Tinctures have also been used for millennia  and can be considered precious because they are so concentrated condensed.  Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of herbs. They are very potent and are taken by the dropperful, most often diluted in warm water or juice. Because they are so concentrated, they should be administered carefully and sparingly. (For chronic problems, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of a tincture three times daily.

Most tinctures are made with alcohol as the primary solvent. Do bear in mind that though the amount of alcohol is very small, many people choose not to use alcohol-based tinctures for a variety of sound reasons. Excellent tinctures can be made apple cider vinegar as the solvent. If you use alcohol, go be 80 to 100 proof and the best options vodka, gin or brandy. Because it will be diluted,  Half of the proof number is the percentage of alcohol in the spirits: 80-proof brandy is 40 percent alcohol; 100-proof vodka is 50 percent alcohol, as example. If dried herbs are used, a common ratio is 1 part dried plant material to 4 parts liquid) If fresh herbs are used, a common ratio is 1 part plant material to 1 part liquid. The fresh herbs have much more potency.

There are several methods used to make tinctures, but the simplest method is the one I prefer. All that is required is your chopped herbs along with the solvent of alcohol or vinegar and a jar with a tight-sealing lid. . This fuss-free system produces a beautiful tincture every time. Here are marvelously witchy herbs for tinctures:

Gather together the following:

Fresh herbs, sealable jar such as a Mason jar, solvent

Begin by finely chopping your herbs

Place them at the bottom of the

Pour in the solver making sure to cover the herbs and have three extra inches of liquid. Seal the jar tightly. If it is winter and only dry herbs are available, use those and chop. Place the jar in sunny and warm corner or window and keep there for at least a month and up to 6 weeks is idea. Every day, give the mixture a good shake

Once you're ready, open the jar and strain through a clean dry muslin or cheesecloth. Once well-strained, pour the remaining liquid in a small bottle or jar and store in a dark cupboard on a high shelf so no children can get hold of the tincture mistakenly, The herbs will make an excellent compost and this new brew will last nearly indefinitely,

Perfect Picks: Herbs for Tinctures

Nettle leaf, elderberry, licorice root, marshmallow root, raspberry leaf, echineacea,