How to Use Tinctures

Using a tincture is an easy way to improve the effectiveness of medicinal herbs. As a fundamental facet of alternative medicine, tinctures are extractions from medicinal herbs that create a more concentrated dosage. Using a few household ingredients, you can easily make and use tinctures at home.

Things You'll Need

• Dried or fresh herbs 80 proof or higher alcohol Glass jar Cheesecloth or muslin

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Instructions

• 1

  Place one-half cup herbs into jar.

• 2

  Pour alcohol into jar until herbs are completely covered. Vodka or rum is typically used.

• 3

  Shake jar. Keep jar in a cool, dark place for two weeks, shaking it well every day.

• 4

  Strain herbs from tincture using cheesecloth or muslin and place tincture in another bottle.

• 5

  Take 1 tsp. of the tincture each day at mealtime.

Using Tintcures

• 6

  Reduce high blood pressure with a tincture. Garlic, hawthorn, linden and wood betony are common herbal remedies for high blood pressure.

• 7

  Treat acne with a tincture made from calendula flowers.

• 8

  Use a echinacea herbal tincture to treat sore throats.

• 9

  Take a tincture of lemon balm, chamomile, hops, passion flower or valerian at night to cure insomnia. You may recognize these herbs from calming herbal teas.

• 10

  Try a tincture made from chamomile, willow bark, skullcap, valerian or wood betony to cure a headache.