No doubt hedgewitches were making a varation on this recipe centuries ago:
Herbal tinctures, which are concentrated reductions
of the herbs, are more expensive but last longer and provide a higher dose of
the herb. We keep a tincture of
echinacea and goldenseal in the house year round. At the first sign of a cold or cough, a few
drops go into herbal teas and hot lemon and honey toddies. A hot toddy is traditionally made with hot
water, lemon, sugar or honey, and liquor such as brandy, but it doesn’t have to
be alcoholic to be medicinal. Fresh
ginger and garlic are great for adding to home remedies, particularly for
colds; just chop finely or grate and add to teas and toddies.
This powerful healing curative
should be kept on hand at all times for soothing the skin, the stomach and
anything in need of comfort. I have even seen it be used to stanch bleeding in
small cuts.
You need the following:
Dried lavender1 1.2 cups
Dried chamomile 1 ½ cups
Clear quart jar with lid
Cheesecloth
Dark glass for storage
2 cups distilled water
1 cup clear alcohol such as
vodka
Fill your clear quart jar to
the halfway point with the dried lavender and chamomile. Pour in the alcohol
also to the halfway point, Add in the water and seal with the lid securely and
shake for a few minutes until it seems well mixed. Store in a dark cupboard for
one month, shaking once a day. After 30
days, strain with cheesecloth into the dark glass storage jar and screw the lid
on tightly. The lavender and chamomile leavings will make lovely compost and
the liquid tincture will soon prove itself indispensible in your household.
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