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| for 7 to 10 days in two parts by volume of grain alcohol (190 proof or 95% ethanol), and pressed or squeezed out. There is no reason to blend or shake this maceration; the tincture is formed passively as a result of dehydration. Ethanol draws out all plant constituents that contain water, leaving only cellulose and dead tissue behind. |
| Dry Plant Tincture |
| If the Herbal Pharmacy section calls for a [1:5, 60% alcohol] tincture, it means this: your solvent is 60% alcohol and 40% water (the water is presumed), and one part of herb by weight has been steeped in five parts by volume of solvent. |
| Example: Take 4 ounces of dried "cut and sifted" kava kava root, and grind and sift it down to a fairly consistent coarse powder. The 4 ounces (1 part) is then mixed with 20 ounces of solvent (5 parts). The solvent is 60% alcohol, the rest water, so you mix 12 ounces of ethanol and 8 ounces of water to get the final volume. Mix both together in a closed jar and shake the mixture up for a couple of minutes twice a day. |
| After 10 to 14 days of this, let the mixture set unshaken another day, pour off the clear tincture from the top and squeeze as much out of the sediment as your press or wrists allow. |
| A cautionary note: A few years ago the FDA decided that the term "tincture" implied drug intent and has, from time to time, forbade its use in labeling herbal extracts. That means that many manufacturers make tinctures but may not call them tinctures. Instead, you are faced with such terms as "extract," ''tea extract'' and even "herb drops." |
| The better herb manufacturers list the strength of the preparation, and you will find such definitions as "1:5" or "20%" on the label. Without any but voluntary stan- |
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