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Tinctures
A Tincture is a medicine made by dissolving or infusing a medicine in alcohol. Sometimes the term is used for extractions in other Menstruums, for example an 'Acid Tincture' is sometimes used to describe a medicine extracted with Vinegar. They are most commonly prepared of herbs, but may be prepared from certain animal and mineral products also. Tinctures may be simple or compound, although modern practitioners tend to use simple tinctures which they mix as required.

In the making of a Tincture, the medicine is broken but not powdered and mixed with an alcohol-water mixture written as a percentage of alcohol. For example, 40% indicates 40% of alcohol (or ethanol) and 60% water. Different strengths are used for different materials in modern times, however, traditionally usually Spiritum Viate, the Spirit of Wine (Brandy) is used, indicating approximately 40%. In some cases, highly purified Spirit is used, which was typically, perhaps, around 65-80% alcohol. When Wine is used (12-15% alcohol), the preparation is called a 'Wine'.

The broken or crushed material is infused in the alcohol mixture to give a certain extraction in modern times. For example, 1:5, 1:10, more or less. A 1:1 Tincture is usually called a Fluid Extract. However, traditionally it was most common to cover the herbs by 4 finger-breadths. The vessel is closed, and shaken or agitated every days for 10-14 days. Sometimes the extraction is continued for 1 month. In some cases, such as with Saffron, the medicine may be left in the alcohol. Extraction is also enhanced by standing the vessel in warm water such as a water bath.
 
Once the extraction is complete, the herbs are strained and pressed. Traditionally, it was typical for common herbs such as Balm, Mint, Camomile and Rosemary to be triple-infused. This is simply adding further herbs once the initial extraction is completed. This will make a far stronger tincture meaning lesser doses are more effective.

During the 17th century, it became in vogue to use Salt of Tartar (Potassium carbonate) to enhance extraction and fix the volatile oils. This is not necessary, but does make for a better extraction.

Tinctures are stored in dark glass bottles to avoid degradation by light. They will normally stay effective for 5 years.



Simple Tinctures

Elixir of Camphor
Tincture of Amber
Tincture of Angelica Seed
Tincture of Balm
Tincture of Bees
Tincture of Camomile
Tincture of Cardamon
Tincture of Celandine
Tincture of Cinnamon

Tincture of Honey
Tincture of Juniper
Tincture of Mastic
Tincture of Mint
Tincture of Myrrh
Tincture of Nutmeg

Tincture of Pill Millipedes
Tincture of Rue
Tincture of Saffron
Tincture of St. John's Wort
Tincture of Sage
Tincture of Lemon Thyme
Tincture of Valerian

Tincture of Wormwood



Compound Tinctures

Almond-like Tincture

Elixir of Health
Tincture Against Asthma
Tincture Against Convulsions
Tincture of Myrrh and Aloes
Tincture for Blood Stagnation
Tincture for Paralysis
Tincture Against Schirrus of the Spleen
Tincture for Apoplexy
Tincture for Memory

Tincture Producing Sleep
Tincture for Suppressed Menstruation
Tincture for Vertigo
Tincture of Juniper Compound




From Eastern Systems

Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui
Zheng Gu Shui




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