Tinctures and Syrups

Tinctures keep longer and are more concentrated than infusions and decoctions. You would not use them daily to get your nutrients, but would use them for first aid or if you are feeling like you are coming down with something.

They are usually made with alcohol. Usually vodka, but you can use any grain alcohol. Some people like to use run or brandy when making a tincture with really bitter herbs. (Never use denatured or rubbing alcohol as it is highly toxic and never should be used internally.)

If you would rather not use alcohol, because of children or people who should avoid alcohol completely, you can use cider vinegar. Alcohol works better as vinegar does not extract some herbs as efficiently. I use the alcohol and add the tincture to a little hot water before giving to my children or taking myself.

Here is a couple of ways to make tinctures:

For either method figure out what kind of herb you want to use (Echinacea is a good choice for first- aid and colds)
Take 1 ounce of dried herbs and put them in about a 6 ounce glass jar
Pour in 5 ounces of alcohol (or cider vinegar)
Stir and put on a nonmetallic lid
Put the jar in a cool, dark place for 3 to 6 weeks, shaking daily (add more liquid if needed)
Strain the liquid into a clean jar or bottle and label
It will keep for about 2 years
Take ½ to 1 teaspoon about 3 times a day when needed or every hour at the first sign of a cold or flu (any infection) until the symptoms disappear, use a little less for children.

Another way is to take any jar
Fill it half with dried herbs or full with chopped fresh herbs
Pour the alcohol over the herbs until the jar is full
follow the above directions (I leave mine for 6 weeks).

As adults, take around 1/2 – 1 teaspoon (30 – 60 drops or so) every hour at the first sign of a cold or flu (any infection) until the symptoms disappear. Use less for children

How to Make Herbal Syrups

Herbal syrups are not hard to make and are a good alternative way to prepare some mixtures especially some of the herbs that are really bitter. Some of the herbs are bitter which serves a natural purpose – it keeps us from overusing and also stimulates digestive juices. The bitterness can also make us not want to take the medicine, especially children. Syrups help in this area and also it can extend the storage life of the herb.

Syrups are good to use for colds and flu and to soothe a sore throat.
Make sure you never use honey for children younger than one to two years old.
First decide which herb you want to use
For a basic syrup you can use a infusion or decoction that you have made.
Put 1 part infusion or decoction to 1 part honey or sugar in a saucepan
Gently heat this until the sugar or honey is completely dissolved.
Cool slightly and pour into clean glass or ceramic jars or bottles
Keep in the refrigerator for three to six months
You can use 1 to 2 teaspoons of the syrup up to three times a day.

A really popular herbal syrup is elderberry syrup, you can make it with fresh or dried berries. There are red and blue elderberries, the red ones have seeds that are toxic so use the blue ones. Or just buy some dried elderberries. It is good for cold and flu among other things.

Put a cup of fresh elderberries or a half cup of dried berries in a saucepan
Pour in 3 cups of water
Bring it to a boil then simmer for 30 minutes
Smash the berries
Strain the berry mixture with a strainer and cheesecloth
Stir in the honey
Pour into a bottle and label
Store in the refrigerator for a few month
Take 1 teaspoon every 2-3 hours while sick.
Some use it regularly with food as you would syrup. Elder is VERY high in bioflavonoids and is a great antioxidant. (They say for children under 2 years you can add the syrup to hot water and it will kill any microbes in the honey that might make them sick, or just use sugar.)

You can get a herbal medicine kit with a dvd and herbs to make a tincture, salve and nourishing infusion plus they have more recipes and instructions for using herbs, they have a great site.

The informtion presented here is not intended to
replace the advise of your doctor. It is not intended
to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

SBI!