🔼: [[🛠 Medicinal Plants 🌿]] #### Tinctures [^1] Another easy way to take [[🛠 Medicinal Plants 🌿]]. Tinctures are essentially concentrated liquid extracts. They can be taken alone, diluted in water, tea, or juice, or added to smoothies. Most are made with 80-100 proof alcohol, but some use vegetable glycerin or [[Vinegar, Apple Cider]] if they don't want to use alcohol. These aren't as strong, but they'll work. Tinctures made with alcohol keep for years. Vinegar and glycerin should still last for a year or two, possibly longer. They should be stored in a cool, dark place. ##### How to Make Tinctures ###### Supplies - Herbs - A solvent (alcohol, glycerin, or cider vinegar) - Jar with a tight-fitting lid ###### Instructions 1. Finely chop the (ideally) fresh or high-quality dried herbs. 2. Add herbs to a clean jar and completely cover with the solvent by 2-3 inches. If the herbs swell and rise above the solvent in the first couple of days, add more. Cover with the lid. - If alcohol, use vodka, gin or brandy. - If vegetable glycerin, dilute with 1/4 to 1/2 part water. - If vinegar, warm before adding to the jar. 3. Keep the jar somewhere warm and let sit 4-6 weeks (longer is better). Shake the jar daily, give them a little love. 4. Strain the herbs from the solvent through a strainer lined with cheesecloth or muslin. The liquid is now a tincture, and the herbs can be composted. Write the name of the herb, the solvent used, and the date somewhere on the jar. [^1]: [[📖 ✅ Herbs for Stress & Anxiety - How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies to Strengthen the Nervous System]]