These are concentrated extracts of herbs, usually using a mixture of water and alcohol to extract the constituent of the remedy and act as a preservative. The ratio of alcohol to water varies from one remedy to another; 25 per cent alcohol is used for simple glycosides and tannins, while 90 per cent alcohol is needed for resin and gums.
To make a tincture, use dried herbs at a ratio of one part herb to five parts of liquid, or fresh herbs at a ratio of one part herb of two of liquid. Place the herb in a large jar and pour the alcohol and water mixture over it. Leave to macerate, shaking daily for two weeks. Then, using a presser machine, press out the liquid and discard the herb - which makes very good compost. Store in labeled dark bottles or glass jar, away from heat and light. When making tincture at home you can use undiluted alcohol. Alternatively you can use glycerin which gives a sweet taste to the extract and makes them more palatable. Use equal parts of water and glycerol for dried herbs, and 80 per cent glycerol for watery, fresh herbs such as borage to ensure they do not deteriorate or become contaminated by infection.
A standard dose is one teaspoon of tincture diluted with a little water with or after food three times daily in chronic condition, and every two hours in acute illness. Children should be given half dosage, and babies a quarter of the adult dose.
Tincture generally keep well for about years, and although more time-consuming to prepare then teas, they have the advantages of being easy to store, and of needing to be taken only in small amounts. Tincture can also be used to make gargles and mouthwashes, lotions and douches. Use half to one teaspoon in a cupful of water two or three times daily in chronic condition and every two hours for acute conditions.
For example

Belladonna

a. Tincture : Drug strength 1/10
Belladonna, moist magma containing solids 100gm
Plant moisture 567 cc. = 667
Strong alcohol, 470cc.
To make one thousand cubic centimeters of tincture.
b. Dilutions: 2x to contain one part tincture, four parts distilled water five parts alcohol; 3x and higher, with dispensing alcohol.

Calendula.
a. Tincture : Drug strength 1/10
Calendula, moist magma containing solids 100gm
Plant moisture 600 cc. = 700
Strong alcohol 437cc.
To make one thousand cubic centimeters of tincture.
Place the herb in a large jar and pour the alcohol and water mixture over it. Leave to macerate, shaking daily for two weeks. Then, using a presser machine, press out the liquid and discard the herb - which makes very good compost. Store in labeled dark bottles or glass jar, away from heat and light.
b. Dilutions. 2x to contain one part tincture, four parts distilled water, five parts alcohol ; 3x and higher, with dispensing alcohol.

Hamamelis.
a. Tincture : Drug strength 1/10
Hamamelis, moist magma containing solids 100gm
Plant moisture 150cc. = 250
Distilled water 250cc
Strong alcohol 635cc.
To make one thousand cubic centimeters of tincture.
Place the herb in a large jar and pour the alcohol and water mixture over it. Leave to macerate, shaking daily for two weeks. Then, using a presser machine, press out the liquid and discard the herb - which makes very good compost. Store in labeled dark bottles or glass jar, away from heat and light.
b. Dilutions. 2x to contain one part tincture, three parts distilled water, six parts alcohol ; 3x and higher, with dispensing alcohol.

Zingiber Officinal
a. Tincture : Drug strength 1/10
Zingiber off, in moderately coarse powder, 100gm
Strong alcohol, a sufficient quantity,
To make one thousand cubic centimeters of tincture.
Place the herb in a large jar and pour the alcohol and water mixture over it. Leave to macerate, shaking daily for two weeks. Then, using a presser machine, press out the liquid and discard the herb - which makes very good compost. Store in labeled dark bottles or glass jar, away from heat and light.
b. Dilutions. 2x and higher ,with dispensing alcohol.

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