How to Make a Ginseng Tincture

Herbs are highly valued for both their nutritive and medicinal value and can be prepared as infusions, salves, or tinctures. A tincture is made by steeping herbs in alcohol, usually vodka or rum. According to Susan Weed, the process of making a tincture leeches the nutritional value out of the herbs, but it enhances the herb's medicinal value. Ginseng is a highly prized herb in Chinese medicine and is thought to be useful in treating a wide range of conditions.

Things You'll Need

• Dried ginseng root (about an ounce)
• Alcohol (vodka or rum)
• Pint-sized glass jar
• Cheesecloth
• Colored glass jar with a lid
• Funnel

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Instructions

How to Make a Ginseng Tincture

• 1

  Gather 1 oz. of dried ginseng root, or enough to fill a pint-sized glass container 1/3 full with the herb. Chop into pieces and place into the jar.

• 2

  Fill the jar to the top with rum or vodka. Susan Weed advises using 100-proof alcohol. She states that lower-proof alcohols don't work as well and higher-proof alcohols can cause damage to liver and kidneys.

• 3

  Cover the jar and allow to steep for six weeks.

• 4

  Strain the herb out of the alcohol through a cheesecloth or paper filter. Discard used herb.

• 5

  Using the funnel, pour the strained tincture into a dark-colored bottle. Label bottle with type of tincture and the date, and store the tincture tightly closed in a cool, dark place.