Hi everybody. I'm new to this tread -- and herb gardening.
I'm making herbal tinctures for the first time this season and I was wondering what the shelf life might be for them. Do they vary with the herb? I use a one part tap water and one part 100 proof grain alcohol poured over my herbs for two weeks before strained and poured into 2 oz amber dropper bottles -- stored in my cupboard. Can anyone help?
And one more thing. I read that boiling those amber bottles for a couple of minutes reduces the alcohol content( I'm an ex-drunk) Is this true? And would it harm the potency of the tincture?
Many thanks in advance.
jeff
herbal tinctures
The average life expectancy, (depending on your tincture containers, storage, herb quality and tincturing method) of alcohol tinctures is 3-5 years. I don't know about boiling the bottles, (haven't heard of that one, yet) but if you have difficulty with alcohol tinctures, you can always take your tincture in hot tea, instead of straight;- the alcohol will evaporate with this method a few minutes after adding it to the hot (seriously, -hot!) beverage. I would recommend working with an experienced herbal practitioner when beginning to make tinctures, or at the very least using a guidebook, such as James Green's or Richo Cech's...You can look these books up, by author, or title, at www.abebooks.com for the lowest prices available, if you don't mind used books. (This is where I get most of mine, they're very reasonable)
Thank you cyra for you input. I like your idea of dropping the tincture in a hot tea. I guess the tincture would remain potent that way for sure.
I've been introduced to tincture making while volunteering to work in Dr James Duke's Green Farmacy garden here in Maryland.
He's pretty awesome. But too busy at times for all of my questions!
Thanks again
Jeff
I envy you, Jeff, what a terrific learning experience! (There's a copy of his The Green Pharmacy on my shelf, too). Books are good, but hands-on is better, I'm thinking. I hope you get a little one-on-one time?
Thank you, Cyra.
I can't believe how fortunate I've been from the very beginning. I'm a creative Director in a small Ad agency here in MD, and we took on Tai Sophia (an institution that offers Master's programs in Herbal medicine, acupuncture and Applied Healing arts) as an account. They're really cool people with strong ties to Dr Jim Duke. I met him on a tour of his herb garden and was hooked from the start. He takes small groups of people to various places around the world on these herb finding explorations -- like Costa Rica, Amazon basin...etc. I'm going on the next one.
I've always had a herb garden. Next season it'll be much bigger.
Hi, I'm new to this site, but not new to herbs. Jeff, putting your tincture in hot water or boiling your bottles will NOT take all the alcohol away. If you are avoiding alcohol, tinctures are not the way to go. Although glycerites and acetums don't extract the same amount of constituents as alcohol, you may want to investigate those. Herbal teas can be effective as well. Depends on which constituents you are looking to extract: some are alcohol soluble, some are water soluble.
Also, think about using distilled water rather than tap water. When you use 100 proof alcohol, that is 50% alcohol and 50% water already. If you add 1 part 100 proof and 1 part water, that leaves you with a ratio of 25% alcohol. Sometimes that is enough to extract the constituents, sometimes not. I second cyra's advice about Richo's or James' books. They are terrific.
Enjoy your time in the Green Farmacy garden!!! Lucky you.
Habanero, getting to explore the Amazon area is awesome! There's a whole world of plants to discover there, too. Hope that you'll share your botanical adventures w. us, when you return from the trip to S. America?
Cyra. I'm pretty excited about the trip. I was talking to Dr Duke Thursday. The trip is this March. Sadly though, it may be his last. He's getting up there in age and the trips take a lot out of him. If he'll have it, I'd like to shot a documentary of the expedition. So maybe I'll be able to share that with you!
Also Betty, I learned that placing an herbal tincture dose in a cup of freshly boiled water for a couple of minutes will evaporate all the alcohol without weakening the herb. Thanks for you input, but I'm just not willing to weaken the tincture using glycerites or acetums. I'm glad I don't have to.
I really, really, hope that some film footage of your trip is a possibility, habanero_jefe; I'm looking forward to a pic or two, if you're able to share any.
And yes, I imagine Dr Duke's getting on, a bit, he's been at this a while, now, hasn't he? Maybe (hopefully) he'll write a few books, about his travels, instead? Just a thought, but I really enjoy his humorous way of writing....
Heya, Jeff! Welcome to DG! I'm glad you found the Herb Forum... I'm looking forward to your posts as you continue your herbal explorations!
I noticed you're right down the road from me, and I wanted to let you know that there's a DG gathering and plant swap at my place next Saturday. Check out this thread, http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/753182/. :-)
Hi Cyra.
I spoke with Jim Thursday evening about documenting this trip to Peru. He loves the idea. I wish I had asked him if he'd like to co-author it. Because you're right -- he has a great sense of humor. Even in his "Green Farmacy" book you can get a sense of it. Happy Labor day
Hey Dave.
Thanks for posting. It's always nice to meet a neighbor. Sorry I missed your gathering. I guess that would of been today :(
Hey, Jefe -- you haven't missed it, check the thread... it's next Saturday, Sept. 8th! :-)
(and, not that it matters... but it's not Dave, it's Jill. or "Critter" if you prefer!)
lol. I'm so sorry.
Hi Jill!
I'll look into next weekend. Sounds like fun.
Jeff
Hey Jill.
I was in your next of the woods today. I bought a 12ft Ginko (male) from Dutch Farm. I'm sure you know where that is. Pricey. But they're really helpful there.
I was thinking about adding grapes to my garden next year and I was wondering if there was a specific plant I should look for -- that might possess higher concentrations of OPC's. Can you help?
Jeff
I love Dutch Plant Farm! My other favorite local nursery for trees & shrubs is Potomac Farms. Their prices vary, but I don't think either one is especially overpriced... or maybe it's just that I got over the sticker shock at the Beltville location for Behnke's, near the townhouse where we used to live.
We don't have grapes, but a friend who has been gardening on a pretty large scale around here for decades tells me that Miller Nurseries is his favorite source for plants and advice when it comes to grapes & berries. Maybe you could give them a call and ask about OPCs. http://www.millernurseries.com/
(As always, check Garden Watchdog before ordering... it's been a while since I placed an order from Miller.)
Hi Jill.
I thought you may of heard of Dutch. Thanks for the tip on Miller. I do need some stuff. I'll check Garden Watchdog first.
I've been to the Behnke's on Route 1 in Laurel with my Mom years ago!
Jeffrey