One of my favorite medicinal modalities is the use of tinctures. If you've never used tinctures, it is fairly easy to understand this sort of medicine. Tinctures are herbal concentrations used for the internal or external. These herbal concentrations have been extracted over time, by heat, oil or an alcohol based medium. The herbal remedy becomes a convenient compact and concentrated dose of that plant material.
If you buy commercially made tinctures, you will find that they are in a medium like brandy, vodka or glycerine type substance. Most come in small dark bottles with a dropper so that you can dilute (usually one dropper full) in a bit of water. Each manufacturer will have their own dosage posted on the bottle. Follow this carefully, beginning with a half dose with a new product. Then if all goes well on your first day, you can follow a full does. If you don't like swallowing pills this is great way to bypass big pills. This delivery system is very quick to enter the bloodstream; the body does not need to break down material, as with a solid. Not to mention, this is a very portable medicine with the usual shelf life of about 5 years. Storage is simple, a cool dark cabinet is suffice.
RESPECT THE POWER OF PLANT EXTRACTIONS
In a previous blog, I mentioned that there is an art to diagnosis. Knowing which tincture to take, does require some knowledge of the body, herbs, and the best choice for your predicament. If you see an herbalist, a consult can be educational. You would also have a point person to report any unusual side-effects. In my learning, I have actually poisoned myself...even with a recommendation. Having allergies to certain foods or grasses, should be taken into consideration. Everybody is systemically different. Knowing this, please proceed with caution when trying a new herbal tincture.
Then, where should you begin your experience with tinctures and their efficacy? If you never had a tincture, my recommendation is to try tinctures that are generally found safe enough for children. This example is not meant to replace your usual medical services or to experiment without supervision. I always tell someone what I've ingested, when I try something new. Being an herbalist does not exempt me from having an occasional clash in chemistry. Starting with the safer herbs, my grandkids might receive a dropper full of passionflower or lemon balm to keep their anxiety and focus, respectively. Since there is a bit of an unpleasant taste, I put a tiny bit of agave or maple syrup in the water. They actually love it, but I don't normally give them more than one dose a day. However, only as needed. My favorite tincture maker is Wishgarden Herbal Remedies. Its labeling system is clear for the issue you want to address. I've even given them confidently as gifts.
YOU ARE TINCTURE JUNKIE...LIKE ME!
Perhaps you are advanced; you've got your tincture protocol already and want to learn more. You might be ready to try your hand at tincture making. All you need are small glass jars with lids, organic vodka or brandy and your herb of choice. Whether you are a gardener, or have access to one, respectfully of course, you don't need much product, grow your own. You will also have the process of drying and cutting the herbs to smaller pieces. this can take two weeks or less depending on the weather. You could even order the dried bulk herbs online. My next suggestion would be for you to watch this video from Mountain Rose Herbs company. You might find this shockingly easy.
Personally, I have found it gratifying to grow my herbs, dry them, prep them and bottle them. If I make large batches in the summer, I have plenty of medicine for the year. My preference is organic vodka, as some herbs will have an exasperated flavor with brandy. I leave my tinctures steeping for 6 weeks and make certain that I give them an occasional little swirl without opening the jars, during the extraction time. Label and date each jar. It so easy to lose track if you are making various remedies.
BLESSING YOUR WORK
I make certain that when I begin medicine making, that I am in a good space, emotionally and physically. I bless and thank the plants before I take from them. Why do I do this? All of nature carries the energy of life. When a sacrifice is made, we honor this service of nature. It is important to be reciprocal, therefore, in turn I nurture the medicine plant that also helped me thrive.
The bottom line: plants are very powerful and many have a suitable place in the family apothecary. Take the time to educate yourself about various tinctures. In future blogs I will address common complaints and what herbs are my preferences. Feel free to suggest topics of interest to you. Peace friends.
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