A tincture is an extraction of herbal essence using a solvent. solvents can be water, oil, glycerine, vinegar or alcohol. Alcohol is the most commonly used. for most dry plant matter it is effective to use 80 proof alcohol, such as vodka. the usual ratio of plant matter (marc) to solvent (menstruum) is determined by weight and is: 1:5 or one part herb to five parts alcohol. (it is easiest to use the metric scale of one gram to 5 mili-liters) sometimes this amount of liquid is not enough to cover the marc; in that case, add more solvent to ensure that the plant material is covered in order to prevent spoilage.

An example would be to take 100 grams (abut 3 ounces) of dried stinging nettle (urtica dioica) leaves, place it in a glass jar and pour 500 mili-liters (about 2 cups) of vodka over it. cap the jar. shake the mix once daily and allow to "steep" for at least two weeks. it is now ready to decant, press out, and bottle.

Some herbs will require more liquid to cover, since they are very absorbant and fluffy. Some herbs need a higher/lower concentration of alcohol depending on whether the active principal is water or alcohol soluable. you may choose to mix solvents and use a combination of gylcerin, vinegar or pure water in order to target specific plant constituents.

It is important that your final tincture result in at least a 25% concentration of alcohol in order for it to be preserved. if you choose to tincture fresh, green plant material, you will need to consider higher strength alcohol in order to compensate for the water contained in the plant. your tincture will remain potent for at least two years, if stored in well-stopperd, dark glass bottles in a cool, dark place. heat and sunlight will deteriorate your tincture so, don't display your tinctures, no matter how pretty, on the window sill. it is best to keep them in a cabinet.

When using your tinctures, the usual dose is by the "dropperful". this refers to the standard "nose drop" style bottle that hold one ounce and uses a pipette with a rubber bulb at the top. a "dropperful" is what you can draw up into to pipette with one squeeze of the bulb. tinctures can be strong tasting and are easier to take if you dilute them in a half cup of water. if you wish to minimize the alcohol content, drop the tincture dose into a cup of very hot water and some of the alcohol will evaporate off.