Mullein is commonly used as a tea or a tincture in remedies for congestion. The flowers also are steeped in an oil infusion used to relieve earaches and soften blockages caused by a buildup of wax. Making a mullein tincture only requires a few ingredients. Primarily, the recipe for any tincture calls for time. The longer you allow the herb to steep in the tincture solution, the more powerful your remedy will be.
Instructions
Preparing the Herbs
1. Harvest the approximately two quarts of mullein stems and flowers by making an angled cut near the base of the plant. Don't take more than 50 percent of the total plant so as to leave plenty behind for future use. If fresh mullein isn't available, purchase a half-pound of dried herbs from a natural food store or online through a reputable herb company.
2. Shake the leaves free of any dust or insects. You can give the stems a rinse, but this isn't necessary unless the plant was covered in dirt.
3. Break the stems into pieces and place them into the canning jar. If using purchased dried herbs, the herbs will already be processed. Fill the jar halfway with herbs but don't stuff them in. They will need to have room to fully absorb the .
4. Pour one quart of 100-proof alcohol into the jar. Vodka or brandy is commonly used for making tinctures and is easily purchased in liquor stores. If alcohol is not desired, use a quart of plain white vinegar instead.
5. Add two tablespoons of honey to a quart of water and mix this in with the alcohol. Mullein is a mucilaginous plant, which makes it so valuable as an expectorant. The honey will pull out the mucilage compounds to give you a more effective tincture.
6. Put the cap on the jar and shake it a little to allow the herbs to settle into the liquid. It is important that the solution--called the menstruum--completely covers the herbs. Any herbs that are exposed to air during the tincturing process will eventually spoil and destroy the tincture. Add more menstruum if necessary.
7. Tightly cap the jar and label with the date. Place the jar in a cool, dry location for at least three weeks. The tincture will strengthen the longer it sits. Check on the herbs every couple of days and give the jar a turn to prevent settling. Check to see if menstruum needs to be added to the jar.
Making the Tincture
8. Place a colander over a pot and line with cheesecloth. You will be wringing the liquid out of the herbs, so use a piece that is big enough to make a small bundle.
9. Pour the tincture into the cheesecloth. Use a small bit of water to rinse the remaining herb out of the jar-don't worry too much about diluting the tincture as long as you are not excessive with the water.
10. Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and squeeze the liquid from the herbs, wrenching as much liquid out as you can.
11. Discard the mullein to the compost pile and pour the new tincture into a clean glass jar for future use.
Tags: commonly used, dried herbs, , tincture into, tincture solution