Tonic Teas
August 31, 2017
Tinctures are an effective way to extract the active ingredient of plants. They can be made with fresh or dried plant material steeped in a mixture of alcohol and water. Vodka is the most suitable alcohol, since it is a pure spirit containing few if any additives.

Take no more than 1 tsp 3-4 times a day, diluted in a little water or fruit juice. Tinctures can also be applied externally by adding them to liniments, compresses, and other preparations.

Lavender Tincture
(this can be adapted to make other tinctures using dried herbs or flowers)

½ oz. dried lavender, 1 cup vodka and add ¼ cup of water. Put the dry lavender into a glass jar that has a tight lid and add the vodka and water. It will turn into a lovely color almost immediately. Put the lid on and place the jar in a cool, dark place for 7 days, no longer than 10.

Shake it occasionally. The tincture will be a dark purple. Then strain the lavender through a sieve lined with paper towels and pour into a sterilized glass bottle.

This tincture helps with headaches, nervous disorders or depression. Take diluted or add to compresses.

Raspberry Leaf
Helps with mouth ulcers and inflamed gums. Dilute in an equal quantity of water and use as a mouthwash.

Juniper
For rheumatism. Add it to a liniment for aching joints.

Elderflower
For colds and hayfever. Make it with the dried flower. Take it early in the allergy season.

Violet
For insomnia. Make with the flowers of sweet violet.