Nowadays, the use of medicinal plants has become quite common to cure certain diseases. However, they had been used since ancient times when medical knowledge was practically nil. The most common is to consume them through the preparation of different varieties of infusions. But currently, making mother tincture It has become very popular, especially to harness the power of these plants through small drops.
What is the mother tincture?
It is known as mother tincture to the liquid extract or solution of the active principles that a plant contains. In this case, various parts of the plant can be used, that is, the flowers, the leaves and even the root. It is normally mixed with some type of hydroalcoholic solution, although other similar elements can also be used.
The goal is to fill a container with this solution and add the desired part of the plant. With this, most of the medicinal properties are concentrated for later use. The plant to be used can be fresh or dry, the important thing is that the alcohol can extract all the active ingredients from it.
How to make mother tincture?
After knowing what they are, now is the time to know how to make mother tincture. The truth is that it is a fairly simple process as long as you have the necessary elements. As for the ingredients, only a few are needed for its preparation, in this case it would be the medicinal plant and the alcohol solution.
The plant to choose will depend on the use that is going to be given to the tincture, keeping in mind that it can be fresh and it is also possible to use it dry. For its part, the alcohol solution must be of good quality, preferably a solution suitable for human consumption.
The plant is placed in a glass container and half of the alcohol solution is poured and the other half is completed with water. The purpose of alcohol is to extract most of the active ingredients contained in the medicinal plant. Besides, it serves as a perfect preservative that allows the solution to be preserved for a long period of time. While the water helps it to macerate without problems.
After correctly closing the container, the next step is very important, you have to let the mixture macerate for a minimum of 24 hours. To obtain higher quality tinctures, it is best to leave them undisturbed for several days before opening the container. In addition, it is essential to store the container in a cool place, free from moisture and above all away from sunlight. Before consuming, it is very important to strain in order to ingest only the solution extracted from the plant.
What are the benefits of mother tincture?
Depending on the type of medicinal plant used, the benefits of the mother tincture may vary. It should be noted that mother tinctures concentrate all the active ingredients of a plant. So its properties become more durable, while its medicinal effects become more effective.
No matter what part of the plant is used, tinctures retain the power of their properties for up to two years. Being an essential complement that should not be missing at home to combat numerous conditions.
In this way, some of the benefits of this type of tinctures are the following:
– Within a properly stored glass container, tinctures can be preserved for a long time. Even more than preserving dried leaves or flowers.
– The concentration of active ingredients in the tinctures is really high and of great quality.
– Over time, the active ingredients extracted from a medicinal plant do not decrease, on the contrary, they become more and more concentrated.
– Eating them is quite simple, you can add a certain amount of the solution in water, juice or tea.
– Because they are prepared in glass containers, they do not take up too much space, which is ideal for having several at home.
Mother tincture how to take it
The most common way to ingest tinctures is with the help of a dropper, with this it is easier to calculate the doses and consume them without problems. The recommended dose will depend on the condition to be treated and the plant used to make the solution. However, the best thing to do before taking this or any other natural product is to see a doctor first.
However, the most common way to administer tinctures is orally, since the properties can be absorbed faster. Several drops of the solution can be placed directly on the tongue and then swallowed. However, its flavor is usually somewhat bitter, so the quantity must be exceeded.
Likewise, small amounts can be added in infusions, fruit juice, water and also in food. To calculate the dose it is necessary to take into consideration the factor of age, weight and the level of concentration of the solution. The dose of mother tincture for children should be less than that used in adults, the same amount of this medicinal extract should never be administered.
What is the mother tincture for?
Some people take mother tincture for anxiety, as it can help calm anxiety. In general, the use of tinctures is almost exclusive for the treatment of multiple diseases. However, in the culinary world they are also highly appreciated for the preparation of various drinks and desserts.
On the other hand, there are people who also use mother tincture to lose weight, however, this is not 100% proven. For cases like these, it is best to consult a nutritionist, tinctures should never be ingested without the supervision of a specialist.
Examples of mother tincture
Currently there is a wide variety of plants with medicinal properties, so the production of mother tinctures is diverse. Some examples of mother tincture are the following:
Chamomile
Ideal for reducing inflammation and treating certain wounds, it is also a highly recommended option for those who suffer from anxiety.
Horse tail
It serves to relieve fluid retention problems and above all to reduce their volume.
Ginseng
This is one of the most widely used tinctures, not only in the present but also since very ancient times. Increases strength and vitality while improving mood and reducing levels of physical and mental exhaustion.
Ginkgo
According to medical studies, the leaf of this medicinal plant can help prevent dementia. Besides, it serves as a natural stimulant for brain functions, but studies are still in progress.
Cat’s claw
The active ingredients of this plant help improve the immune system and are essential to prevent and combat a large number of diseases.
Mother tincture contraindications
Being a natural product in its entirety, there is no type of risk when consuming it. Since it is the concentrated extract of the active ingredients of medicinal plants. However, this does not mean that you should consume in excessive amounts beyond the recommended dose.
There are some plants that help fight specific diseases, such as liver failure. In cases like these, it is best not to overindulge in herbal tinctures, as the effect could be completely the opposite of what is expected.
In the same way, people who suffer from any type of allergies should not consume mother tinctures without obtaining the necessary information beforehand. Especially if these allergies are caused by some component that can be found in the plants used for this solution.
Sources:
betterwithhealth
ecothings
the herbalist