You can use tinctures during ritual or spellwork, anytime that you would use oil. Any mix of herbs will do, depending on your purpose for the tincture. Because of the alcohol content, you might want to be careful around candles, though.

What you need:

• 1oz of dried herb or 1/2 oz fresh herb
• A clean glass jar with tight lid
• Vodka (100 proof is best, 80 proof will do)

Place the herbs in the jar. Pour Vodka over the herbs until you have 2 inches more Vodka than herbs. (this is how I do it) Close the lid tightly, shake bottle and label with name of tincture and the date. Keep the jar in a cool, dark place for 1 month. For stronger tinctures, leave for 3 months. I always start my tinctures on the New Moon. I find they are generally stronger if done this way. When your tincture is ready to be strained, grab some cheese cloth and a clean dark bottle (preferably with a dropper) and a small funnel. Place the cheesecloth in the funnel and slowly pour out all of the tincture mix. Once all the herbs is in the funnel, grab the cheesecloth and form a ball. Squeeze out all excess tincture from this ball. Place lid on bottle and label. Store in cool dark place. Keeps for 2 years.

For larger batches, I follow these measurements:
7 oz dried herb or 2 1/2 oz fresh herb to 5 cups alcohol.

You should never take a tincture internally, unless it was specifically made for medicinal purposes. Standard dose is up to 1 tsp, 3 times daily.

Details and instructions provided by my good friend, Lyndsay Frost.

~ Terri Paajanen