Preparing an Echinacea Tincture

I was visiting one of my daily blog sites, Danny Seo's Simply Green Blog who had an entry on things you would take with you if you were traveling/flying, and I said extra C and echinacea, due to being confined with all the people and most likely a few unwanted germs, cold & flu carriers, etc.  So I have been meaning to write  a bit on making your own tinctures, specifically echinacea, because it has treated me so well over the years, and here it is.

What is an Echinacea tincture used for? Echinacea is an herb and It can be used for a variety of ailments, but here we are using it for treating and reducing cold and flu symptoms.  It stimulates the immune system, and helps fight off viruses and harmful bacteria, if you feel a cold coming on, that is the time you should begin taking it. 

I also use the tincture as a preventative, by this I mean, if I am going to an event (especially around cold & flu season) which involves many other people I take the Echinacea tincture before hand and afterwords too.  Not everyone believes in the effectiveness of the tincture used as a preventative, yet at the same time, many others do and it definitely has been extremely effective for me.  Knock on wood, but I dare say it has been 10 years or so since I have had a cold or flu. 

Many people like to make a tincture that is a combination of Echinacea and something else, like goldenseal, which some believe hinders the immune system.  Herbs do come with precautions, be sure to research and gather all the information you can and consult with an herbalist before taking them orally.  Echinacea should be used with caution if you are allergic to ragweed, which I am allergic to.  The key word is caution, I have no problems what so ever, but someone else may indeed have a negative reaction.  Goldenseal Root can stimulate contractions and should not be used by pregnant women. Goldenseal may raise blood pressure and should not be used for extended periods of time by those with heart conditions.  Case and point-just because it is an herb doesn’t mean it is good or right for you.  Herbs may contain highly effective medicinal properties, use caution as you would with any type of supplement or medication.

Making an Echinacea Tincture is ever so easy and if you make it yourself, you not only save money, you also know exactly what you are getting.  The only place I have ever bought the tincture from was my local herb shop last year and that was because I started my tincture a bit late in the season.  I trust anything I buy in her little shop, because she makes it herself.  This way I had a bit on hand, just in case, turns out it was needed while mine was extracting for several weeks.  I still have plenty left on hand, so I'll not need to make any this year.

Making the Tincture

You can use Echinacea Angustifolia Root or Echinacea Purpurea Herb or a combination of both.  The root is more expensive but you can use less, I have made tinctures with just the root and also tinctures with a combination of the two, both worked well for me.

If you are using just the root, take 4 ounces of the dried root, add to a clean sterile quart glass jar, fill the jar almost to the top with 80 or 100 proof vodka, cap tightly, label and date the jar.  Store in a cool dark place like your pantry or kitchen cupboard and shake daily for the first week, then every few days after that for about 8 weeks.  If you are using the Purpurea or a combination of both, fill your jar half full with the dried herbs, then add the vodka, cap, date, etc.  Use a cheesecloth to strain and bottle – a dropper bottle is most convenient.  This amount will last quite a long time, so feel free to make smaller batches if you like, by adjusting the ingredients appropriately.  I usually give away a few bottles too.

Dosage

“I” take a dropper full under the tongue one to three times a day as needed.  This is not to be taken every single day; you only take it when you need it.  I can only speak for myself, but I have been using it for so long that I just know when to start taking it and when to stop taking it.  Warning-it tastes terrible and I never "get used" to the taste, I just put up with it because it works!  When my husband needs to take it, he adds it to a small glass of juice.

If this is new for you, do your research, google it and please consult with the herbalist where you are buying your herbs from. It is very possible that you can purchase a small dropper bottle there as well. 

Please consult with your health care professional if you are taking any medications or other herbal supplements, have any illnesses or medical conditions. 

Cheers to good health!

Comments

[Cherry Menlove]

Thank you so much for your thorough posts. You write so clearly and the information is so valuable.

[Tracey Reavis]

I was happy to find your websit. But I was looking for a recipe that did not call for vadka of any alcohol. As I will be giving it to a small child! If you can help with that kind of recipte for a echinacea tincture can you please E-mail me about! Thanx! :) And again I really like your websit!
Tracy