How to Make Herbal Medicinal Vinegars

According to professional herbalist Non Shaw, herbal medicinal vinegars are sometimes referred to as the "poor man's tincture." Simply put, herbal vinegars are nonalcoholic tinctures that use vinegar to preserve and extract herbal properties. Herbal medicinal vinegars can be used both internally and externally and are believed to have cooling antiseptic properties.

Things You'll Need

• 3 ½ cups (200 g) dried herbs or 7 cups (400 g) fresh herbs 2 pints (1 liter) cider vinegar 2 glass jars or bottles Cheesecloth Label

Instructions

1. Place herbs in amber or dark-colored glass jars or bottles with lids large enough to hold a little over 1 quart or liter. If using fresh herbs, wash first; then place in jar.

2. Pour vinegar over the herbs in the jar. Seal with lid.

3. Store the jar on a low shelf or door of the refrigerator for two weeks. Shake the jar periodically during this two-week period.

4. Strain the herb/liquid mixture through the cheesecloth and wring out all the herb-infused vinegar at the end of two weeks. Reserve the liquid and discard the plant matter.

5. Pour liquid into a clean amber jar or bottle, seal with lid and label with name and date. Refrigerate. Vinegars will keep for two to three years.

6. Take the standard dosage. According to professional herbalist Non Shaw, the standard tincture dosage for adults is 1 tbsp. per 1 cup water for douches, washes, disinfectants and cooling beverages. Use 1 cup vinegar for baths.

Tips & Warnings

• Absolute cleanliness is important when making herbal preparations. Always sterilize bottles and lids before use by boiling them in water for 20 minutes or placing them in a medium (350 degree F) oven for 20 minutes. If a lid contains a paper liner, remove it before sterilizing.

• Always store herbal preparations away from pets and children. 

 The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only and is meant to help users better understand herbal preparations. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with their healthcare practitioners for specific questions regarding herbal therapies, diagnoses and/or health conditions, prior to making treatment decisions.

References

• Herbalism: An Illustrated Guide; Non Shaw; 1998
• The Complete Family Guide to Natural Home Remedies; Ed. Karen Sullivan; 1997