What is the difference between a tincture, a glycerite and an infusion?
An infusion is basically a tea. The qualities of the herns are extracted by allowing the herbs to steep in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then straining and drinking.
Making glycerite involves infusing dried herb in a mixture of 75% glycerin and 25% water. Glycerine is a sweet, vegetable based medium that can make the potion more palatable for kids. Most often, glycerites are a 1:2 ratio; 1 part plant, 2 parts glycerin/water. Allow the glycerite to infuse for 4-6 weeks, then strain. Store in a cool, dry place out of sunlight for 6-12 months.
A tincture extracts the herbal goodness through the use of alcohol menstrum. The ratio is often 1:5, 1 part dried herbs to 5 part alcohol.
How to make Herbal Tinctures
Instructions:
Supplies for prepare your herbal tincture:
4 ounces of finely cut dried herbs,
1 large glass jar with lid that can hold up to 2 cups of
liquid (1 pint)
1 cup of Alcohol (80 proof Vodka or Rum). Rum is the
option of choice in the Caribbean
Notes:
- For Vinegar Tinctures, use 1 ounce of herb per 5 ounces
of vinegar.
Properly clean the glass jar
Put the dried herb into the jar and pour in liquid,
making sure the herbs are completely covered (this is very
important). A stronger tincture can be made by adding more
herbs.
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 3 weeks
(longer is better).
Shake the mixture daily or every other day.
Filter the mixture when you are ready to use it using a
cheesecloth bag, coffee filter, or fine cloth, capturing
the tincture liquid in another container.
Store the tincture in clean, dark glass containers, out
of the sun.
If stored properly the tincture will be preserved for
two or more years.
Vinegar tinctures should be refrigerated.
Common home made herbal tinctures
Bizzie and rum tincture for Nasuea
Chamomile tincture for restful sleep
Difference between Herbal Tinctures and Herbal Fluid
Extracts
Fluid extracts is a more concentrated form of herbal medicine
than a tincture. Sometimes called a liquid extract, it is made
with a 1:1 ratio; one part herb with one part fluid, for
example, 250 grams of herb to 250 ml. of alcohol or glycerin.
There is usually sediment in fluid extract bottles. The
bottle must be shaken well to combine it with the liquid.
The dosage of fluid extracts is much smaller, usually given
in drops. The dosage of tinctures is usually given in
milliliters. The disadvantage of fluid extracts is that they
lose more of the plant's essential oils, due to the method
of preparation.
Instructions: