How to Make a Ginger Tincture
A popular remedy among homeopaths and herbalists, tinctures are alcohol-based substances made with fresh herbal extracts. Ginger root tincture is said to help treat a variety of conditions and symptoms such as nausea, sore throat, high cholesterol, cramping, arthritis pain and the common cold. Pregnant women and those with biliary disease are advised against using ginger tincture. Otherwise, ginger root tincture is considered safe with possible side effects including gas, heartburn and bloating.
Things You'll Need
- Knife
- Fresh or dried ginger root
- Large mouth glass jar with lid
- 1 cup vodka
- Label
- Cheesecloth or fine sieve
- Glass bottle with stopper
Instructions
-
-
1
Chop the ginger root using a sharp knife. You'll need about about 1/2 cup of fresh chopped ginger root or about 1/4 cup if you're using dried ginger root.
-
2
Put the chopped ginger root in a large mouth glass jar. Make sure to use a sterilized jar to avoid any contamination of ingredients.
-
-
3
Pour 1 cup of vodka into the glass jar. If you're using dried ginger, you'll need to use 2/3 cup of vodka and 1/3 cup of water. Seal the glass jar with the lid and shake vigorously for about one minute.
-
4
Label the glass jar with the date. Shake the jar for about one minute each day for two weeks.
-
5
Strain the ginger tincture into a glass bottle using a piece of cheesecloth or a fine sieve. Use a stopper to seal the bottle, then label it with the date and the name of your tincture. The tincture will keep in a cool, dry place for up to two years.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
To use the ginger tincture, add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 1 cup of hot water and drink as needed.
You can also benefit from ginger by taking ginger capsules or tablets, using ginger essential oil topically, adding fresh or dried ginger to recipes, eating candied ginger or drinking ginger tea.
Ginger tincture is often used by chemotherapy patients to help ease nausea.
Consider taking ginger tincture after sports or other physical activity to prevent muscle cramping.
Take ginger tincture with you when traveling to help with motion sickness.
Consult with your physician before using ginger tincture or any other herbal remedies if you are currently taking prescription medication.
Avoid ingesting ginger tincture on an empty stomach to avoid possible discomfort.
References
- Photo Credit Blue Jean Images/Digital Vision/Getty Images
