Reply To: General questions
Hi Tammy,
Typically, a high-proof (between 80-120 proof) vodka is used by herbalists to make tinctures. Some will also use brandy, rum, or gin. You can learn more about the different methods of making tinctures on page 372 of your guidebook in the course ‘The Art of Herbal Medicine Making – Internal Preparations’. There is the folk method or the calculated method where you choose a specific ratio of herb to alcohol to extract the medicine. It’s fun and easy to start making tinctures with the folk method, and then once you learn more about the different constituents you’d like to extract from a particular plant, you can start calculating ratios!
Many local apothecaries will carry single herb tinctures as well if you’d prefer to buy a few rather than make your own.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Warmth,
Riley