The Making of Tinctures

Tinctures can be added in very small amounts to a cup of tea for internal problems, or used as a wash for external ones. Try to avoid using tinctures for external open wounds or open sores, as they are alcohol based and can burn like there's no tomorrow.

     They're simple to make, yet they produce powerful effects. Get a large amber-colored glass jar and make sure it's clean, dry and sterile. Add a large amount of the desired herbs, preferrably crushed or mashed.
 
     Just cover the top of the herbs in a high-quality vodka, rum, or grain alcohol. Let it sit in a cool, dry, dark place for three weeks. Strain out the solids and add two tablespoons of glycerine per pint of liquid. The finished tincture should keep for up to four or five years, assuming it's stored properly.
 
     Tinctures can be used not only medicinally, though. There are hundreds of tincture recipes for Magickal use, many of which I created myself. I'll add them to this herbs section shortly. But not now. Because it's 4:28 AM.  And I need sleep.

If preparing a tincture for Magickal use and Magickal use ONLY, rubbing alcohol may be used instead of the liquor variety. It's much cheaper that way.  However, it is ESSENTIAL to label that fact clearly in order to prevent accidental ingestion. If you or anyone else drinks it anyway, contact your local poison control centre immediately.

Feedback, submissions, ideas? Email Khalin_ElvenStone@hotmail.com.