Tinctura | Tincture

A tincture is a concentrated liquid herbal extract made by soaking plant material in alcohol or another solvent. This method preserves the plant's medicinal properties and allows for easy administration and long shelf life.

Basic Recipe for Making a Tincture:

Ingredients:

• Dried or fresh herbs (chopped or ground)

• High-proof alcohol (e.g., vodka, brandy, or grain alcohol, at least 40% ABV)

• A glass jar with a tight-sealing lid

• A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

• A dropper bottle for storage

Method:

1. Fill a glass jar about 1/2 to 2/3 full with dried herbs (or 3/4 full with fresh herbs).

2. Pour alcohol over the herbs until they are fully submerged, leaving about an inch of space at the top.

3. Seal the jar tightly and shake well.

4. Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally.

5. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a fine strainer, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.

6. Transfer the tincture into a dark glass dropper bottle for storage. Label with the herb and date.

Dosage:

• Typically taken in small amounts (5–30 drops in water or tea, 1–3 times per day), depending on the herb.

Historical Medicinal Uses:

• Used since ancient times in traditional medicine to extract and preserve the medicinal properties of plants.

• Alcohol-based extractions were commonly prepared by herbalists and apothecaries in medieval Europe, the Middle East, and China.

• Found in historical medical texts as treatments for digestive issues, pain relief, infections, and immune support.

Current Medicinal Uses:

• Still widely used in herbalism, conventional and alternative medicine.

• Commonly used to extract alkaloids, flavonoids, and other active compounds from plants.

• Supports digestion, reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and promotes relaxation depending on the herb used.

• Frequently used for immune support (e.g., echinacea tincture), stress relief (e.g., ashwagandha tincture), or sleep aid (e.g., valerian root tincture).

Folklore Applications:

• Traditionally carried and used as a remedy for warding off illness and negative influences.

• Some folk traditions believed that herbal tinctures carried the "spirit" of the plant, making them more potent than other preparations.

• Often used in home remedies and passed down through generations in herbal family traditions.

Uses in Magic and Witchcraft:

• Used in potions, anointing oils, and spellwork for their concentrated plant essence.

• Alcohol was historically considered a spirit, amplifying the energetic properties of the herbs within the tincture.

• Tinctures made from protective herbs (e.g., mugwort, rosemary) were used for purification and psychic enhancement.

• Some magical practitioners use tinctures in ritual baths, candle anointing, or as offerings to spirits or deities.