i have read several books on what plants do, but they never say how to prepare them.
also, if anyone knows what a "tincture" is and how to make one, that would be very helpful.
What are some good books that describe the use of medicinal plants?
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Printed from: http://arezeez.com/2009/12/10/what-are-some-good-books-that-describe-the-use-of-medicinal-plants/ .
© 2010.
© 2010.
Tinctures are herbal extracts that are made by letting a herb sit in a menstruum (alcohol, glycerin or apple cider vinegar) for 6 weeks before its strained and ready for use. They are more potent than infusions, and are taken in small doses, ranging from 1 – 90+ drops, depending on the herb. Generally, fresh herbs are best used to make the tincture, as they preserve the herbal properties at the peak of potency and freshness, although dry can be used if necessary.
The menstruum used depends on what herb you are using, and who its for. For example: I use apple cider vinegar for tincturing plants like wintergreen and willow, because it extracts the methyl salicylate better than glycerine or alcohol. I use glycerine (food grade, vegetable based) when I make tinctures for my cats, since alcohol is not good for cats. Glycerine tinctures are popular for children and alcoholics too.
If using alcohol, you want to use at least a 40% (80 proof), such as vodka or brandy. Some herbs, like Poplar buds and Calendula, need a higher alcohol content to extract the resins, which are not readily water soluble. If you’re not sure about the specific compounds in the herb you want to tincture, and what menstruum best extracts it, then a 50% (100 proof) vodka is a decent alcohol to use. It will extract some plant compounds that are water soluble, and others that are alcohol soluble.
How you make a tincture will depend on what herb and menstruum you are using. So the following is just the very basics to give you an idea of the process involved.
The basics of tincture making are as follows:
*fill a clean, sterile jar with your herb
*fill the jar with alcohol
*cover and store in a dark, cool place
*check every few days and top up alcohol as needed (since the herb will absorb it for a while)
*shake every day or two
*strain in 6 weeks and store in a dark cool place
If you want specifics regarding the herb/s you want to tincture, just let me know what you have and I’d be happy to help you out
There’s a really good book that deals specifically with herbal medicine making called The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook http://www.amazon.com/Herbal-Medicine-Makers-Handbook-Home-Manual/dp/0895949903/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260209864&sr=8-1
For any other herbal questions that you may have, you should check out Susun Weed’s forum http://www.healingwiseforum.com You’ll find many awesome herbalists there.
I hope this helps!
Sorry, this is not just about plants, but I thought I’d mention it in case you had an interest. A book called "Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet" by Ibn al Qayyim al Jawziyyah is about how cures actually come about. It describes everything Prophet Muhammad used as medicine 1400 years ago, like honey, black seed, dates, incense, exercise, sleep, combinations of food, etc. I found it very beneficial. The publisher has it for a better price than amazon. Here’s the address, if you want to buy it.
http://www.darussalam.com/product_info.php?currency=USD&products_id=195
My favorite is a book I refer to often: "Prescription for Healing" by noted certified clinical nutritionist Phyliss Balch, It has comprehensive information on over 200 herbs and herbal preparations.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN TINCTURES
THE ITEMS YOU WILL NEED:
Dried or fresh herbs in powdered or cut form.
80 -100 proof vodka or rum (NEVER use rubbing, isopropyl or wood alcohol).
Wide-mouthed glass jars with lids (mason jar or equivalent).
Unbleached cheesecloth or muslin.
Labels and markers.
STEP BY STEP
You should plan to start your tinctures on the day of the new moon and let them sit at least 2 weeks until the full moon – this adds a natural drawing power.
Pour the amount of herb you desire into the glass jar and slowly pour the alcohol until the herbs are entirely covered. Then add an inch or two of additional liquid.
Seal the jar tightly so that the liquid cannot leak or evaporate. Put the jar in a dark area or inside a paper bag.
Shake the jar every day.
When ready to bottle, pour the tincture through a cheesecloth into another jar or dark colored tincture bottle. Squeeze the saturated herbs, extracting the remaining liquid until no more drips appear.
Close the storage container with a stopper or cap and label.
ADDITIONAL TIPS ON TINCTURES
200 grams dried or 300 grams of fresh herbs (chopped) to one liter of liquid is needed.
Rum helps hide the taste of bitter herbs.
Distilled water, vinegar or glycerol can be used to make nonalcoholic tinctures.
Standard dosage is 1 teaspoon, 1-3 times daily, diluted in tea, juice or water.
Tinctures can last up to two years when stored in a tightly closed container.
A wine press or juicer may be used to extract liquid from the herbs.
Several herbs can be combined into a tincture formula.
Experiment and have fun!
Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss
/jabril
I’m glad i see a questions for books. Nowadays people watch tv or internet and they nerver read books
I always use http://www.bookmallonline.com/ to see latets books and is a great service
Bye