DIY: Tinctures!

One of the things I've been studying the last few months is herbology.  Herbalism is not just a skill in WoW, it's a very real medical science that goes hand in hand with Aromatherapy.  By studying them at the same time I have not just overloaded my schedule, but my brain with possibilities!

After a nasty stint with insomnia this Spring, just after the accident, I found an amazing Deep Sleep glycerite that worked really well.  They're not hard to make at all.  It's a process, though, and so to get there I started out with creating tinctures.

Tinctures are liquid extracts made from herbs that you take orally (by mouth). They are usually extracted in alcohol.  Tinctures are easy and convenient to use.

I create my tinctures with 95% alcohol and you can find it next to the Vodkas in the liquer sections.  It is quite possibly the most disgusting drink ever, so don't even sip it neat.  Don't.

If I'm creating a specific blend,  I first research and ensure that the herbs I have gathered meet that purpose.  In this case I'm working on a body spray for all that bare summer skin, something that is clarifying.  I am using White Willow Bark, which creates salicylic acid (salicin, which is an aspirin like chemical), and Calendula, which helps with inflammation and wound care.

It's really important to make sure that your herbs are both skin safe and don't counter act each other!  Also make sure you are not using something that isn't suggested for oral use that you plan on ingesting.  In this case, both my herbs are safe!

In this case, I used about 10 ml (volume) of each and added them to a 4 oz ball jar and then filled it with the alcohol and capped it tightly.  Then your work is done.  All you need to do is let it sit for a while (48 hours) and shake it occasionally, keeping it in a cupboard and away from direct heat and light.

And then you have a tincture! They tend to be very strong and bitter and used by the drop orally, though there are actually MANY applications to using them in sprays and lotions, as I made this one for!  I store mine in amber glass dropper bottles in a cool cupboard.