Making Tinctures

[Guest guest]

Appx how much tincture would I get if I used 1 lb of an herb? I can get

organic echinacea for about $28. per lb and then whatever the vodka or

everclear costs. Is that cost effective to make my own or not worth the

trouble?

Thanks,

Ann in Memphis

[Guest guest]

A pound of Echinacea will give you 3/4 of a gallon of tincture if you make it nice and strong (remember the 3/4 plant matter rule). If you do the math, you'll see that it is very cost effective to make your own ;o)

Love,

Doc

PS. Not all plant matter weighs the same. You'll get 3/4's of a gallon out of a pound of Echinacea root. You'll get 2 to 5 gallons out of a pound of Mullein ;o)

 

Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.505-772-5889Dr.IanShillington

 

-

Tohelpwilliam

herbal remedies

Monday, December 03, 2001 5:02 PM

[herbal remedies] Making Tinctures

 

Appx how much tincture would I get if I used 1 lb of an herb? I can get organic echinacea for about $28. per lb and then whatever the vodka or everclear costs. Is that cost effective to make my own or not worth the trouble?Thanks,Ann in Memphis

[Guest guest]

I can see I have more work to do on the files, but there should also be a section in there that tells you how to make a tincture. Let your fingers do the walking through the files there hon and call me if you need any specific advice. I'm always willing to help a 'newbie' get going ;o)

 

 

Hi Doc.. and Happy Holidays....

 

I've been searching and searching... and still have had no luck finding info on how to make tinctures. I don't know where else to look for it. Is it staring me in the face..and I just don't see it? Can you give me a clue?...

 

Thanks.. Beth

[Guest guest]

Thank you!

[Guest guest]

http://www.kcweb.com/herb/tincture.htm

At 04:08 PM 12/27/01 -0500, you wrote:

 

I

can see I have more work to do on the files, but there should also be a

section in there that tells you how to make a tincture. Let your

fingers do the walking through the files there hon and call me if you

need any specific advice. I'm always willing to help a 'newbie' get

going ;o)

Hi Doc.. and

Happy Holidays....

I've been searching and searching... and still have had no luck finding

info on how to make tinctures. I don't know where else to look for it. Is

it staring me in the face..and I just don't see it? Can you give me a

clue?...

Thanks.. Beth

 

 

 

Sponsor

 

 

 

Federal Law requires that we warn you of the following:

 

1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire.

2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural

remedy.

3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and

to

prescribe for your own health.

We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long

as

they behave themselves.

Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any

person

following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk.

 

It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or

products from list members, you are agreeing to

be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and

members free of any liability.

Dr. Ian Shillington

Doctor of Naturopathy

Dr.IanShillington

 

[Guest guest]

Great.. thank you.

 

 

http://www.wildroots.com/herbal.htm

[Guest guest]

http://www.wildroots.com/herbal.htm

 

Tinctures

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

At 05:36 PM 12/27/01 -0500, you wrote:

>Thank you!

>Y

[Guest guest]

Go back to the files, I think under Doc's it is listed as MOON.

LJaguar2212 wrote:

I can see I have more work to do on the files, but there should also be a section in there that tells you how to make a tincture. Let your fingers do the walking through the files there hon and call me if you need any specific advice. I'm always willing to help a 'newbie' get going ;o)Hi Doc.. and Happy Holidays....:)I've been searching and searching... and still have had no luck finding info on how to make tinctures. I don't know where else to look for it. Is it staring me in the face..and I just don't see it? Can you give me a clue?...Thanks.. BethFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington

[Guest guest]

Dear Beth,

Was I surprised to not find it there.

I just posted it to the group and placed it in the files under "How to Make".

Go for it Kiddo ;o)

Love,

Doc

 

Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.505-772-5889Dr.IanShillington

Hi Doc.. and Happy Holidays....:)I've been searching and searching... and still have had no luck finding info on how to make tinctures. I don't know where else to look for it. Is it staring me in the face..and I just don't see it? Can you give me a clue?...Thanks.. Beth

[Guest guest]

Thanks Doc.... For a while there I thought my scenario was becoming one of the person who spends hours looking for their glasses only to find them on the top of his head! LOL

 

Now to get to my homework

 

Beth

 

Dear Beth,

Was I surprised to not find it there.

