It’s best to use dried herbs in making tinctures as the water content reduces the alcohol in the tincture, so the shelf life is halved. Jennie from Australia
You can do anything you want, but from what I’ve read the reason that it's not commonly done like that is to be able to control how much of each tincture you will have in your final blend. I think people usually make two (or three or twenty) separate tinctures, and then blend the tinctures together after they’re strained to make a brew that is supportive of their immune system or whatever they are trying to address. By making these separately you have the option to blend 3 parts elderberry with 1 part echinacea for example. But again it’s up to you
Yeah, you can swap alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar - it'll be a less potent tincture because vinegar isn't as good at extracting the beneficial compounds as alcohol and it won't store as long (I like to use vinegar-based extracts within 6 months-ish). Good luck!!
It’s best to use dried herbs in making tinctures as the water content reduces the alcohol in the tincture, so the shelf life is halved.
Jennie from Australia
You can also use a high proof alcohol like everclear to offset the water content of fresh plant material!
You gave very clear and precise explanations for both syrups and tinctures. Thank you ... looking forward to more
Can you use whiskey
You can use any 80 proof alcohol. I like vodka because it has the most neutral flavour.
Can you make them together instead of separately?
You can do anything you want, but from what I’ve read the reason that it's not commonly done like that is to be able to control how much of each tincture you will have in your final blend. I think people usually make two (or three or twenty) separate tinctures, and then blend the tinctures together after they’re strained to make a brew that is supportive of their immune system or whatever they are trying to address. By making these separately you have the option to blend 3 parts elderberry with 1 part echinacea for example. But again it’s up to you
Can you use vinegar?
Yeah, you can swap alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar - it'll be a less potent tincture because vinegar isn't as good at extracting the beneficial compounds as alcohol and it won't store as long (I like to use vinegar-based extracts within 6 months-ish). Good luck!!
@@documentingsimpleliving thanks for the tip, will be trying this out soon! 👍
@@documentingsimpleliving amazing video and appreciate your sharing the advise!