How to Make Flower and Herbal Tinctures Tinctures can be stored for a long time, making them the perfect way to harness the restorative power of flowers and herbs. Tinctures are prepared by steeping fresh or dried herbs in pure alcohol. The plants' active constituents are dissolved in the alcohol, which acts as an excellent preservative. Herbal tinctures are stronger than infusions and decoctions. They are an effective and convenient way to administer herbal remedies over extended periods of time, especially when traveling. It's standard to make a tincture from a single herb and to blend tinctures from your herbal medicine cabinet as required. They have a shelf life of up to two years, so it is well worth the effort of preparing your own home make tinctures. Flower remedies are a form of homeopathic tincture. They are a subtle treatment that captures the essential qualities of flowers or herbs by infusing them in water. Alcohol is then used as a fixative and preservative. Flower remedies are effective for treating the emotional imbalances that underlie many illnesses, and they also raise your energy. Ideal herbs and flowers for tinctures and remedies are: Marigold: Helps to lessen negativity Calms digestive inflammation Increases generosity Soothes and heals acne.
John's Wort: Soothes anxiety Calms premenstrual tension Increases laughter and relaxation.
Red chestnut: Reduces anxiety and depression Prevents over-protection of family and fiends Improves positive thinking and self-esteem.
Willow: Rheumatism and arthritis Despondency and despair Neuralgia and headaches Put your troubles into perspective.
Dong quai: Builds healthy blood Restores energy levels Strengthens the uterus Stimulates the appetite. Ginger: Promotes digestion Eases stomach upsets
Ginkgo: Improves memory Improves mental function Helps circulatory problems Eases hemorrhoids. |
Raspberry: For wounds and inflammations Ulcers and hum inflammations Menstrual cramps Avoid during pregnancy.
Oak: Has restorative effects Reinforces strength and endurance.
Pine: Reduces feelings of self-blame Reduces guilt Helps to improve self-awareness.
Preparing your own home-made herbal tinctures is not difficult. You will require only a few ingredients and implements and all you need to do is follow these simple step by step instructions. 1. Chop 300g of fresh herbs (or, if you prefer, 200g or dried herbs) and place them in a large, clean, glass jar. 2. Pour one liter of pure alcohol (vodka or rum) over the herbs. Place a screw cap on the jar and shake well to ensure that the herbs are fully submerged. 3. Keep in a cool dark place for 10-14 days. Shake the jar for one minute each day. 4. Sieve the mixture through a muslin or linen cloth. Discard the herbs and pour the liquid into sterilized screw top glass bottles. 5. Label the bottles with a date, the name of the herb and the concentration. To make an herbal tincture with the healing powers of St John's Wort: Collect 250g of the flowering heads of St John's Wort. Place the flower heads containing the buds, flowers and leaves in the alcohol as per the recipe. Take 5ml of the tincture, diluted in water or fruit juice, three times a day to combat anxiety and tension headaches. Simple steps to make a flower remedy: Place 50g of freshly picked, whole flower heads in a shallow glass or earthenware basin. Add approximately 350ml of pure spring water. Ensure that all the flowers are fully submerged and cover with a muslin cloth. Place the basin in a sunny spot for one day. This can be a sheltered spot in the garden or a sunny windowsill. In the evening, remove the flower heads and measure the remaining liquid. Add an equal amount of pure alcohol (vodka or rum) and pour the remedy into sterilized bottles. To make a remedy that contains the mental and physical healing power of marigold, follow these instructions: Submerge 5-6 freshly picked marigold flower heads in spring water, as described in the flower remedy recipe. It's best to grow your own marigolds, but, if you are purchasing them, you should ensure that the flowers are organic. Apply 4-5 drops of the essence under your tongue 4 times a day to restore a positive frame of mind.
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