Tincture making.

Date: Fri, 25 Aug 1995 01:51:06 -0400
Sender: HERB.TREARNPC.EGE.EDU.TR
From: Chuck Coker, Indigenous Languages Project <IndLangPrj.AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Tincture (How?)

> Is there anyone on this list that would know how to make a tincture?

A simple method is to take 1 part (by weight) of the fresh herb (not dried), chop it up real good, and add 2 parts (by volume) of 95% grain alcohol (like Everclear) in a Mason jar or some other good tight jar. Make sure the alcohol completely covers the herb. Let it set for 7-10 days. The alcohol dehydrates the herb, drawing out everything. When you are done, the tincture should have a deep color and the herb should be a dusty white color. This method needs 190 proof alcohol to work properly -- vodka and other alcohols in the 80 to 100 proof range don't work very well. If you are close to Mexico, Puro de Caña (pure grain alcohol) is excellent and cheap; you can get Victoria brand at most farmacias.

There are other, more elegant methods, but this works and it's easy.

Chuck