How to Make a Vinegar Tincture

Dried herbs produce the most effective medicinal extract, but fresh herbs can be used as well. I prefer the dried herbs because fresh herbs have too much moisture and will water down the vinegar as the maceration process begins.

You’ll need a glass jar with a non-metal lid, because during the maceration process the vinegar will react with the metal lid and ring and corrode it. I would suggest that you prepare the tincture in a quart mason jar and then cover the top with a triple layer of food grade plastic wrap. Place the plastic wrap over the top and secure it with a thick rubber band.

Add 1 ounce of dried herb or 1/2 cup of fresh, chopped herb to a quart mason jar. Slowly pour in enough apple cider vinegar, leaving 2 inches at the top for expansion. Bragg apple cider vinegar is best as it contains the “mother” and has not been filtered out. If you can’t find the Bragg, then use a name brand vinegar with 5% acidity.

Once you have filled the jar with the herb and the vinegar and covered it, place it in a cool dark area for 14 days. Strain out the herb and place the vinegar tincture in a clean jar. Cover the jar with a fresh, triple layer of plastic wrap, secure with a rubber band, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

This is a medicinal recipe for tincture and I would suggest using peppermint, thyme, sage, rosemary or oregano as the herb of choice. This tincture is used for colds, flu and strengthening the immune system. This tincture is also used to gradually change the pH of urine, making it more difficult for bacteria to cling to the bladder.

Over time if the tincture is taken daily it may alter blood chemistry ever so slightly, making it more acidic. pH is an abbreviation for potential Hydrogen. A pH number measures from 0 to 14. Anything above 7 on this scale is alkaline, and anything below 7 is acid. You would have to consume hundreds of gallons of vinegar for years to even move out of this range.

The daily dose for adults is 1 tablespoon added to 1/4 cup plain water. Drink it in the morning and in the evening before bed.

This article is not meant to replace professional health care. If you are taking any medications, have high blood pressure, pregnant or breast feeding, this preparation is not suitable for you. Always consult with your doctor before consuming any herbal preparation.

Blessed be, sweet ones

~ Meadow Walker

When real food and herbal medicine are outlawed, only outlaws will have them.