Blue Vervain Tincture?
Question:
Do you prefer making them in Vodka or something else?
Do you press or rather have them sit for a few weeks?
Do you prefer using dried or fresh?
Do you stick with the Blue Vervain stem or do you use the flowers or leaves, too?? (most of my leaves were buggy)
Thank you so much!
Answers:
I haven't made Vervain tincture, but I've made LOADS of others. I use Vodka for a base and Cinnamon Liquour for flavoring. Cinnamon is a natural anti-viral,so that's an added bonus.
I let it sit on top of the fridge for a minimum of 6 weeks...longer if I'm making glycerin tincture for kids. The reason I put it on top of the fridge is that when the motor comes on, the vibrations subtly agitate it. Then I'll squeeze it out by hand because that actually gets more out of the plant matter than an herb press does. At least as far as the soft plant matter goes.
Fresh is best, as the microbial activity and enzymatic break down of the plant material changes the qualities of the plant.
Vodka works okay for dried plant material, but for fresh you will need something with a higher proof. Plants that are fresh have a higher water content, and you need a certain % (over 25% Typically)of water to alcohol to prevent bacterial production.
Cut up fresh herbs first thing in the morning; pack tightly in a glass jar with a tight lid, place out of the direct sunlight, shake daily for 2 weeks. Strain.
Have fun and don't worry about those bugs!
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