An herbal tincture is a liquid solution that has drawn out and preserved much, if not all, of the medicinal properties of an herb.
They can be used internally or externally. Tinctures contain a high alcohol content (usually vodka). To avoid the alcohol content in tinctures, it can be added to hot water for a tea, whereas the alcohol will evaporate. Tinctures are easy to make.
Basic recipe:
4 oz. of dried herbs or 8 oz. of fresh herbs
1 pint (2cups) of vodka
Crush the herbs either in a bowl or with a mortar and pestle. Place the herbs and the alcohol in a sterilized jar. Close tightly, and place in a warm, dark place. Shake the jar daily for 2 weeks.
Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and squeeze the herbs to extract as much tincture as possible.. Store in a dark jar in a dark place. It will keep for 7 to 10 years.
Tinctures are used by the drop.
I prefer to make each tincture with only one herb. If I need more than one herb , I prefer to mix the liquids together afterwards.
It is traditional magick to begin a tincture on the night of a full moon, and strain on the full moon, so that the waxing powers of the moon extract the maximum amount of healing agents from the herbs.
Tinctures
