Dear Colleagues

I would like to hear opinions about premixing dried herbs extractable in alcohol (all requring the same range of strength more or less ) and producing a tincture - rather than having to produce single plant textures and mixing them later . Is there any literature on the issue ?

Thanks
Joseph

Hi Joseph

The advice I have been given by practicing herbalists who make their own herbal products is that it is infinitely better to make tinctures or oils of single herbs which you can then blend together afterwards. This way you can decide which proportions you wish for the mixture, rather than being constrained by the proportions in a mixed tincture.

I know of no literature which advocates making a mixed tincture, but you can check James Green's Home Apothecary (don't have the correct title to hand), any book by David Hoffman or Penelope Ody or look at Henriette's website. (see the links in the HS links page)

The only time when I have premixed herbs prior to preparation was when making an "old wound" salve from fresh herbs and had yarrow, comfrey and plantain to hand but limited time in which to infuse them. I also made a combination herbal honey to use with burns by adding three herbs to the honey.

Normally, I always make single herb oils, tinctures and vinegars because each combination I produce will be different according to the circumstances, need, age and strength of the product and the person for whom it is made.

Hope this helps

Sarah

Hi Joseph,

I've done this with oils when I've had only a small amount of herb so I mix a few together to make it worthwhile...