and has been used to relieve swollen glands, mumps and mastitis. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it was used as a liver and gallbladder stimulant and was used to treat conjunctivitis, hypertension and headaches, fevers and other disorders and useful in the treatment of cancer with other herbs.
I forgot this:
WHen the tincture is ready (average 2 weeks), strain carefully into a mason jar or other glass jar with tight fitting lid, pressing the material to get all the liquid. Store in a cool dark place, and use as needed.