I just posted it to the group and placed it in the files under "How to Make".

Go for it Kiddo ;o)

Love,

Doc

[Guest guest]

They don't!!!

And I'd venture to say that most of 'em ain't!!!

Doc

 

Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.727-738-0554Doc

 

-

Suzanne

herbal remedies

Monday, April 19, 2004 8:52 PM

Re: Herbal Remedies - Making Tinctures

 

Doc,

I KNOW YOU USE ORGANIC... but how do you know that what you buy already made up is organic acv.... unless it says on the label... most tinctures I've seen in the HFS don't say. That was my point.... Sorry.

SuziDoc Shillington <DocShillington wrote:

 

I never use anything but "Organic" ACV. Ever!!! The Alcohol I use is 200 Proof USP Pharmaceutical Grade (it doesn't come any purer), which I cut with Distilled water to bring it down to 100 Proof. I prefer using 100 Proof as a general, all around, extracting medium because it works well with both the roots and the softer parts of the plants. A lot depends on what you are trying to extract. On the whole, flowers and leaves could be used with 80 Proof and most likely you'd pull the maximum amount of biochemicals out. With roots or barks, I would never use anything less than 100 Proof as these are tougher. I have used 120 Proof on Ginseng and it turned out awesomely well. Using more than 120 to 140 Proof is kinda redundant and the advantages are miniscule which is why I just load up the jars with plant matter and use 100 Proof as the catch all.

 

One of the key factors is to blend the dickens out of your mixture. I have been known to blend a mixture for up to 5 minutes in a Vita Mix to puree the dickens out of it. This is extremely beneficial when working with Roots and Barks as these are tougher and need to be mashed very well. This way, you can get the most out with an average to high amount of "Proof".

 

Pressing is also very important. I don't expect everyone to go out and buy a 12 Ton Press like I have, but you can get a 2 or 5 or 8 or 12 tonner from your Auto Parts store and rig up your own if you really want to get the most out. It's amazing how many other extra goodies you get when you press it well. I'd always recommend that one and all save up their dimes and nickles and some day get a Norwalk Juicer when you can afford it. They are $2400, but that press makes it worth it, and ohhhhhhhhh does it speed things up, and raise the quality of your final product.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Love,

 

Doc

[Guest guest]

ROFL... Well now that we got to the original point of the conversation....lol

SUziDoc Shillington <DocShillington wrote:

 

They don't!!!

And I'd venture to say that most of 'em ain't!!!

Doc

 

Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.727-738-0554Doc

 

-

Suzanne

herbal remedies

Monday, April 19, 2004 8:52 PM

Re: Herbal Remedies - Making Tinctures

 

Doc,

I KNOW YOU USE ORGANIC... but how do you know that what you buy already made up is organic acv.... unless it says on the label... most tinctures I've seen in the HFS don't say. That was my point.... Sorry.

SuziDoc Shillington <DocShillington wrote:

 

I never use anything but "Organic" ACV. Ever!!! The Alcohol I use is 200 Proof USP Pharmaceutical Grade (it doesn't come any purer), which I cut with Distilled water to bring it down to 100 Proof. I prefer using 100 Proof as a general, all around, extracting medium because it works well with both the roots and the softer parts of the plants. A lot depends on what you are trying to extract. On the whole, flowers and leaves could be used with 80 Proof and most likely you'd pull the maximum amount of biochemicals out. With roots or barks, I would never use anything less than 100 Proof as these are tougher. I have used 120 Proof on Ginseng and it turned out awesomely well. Using more than 120 to 140 Proof is kinda redundant and the advantages are miniscule which is why I just load up the jars with plant matter and use 100 Proof as the catch all.

 

One of the key factors is to blend the dickens out of your mixture. I have been known to blend a mixture for up to 5 minutes in a Vita Mix to puree the dickens out of it. This is extremely beneficial when working with Roots and Barks as these are tougher and need to be mashed very well. This way, you can get the most out with an average to high amount of "Proof".

