Define Tincture
A tincture is a liquid medication or supplement created by the process of extracting organic substances from materials using a liquid medium. The medium and the essences imbued into it by the extraction process are consumed as one remedy called a tincture or extract.
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Mediums
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Tinctures most commonly use alcohol as a medium, with pure ethanol grain alcohol or vodka being the best. They can also be made using honey or glycerin, but to be a true tincture, some say it must be alcohol and the content of alcohol must be at least 40 percent.
Preparation Time
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Tinctures use the solvent nature of alcohol, applied over time, to extract the desired essences from the organic materials. This preparation time usually lasts from two to three weeks.
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Shelf Life
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Tinctures made using the ethanol extraction process are said to have an indefinitely long shelf life, as would properly stored pure ethanol alcohol. Tinctures fade using glycerin or other techniques degrade with time, and should not be used any tincture that will be stored for any length of time.
Common Use
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Tinctures are commonly used to extract essences from herbs and other plants. The method is desirable for use upon dried plant material because of its effectiveness on this type of material, especially as compared to other simple methods.
Tips
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Always store tinctures in a cool dry place to prevent breakdown of the organic compounds as much as possible. When buying tinctures always check the date on the bottle or package. When making tinctures, always clearly mark the contents and the creation date.
Cautions
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Most tinctures contain alcohol or honey, either of which carries potential hazards to pregnant or nursing mothers and infants. Use caution and consult a physician if you feel that you have a negative condition resulting from the use of a tincture.
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