While paying for the convenience of a manufactured herbal extract
can be nice, we have found that the best medicines are those we make
ourselves. Not only that, but for those of us that incorporate
extracts into our daily diet the costs really begins to add up.
Making your own extracts will save you hundreds and possibly
thousands of dollars.
This recipe is the simplest way to make
your own liquid herbal extracts in your own home. Start with a clean
jar that has a tight fitting lid and the herbs of your choice. If
you can use fresh herbs, then fabulous! Fresh material is always
preferred but availability is determined by your local bio-region,
climate, etc and many quality herbs may not be available. If you
cannot locate fresh materials, be sure to get good quality, organic
herbs from a reputable supplier. Note: Try not to use powdered
herbs; they will be difficult to filter out in the end and the
debris will settle in your final product.
If using fresh
material, chop the herbs finely. Then put in the glass jar. Next,
pour a good, strong grain alcohol or Vodka over the herbs,
completely covering the herbal material. If you are using dried
herbs you will need to add more alcohol over the next day or two as
the dried herbs absorb and expand. A good ratio for dried material
is about 1 part herb to 5 parts alcohol and with fresh material 1
part herb to 3 parts alcohol.
After you have done this, cover
with tight fitting lid and be sure to place a plastic bag sandwiched
between the lid and the jar. This will prevent rust contamination
from spoiling your extract.
Shake well and place the jar in a
dark place & allow the herbs to soak or macerate for 4 to 6
weeks. Shake every few days. The alcohol will siphon and extract the
active constituents from the herbs. After 4 to 6 weeks strain the
herbs. Use a large sieve, strainer, press or potato ricer lined with
fine mesh cloth or cheesecloth. Then pour into another large bowl or
container. After you have done this grab the soggy herbal material
and place in muslin, cheese or another fine cloth and tightly
squeeze the material to extract every last drop from the cloth. The
herbal material left over that is saturated, is the strongest in
terms of active medicinal constituents. Now funnel the material from
your larger container into smaller bottles, preferably amber bottles
and store your tinctures in a cool dark place. Voila! You have now
made your own remarkable medicinal herbal extract for a fraction of
the price you would have paid at the store. By now you have probably
noticed that your pantry is stored with some 16-20 ounces of liquid
herbal extract……this will last you for some time. (It will keep for
3-5 years) Enjoy!