 

Pressing is also very important. I don't expect everyone to go out and buy a 12 Ton Press like I have, but you can get a 2 or 5 or 8 or 12 tonner from your Auto Parts store and rig up your own if you really want to get the most out. It's amazing how many other extra goodies you get when you press it well. I'd always recommend that one and all save up their dimes and nickles and some day get a Norwalk Juicer when you can afford it. They are $2400, but that press makes it worth it, and ohhhhhhhhh does it speed things up, and raise the quality of your final product.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Love,

 

DocFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of

NaturopathyDr.IanShillington

 

Photos: High-quality 4x6 digital prints for 25¢

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/20/2004 10:19:35 AM US Mountain Standard Time, h10feet writes:

OK now I have a question...I have been confused by this and did not find the definitive answer in the files....When do you use the ACV and when do you use or add the 100 proof?For example, now that my TT is pressed are we supposed to add 100proof, or is it good as is (in the fridge of course)Can i make any tincture with ACV as opposed to using 100proof if i dont want to consume ANY alcohol? and....Is Everclear Organic LOL?Sylvia

Hi Sylvia!

 

The TT requires no alcohol only the ACV.

 

Some herbs, like lobelia do very well with ACV and less alcohol. It really depends on the herb.

 

You could make all tinctures with ACV or even other things...won't go there and confuse ya!

 

The problem is the ACV does not always get what you want out of the herbs. Alcohol is a better choice to get the most medicianl value from your herbs and roots...

 

If you have someone who can't have alcohol just dissipate the tincture in a cup of hot tea and this will remove most of the alcohol before consumption.

 

Does this help?

 

God Bless,

Jamie in Az

[Guest guest]

OK now I have a question...

 

I have been confused by this and did not find the definitive answer

in the files....

 

When do you use the ACV and when do you use or add the 100 proof?

 

For example, now that my TT is pressed are we supposed to add

100proof, or is it good as is (in the fridge of course)

 

Can i make any tincture with ACV as opposed to using 100proof if i

dont want to consume ANY alcohol? and....

 

Is Everclear Organic LOL?

 

Sylvia

 

herbal remedies , " Doc Shillington "

<DocShillington@V...> wrote:

> They don't!!!

> And I'd venture to say that most of 'em ain't!!!

> Doc

>

> Ian " Doc " Shillington N.D.

> 727-738-0554

> Doc@A...

> -

> Suzanne

> herbal remedies

> Monday, April 19, 2004 8:52 PM

> Re: Herbal Remedies - Making Tinctures

>

>

> Doc,

> I KNOW YOU USE ORGANIC... but how do you know that what you buy

already made up is organic acv.... unless it says on the label...

most tinctures I've seen in the HFS don't say. That was my

point.... Sorry.

> Suzi

>

> Doc Shillington <DocShillington@V...> wrote:

> I never use anything but " Organic " ACV. Ever!!! The Alcohol I

use is 200 Proof USP Pharmaceutical Grade (it doesn't come any

purer), which I cut with Distilled water to bring it down to 100

Proof. I prefer using 100 Proof as a general, all around, extracting

medium because it works well with both the roots and the softer parts

of the plants. A lot depends on what you are trying to extract. On

the whole, flowers and leaves could be used with 80 Proof and most

likely you'd pull the maximum amount of biochemicals out. With roots

or barks, I would never use anything less than 100 Proof as these are

tougher. I have used 120 Proof on Ginseng and it turned out

awesomely well. Using more than 120 to 140 Proof is kinda redundant

and the advantages are miniscule which is why I just load up the jars

with plant matter and use 100 Proof as the catch all.

>

> One of the key factors is to blend the dickens out of your

mixture. I have been known to blend a mixture for up to 5 minutes in

a Vita Mix to puree the dickens out of it. This is extremely

beneficial when working with Roots and Barks as these are tougher and

need to be mashed very well. This way, you can get the most out with

an average to high amount of " Proof " .

>

> Pressing is also very important. I don't expect everyone to go

out and buy a 12 Ton Press like I have, but you can get a 2 or 5 or 8

or 12 tonner from your Auto Parts store and rig up your own if you

really want to get the most out. It's amazing how many other extra

goodies you get when you press it well. I'd always recommend that

one and all save up their dimes and nickles and some day get a

Norwalk Juicer when you can afford it. They are $2400, but that

press makes it worth it, and ohhhhhhhhh does it speed things up, and

raise the quality of your final product.

