Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Mary's Tincture Shop: DIY Tincture Kits

It's another beautiful day here.  The air is cool and crisp.  The sun is shining and life is good! 
Today I'm talking Tinctures!  

In our house, we use tinctures first for every-day ailments.  We have had such great success using herbal home remedies instead of OTC "stuff" so let's chat!

What is a Tincture?
from Wikipedia,  A tincture is typically an alcoholic extract of plant or animal material or solution of such or of a low volatility substance (such as iodine and mercurochrome). To qualify as an alcoholic tincture, the extract should have an ethanol percentage of at least 40–60% or 80–120 proof. 

From squidoo:  What is Menstruum?
Menstruum is general vodka, when making a true herbal tincture. Vinegar can be used, it is safer than alcohol, but is less effective at leaching out the medicinal components of the plant. When tincturing dried herbs, water is mixed with the vodka or alcohol. The ratio of vodka or vinegar to water depends on the plant material being used. For that reason, I always recommend consulting a recipe specifically for the herb being tinctured.  


Why DIY Tinctures? 
Chamomile Tincture Kit
Now for the bottom line...saving money!  If you look at your local "health food store" you will find tinctures.  Most are $10-$40 per ounce.  Online it is the same story plus shipping.  Pictured is a special "kit" I put together to get started on your tincture.  
It includes a jar, herb (you choose), a filter to strain out the herbs, labels for your jars AND a 2 ounce dropper bottle with label.
Add your "base" of alcohol or glycerin and you've got 5-24 ounces of homemade tincture.
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Earlier this month I purchased a large bottle of 100 proof vodka for $17.  I then made 6 tinctures using 
1-2 ounces of herbs and 12-16 ounces of vodka and I still have more vodka left (maybe for 2 more).

Let's do the math
Tincture Kit (1 oz of herb) from Mary's Shop $15.75
Priority mail shipping $6.25
16 ounces of 100 proof vodka (approx)  $2.14
Total spent for 16 ounces of Tincture  $24.39
Homemade: Total spent for 2 ounces $3.02

Online store selling 2 ounces of Rosemary Tincture  $15.39
Shipping $6
Store-Bought: Total for 2 ounces: $21.39

HUGE savings!!!  Plus, with the Tincture Kit you have the Jar, Strainer top and  detailed Instructions to make more! Kits ship within 24 hours (except weekends and holidays) via Priority Mail.

Not sure about the alcohol contentThe alcohol in a tincture can be evaporated out by adding the drops to almost boiling water and swirling until cool. Although a glycerin base tincture has a short shelf life, it can be used instead of alcohol for those who prefer an alternative.

Purchase a DIY Tincture Kit @ Mary's Tincture Shop
DIY ORGANIC CAYENNE TINCTURE KIT
Tincture kits include:
1 - 32 ounce Glass Jar with lid, 1 - 2 ounce Amber Bottle with dropper top, 1 Re-Useable Strainer, 2 customizable labels (1 large, 1 small), 1 ounce of Organic Herbs (additional herbs available) and Detailed Instructions. 

Tincture kits include:
1 - 32 ounce Glass Jar with lid, 1 - 2 ounce Amber Bottle with dropper top, 1 Re-Useable Strainer, 2 customizable labels (1 large, 1 small), 1 ounce of Organic Herbs (additional herbs available) and Detailed Instructions.  

An excellent immune booster!


MUGWORT TINCTURE KIT
Mugwort can be used as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, haemostatic and to promote healthy digestion.
Mugwort can also work to relax and sooth anxiety and stress.  Additional benefits include relief of exhaustion, nervousness, and mild depression.
For women, Mugwort can help stimulate or regulate menstruation and can be used for painful menstrual cramps.

"Allergy" Tincture Kit
Consider taking ahead of allergy discomfort.  This is and Herb Combo and contains: organic Nettle leaf, organic Fennel seed, organic Lemongrass, organic Spearmint leaf, organic Eyebright, organic Calendula flowers, organic Peppermint leaf, organic Red Clover herb and blossoms, organic Lavender flowers, organic Blue Vervain, and organic Stevia leaf. 


Feverfew Tincture Kit
Tincture kits include: 1 - 32 ounce Glass Jar with lid, 1 - 2 ounce Amber Bottle with dropper top, 1 Re-Useable Strainer, 2 customizable labels (1 large, 1 small), 1 ounce of Organic Herbs (additional herbs available) and Detailed Instructions.  More about Feverfew

Tincture kits include: 1 - 32 ounce Glass Jar with lid, 1 - 2 ounce Amber Bottle with dropper top,  1 Re-Useable Strainer, 2 customizable labels (1 large, 1 small),  1 ounce of Organic Herbs (additional herbs available) and Detailed Instructions.  
Make your own Tincture using Mary's Organic DIY Tincture Kits.

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