Everclear Herbs

Everclear is a 100 percent neutral spirit distilled from grain and available in concentrations of 151-proof with an alcohol content of 75.5 percent and 190-proof with an alcohol content of 95 percent. Both varieties are used in extracting and preserving essential oils and components from fresh and dried herbs to create tinctures used in homeopathic remedies and toiletries.

Extraction Using the Simpler's Method

• You need a bottle of Everclear, herbs, strainer, cheese cloth, a jar with lid and storage containers to make the tincture of your choice to treat a specific condition. Place finely chopped herbs in the jar, fill the jar with enough Everclear to cover the herbs completely and seal tightly. Store in a dark place for six weeks and shake the contents daily to prevent the herbs from packing at the bottom of the jar. Line strainer with cheesecloth and strain the liquid. Pour liquid into a storage bottle.

Ingestion

• Follow the recommended dosage and place the tincture directly on the tongue or mix it with water, juice or tea. An herbal infusion made with hawthorn is used in homeopathy to treat mild heart problems. Studies show that hawthorn tinctures are safe for most adults and further studies are under way to determine its efficacy in various types of heart disease. Ginger tinctures are used to relieve nausea and vomiting, and milk thistle is used to relieve symptoms of liver disease.

Toiletries

• Make perfumes by mixing essential oil, Everclear and water in a sealed container and store two to six weeks to reach desired potency. Popular herbs in homemade perfumes include lavender, chamomile, basil and peppermint. Make a hand sanitizer by mixing 1/4 cup of Everclear with a 1/4 cup of aloe vera and store in a pump bottle.

Alcohol Ingestion and Drug Interactions

• Avoid ingesting alcohol by placing the recommended amount of tincture drops into a cup of hot tea or water for a few minutes. The alcohol will evaporate leaving the herbal extracts behind. Consult with your physician before mixing prescription medications with herbal tincture to avoid negative interactions, and never administer tinctures to children without consulting with their pediatrician about appropriate dosage and treatment duration.