Herbal tinctures are more powerful and last longer than dried herbs. And the good news is: making tinctures is easier than you think.
Basically, a tincture is made by soaking a measured quantity of fresh or dried herb in a solvent.
Two major solvents used in herbal tinctures are alcohol and glycerin.
Generally speaking, alcohol can extract more of the herbs' active ingredients than glycerin. However, some animals may not like the taste of alcohol. Moreover, alcohol
may cause allergic reaction or stomach irritation to some animals.
For use in dogs, therefore, it may be better to use the glycerin tinctures. They can be added to the dog's drinking water or even his food.
How to Make Herbal Tinctures
Items Needed
Dried or fresh herbs in powdered or cut form
40 percent alcohol, e.g. vodka or brandy (DO NOT use rubbing, isopropyl or wood alcohol) OR glycerin
Wide-mouthed glass jars with lids
Unbleached cheesecloth
Directions
Add the amount of herb you desire into the glass jar.
Add either alcohol or glycerin until the herbs are entirely covered.
Stir the mixture until the herb and the liquid are mixed.
Seal the jar tightly.
Label the tincture jar with the date, the herb and solvent used!
For the first few days, you may need to stir the tincture or add more liquid (alcohol or glycerin) to the mixture.
Store the jar in a dark area for 6 weeks.
Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and store the liquid in another jar or dark colored tincture bottle.
Close the storage container with a stopper or cap.
Don't forget to label the tincture with the date, the herb and solvent used!
Store the tincture in a cool dark place. (Glycerin tinctures will keep longer in the fridge.)
Here is a video showing you how to make a valerian tincture:
Dosage to be Administered to Dogs
How much of an herbal preparation should be given to your dog depends on his size.
For dogs that are:
1 to 10 pounds, add 1 to 3 drops of a tincture to their food or water, 2 to 3 times a day.
11 to 20 pounds, add 3 to 5 drops of a tincture to their food or water, 2 to 3 times a day.
21 to 50 pounds, add 5 to 10 drops of a tincture to their food or water, 2 to 3 times a day.
51 to 100 pounds, add 10 to 20 drops of a tincture to their food or water, 2 to 3 times a day.
Basically, a tincture is made by soaking a measured quantity of fresh or dried herb in a solvent.
Two major solvents used in herbal tinctures are alcohol and glycerin.
Generally speaking, alcohol can extract more of the herbs' active ingredients than glycerin. However, some animals may not like the taste of alcohol. Moreover, alcohol
may cause allergic reaction or stomach irritation to some animals.
For use in dogs, therefore, it may be better to use the glycerin tinctures. They can be added to the dog's drinking water or even his food.
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