>

> Hope this helps.

>

> Love,

>

> Doc

[Guest guest]

Sylvia,

 

ACV is not a good choice on roots and hard or tough parts of a plant... If you are using those parts and don't want alcohol... you could try mincing or chopping of the parts of the plant to help the acv..

 

Alcohol tinctures are considered the most potent and quick acting. If you want to use the best solvent, but don't want to ingest alcohol, you can place your dosage into boiling water or tea, remove from the stove and let it sit for 5 minutes or so. The alcohol will evaporate rapidly and you will be left with only the herbal constituents that you had extracted.

Vinegar is actually preferable, in some instances to alcohol. It is not quite as good a solvent as alcohol, but has the advantage of being helpful to the digestive tract and tasting good. Vinegar will also help to regulate the acid/alkaline in the body. Vinegar is considered an excellent alternative to alcohol for tinctures especially if you are making tinctures for tonic purposes and plan to use then over a long course of time to strengthen and build your system. Vinegar is especially good at extracting vitamins and minerals. It is important to use organic apple cider vinegar. One draw back to vinegar tinctures is that their shelf live is not nearly so long. It is also important to use thoroughly dried herbs. Any moisture can cause the tincture to prematurely begin fermentation.

other answers below

SuziSylvia <h10feet wrote:

OK now I have a question...I have been confused by this and did not find the definitive answer in the files....When do you use the ACV and when do you use or add the 100 proof? See aboveFor example, now that my TT is pressed are we supposed to add 100proof,(NO) or is it good as is (in the fridge of course) i've used it either way cold and uncold.Can i make any tincture with ACV as opposed to using 100proof if i dont want to consume ANY alcohol? and.... See aboveIs Everclear Organic LOL? Is any alcohol......lolSylvia

 

Photos: High-quality 4x6 digital prints for 25¢

[Guest guest]

Cool.

 

Thanks to all who answered questions on this topic as well.

 

Interesting regarding the tonic vs tincture; i'll have to read up on

that a bit.

 

Thanks again

 

Sylvia

 

herbal remedies , Suzanne <suziesgoats>

wrote:

> Sylvia,

>

>

> ACV is not a good choice on roots and hard or tough parts of a

plant... If you are using those parts and don't want alcohol... you

could try mincing or chopping of the parts of the plant to help the

acv..

>

>

>

> Alcohol tinctures are considered the most potent and quick acting.

If you want to use the best solvent, but don't want to ingest

alcohol, you can place your dosage into boiling water or tea, remove

from the stove and let it sit for 5 minutes or so. The alcohol will

evaporate rapidly and you will be left with only the herbal

constituents that you had extracted.

>

> Vinegar is actually preferable, in some instances to alcohol. It

is not quite as good a solvent as alcohol, but has the advantage of

being helpful to the digestive tract and tasting good. Vinegar will

also help to regulate the acid/alkaline in the body. Vinegar is

considered an excellent alternative to alcohol for tinctures

especially if you are making tinctures for tonic purposes and plan to

use then over a long course of time to strengthen and build your

system. Vinegar is especially good at extracting vitamins and

minerals. It is important to use organic apple cider vinegar. One

draw back to vinegar tinctures is that their shelf live is not nearly

so long. It is also important to use thoroughly dried herbs. Any

moisture can cause the tincture to prematurely begin fermentation.

>

> other answers below

>

> Suzi

>

> Sylvia <h10feet> wrote:

> OK now I have a question...

>

> I have been confused by this and did not find the definitive answer

> in the files....

>

> When do you use the ACV and when do you use or add the 100 proof?

See above

>

> For example, now that my TT is pressed are we supposed to add

> 100proof,(NO) or is it good as is (in the fridge of course) i've

used it either way cold and uncold.

>

> Can i make any tincture with ACV as opposed to using 100proof if i

> dont want to consume ANY alcohol? and.... See above

>

> Is Everclear Organic LOL? Is any alcohol......lol

>

> Sylvia

>

>

>

>

>

> Photos: High-quality 4x6 digital prints for 25¢