Our Process

Storing Herbs

Storing your herbs correctly is especially important in warm climates. After purchasing herbs, store them in the freezer for a few days, then transfer them into glass jars with tight-fitting lids.

Keep jars in a cool, dark place, as moisture, heat, and light can rob herbs of their potency.

Label each jar with:

  • Name of herb or herb blend
  • Botanical name (or list of herbs in a blend)
  • Date
  • Any contraindications
  • Dosage (if applicable)

Tinctures

A tincture (also called an herbal extract) is made by combining fresh or dried herbs with a menstrum such as alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin. Tinctures are a concentrated liquid form of herbal medicine, are easily assimilated, and require no refrigeration.

Preparation

  1. Chop herbs coarsely and fill a clean, wide-mouth jar ½ to ¾ full with herbs or herb mixture.
  2. Cover completely with your chosen menstrum, ensuring herbs are covered by 1–2 inches.
  3. Place a piece of parchment paper over the jar opening and seal tightly with a lid.
  4. Label the jar with contents and the preparation date.
  5. Shake often for 3–4 weeks (or up to 6+ weeks).
  6. Strain and store liquid in dark bottles in a cool, dark place.
  7. Transfer into 1, 2, or 4 oz. dropper bottles for easy use.

Dosage (general guidance)

  • Chronic conditions: ½ teaspoon, 3 times per day
  • Acute conditions: ⅛–½ teaspoon every 1–2 hours

These dosages apply to tinctures made at home using whole herbs, not standardized or commercially manufactured products.

Note: Tinctures can be made for internal or external use. Always label “For External Use Only” when applicable.

Menstrums

A menstrum is the liquid used to extract plant constituents.

  • Tea → water
  • Tinctures → alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin

Unlike water, tincture menstrums also preserve the medicine—often for many years.

Alcohol

  • Most versatile and commonly used menstrum
  • Extracts a wide range of plant constituents
  • Preserves medicine for many years
  • Rapidly absorbed by the body
  • Use the highest quality alcohol you can afford

Glycerin

  • Use 100% vegetable glycerin
  • Tincture ratio: 75% glycerin / 25% distilled water
  • Highly nutritive
  • Shelf life: 2+ years
  • Excellent for children and those avoiding alcohol
  • Gentle on the stomach; suitable for ulcers
  • Sweet taste makes it ideal for children’s remedies
  • Added (10%) to tannin-rich tinctures to prevent alkaloid precipitation

Vinegar

  • A food-based menstrum that supports digestion
  • Helps balance acid/alkali levels
  • Best for daily tonic herbs and chronic conditions
  • Excellent mineral extractor (especially calcium-rich plants)
  • Add cayenne and honey to reduce sharpness
  • Store in a cool, dark place
  • Shelf life: 2–4 years

Teas

Teas are one of the easiest and least expensive ways to prepare herbs.

Standard dosage:

  • 1 teaspoon dried herb per 8 oz. cup of water

Chronic conditions:

  • 1 cup, 3–4 times per day
  • or 1 quart per day

Medicinal formulas are often stronger, sometimes using 1 oz. of herb per quart.

Decoctions

Decoctions are used for roots, barks, berries, and tougher plant material.

Preparation

  • Use 1 tsp.–1 Tbsp. dried herb per 8 oz. water
    (or 2–6 Tbsp. fresh herb)
  • Place herbs and cold water in a non-aluminum pot
    (glass or stainless steel preferred)
  • Cover tightly and bring to a simmer
  • Simmer 20 minutes, strain, and drink

Infusions

Infusions are best for leaves, flowers, and roots high in volatile oils (such as valerian or sassafras).

Preparation

  • Use 1 tsp.–1 Tbsp. dried herb per 8 oz. water
    (or 2–6 Tbsp. fresh herb)
  • Daily dosage: 2–4 cups per day
  • For 1 quart: use 4 Tbsp. dried herb, fill with hot to boiling water
  • Cover tightly and steep 20 minutes or overnight
  • Strain and drink

Cold Infusions

Sun Teas

  • Ideal for leaves and flowers
  • Place 1 cup dried herbs in a 1-gallon glass container
  • Fill with cold, pure water and cover
  • Set in the sun 4–6 hours
  • Strain and refrigerate

Lunar Teas

Especially supportive for reproductive system formulas.
Follow the same process as sun teas, but place the jar in moonlight overnight.
Strain and drink first thing in the morning.

Measurements & Equivalents

  • 1 tsp. dried herb = 1 cup (8 oz.) water
  • 1 tsp. dried herb = 1 Tbsp. fresh herb
  • 60 drops tincture = 1 tsp. tincture
  • 1 tsp. tincture = 1 cup tea = 2 “00” capsules