SKIN CARE/HERBS: HERBAL TINCTURES

Apr 21 2009

“There are herbs to treat every illness” said Sebastian Kneipp, one of the best known herbalists in Europe. Using herbs to treat illness is as old as the existence of human beings. Even meat-consuming animals like cats and dogs cure themselves by eating grass. Herbal tinctures, infusions, decoction, vinegar’s and oil can be all used in skin and hair care preparations.

Herbal Tinctures

These are an alcoholic extract from herbs. Tinctures have a big advantage over dried herbs since they have a longer shelf life and are easy to take. Everyone can make their own tincture. The quality of your own tincture depends on the herbs you use. For best results use only fresh herbs. Tinctures are traditionally used as medicine, one teaspoon of tincture is equivalent to one cup of herbal infusion. They can be used externally in the bath, or as compresses, cosmetics, inhalations, facial steam, ointments, creams and for wound washes.

Method: herbs are cut and are placed in a glass jar, filling only three quarters. Add sufficient overproof alcohol, to cover the herbs. Shake it daily and keep it in a warm place for four to six weeks. Then strain the herbs and bottle your own tincture in smaller bottles or leave the herbs in the alcohol – whatever you wish.

Why not start today and make your first batch of tinctures from wild crafted herbs such as Hawthorn, Stinging Nettle, St Johns Wort and Yarrow which you can harvest throughout the year. When you take your own tincture take it as a medicine and not as an alcoholic drink even if your brew tastes like it. Drink some water after taking a tincture. N.B. Pure alcohol suitable for making tinctures is not readily available in Australia, however, you may use Smirnoff vodka or fruit alcohol’s. When using dry roots, seeds or bark, grind to a powder cover 30g (lOz) of herbs to 250 mis of alcohol.