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| tinctures and vinegar does not dissolve as many substances within the herbs. |
| For an even more concentrated tincture, pour your filtered tincture into a jar containing new plant material and repeat the process. Small quantities of this "double strength" tincture will have a powerful medicinal effect. |
| There is much confusion about tincture dosage, a misunderstanding that herbalist Rosemary Gladstar attributes to the caution of small companies marketing tinctures in the 1960s. "The only similar products were homeopathic preparations," she explains, "and their doses are measured in drops. Herbal tinctures are entirely different, and they should be taken by the half-teaspoon, teaspoon or tablespoon, not by the drop." Anyone buying, making or taking herbal tinctures should know that disappointing results may not be caused by a tincture's herbal ingredients but rather by doses that are entirely too small. A few herbs should be taken in small amounts, but most of the tinctures mentioned here, such as milk thistle seed tincture, are safe and effective in larger doses. Tinctures can be taken straight or diluted in tea, water or fruit juice. |
| Capsules. Herbal capsules are widely sold and, if you need a special blend of herbs in capsules, some of the mail order herb companies blend and encapsulate custom orders for a nominal fee. Or you can put your own herbs into capsules. For best results, leave dried herbs whole or in large pieces until needed to preserve their essential oils and medicinal properties. Herbs should be stored away from heat and light in well-sealed glass containers for maximum shelf life. |
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