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Sharon
Quick help if possible? I put 25 grams of comfrey leaves in the blender to powder it (but ended up with not fine powder like Doc’s, but not leaf chunks either). Then I added 125 ml of vodka for the 1:5 – it laughed at me. It’s a nice green “lump” that has zero liquid to dribble out now. So do I just totally blow off the suggested ratio and end up with the “folk method”, or is there something else I can do here? I don’t want to leave it this way or it may mold… Any help is welcome! Thank you all.
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Annett
When this happens to me, I just add more vodka in the 25 grams increments until the liquid covers the plant material. Many plants need more than the 1:5 ratio. They just soak up more water. So, if you added another 25 grams of vodka it would be a 1:6 ratio. Hope this helps:)
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Yeah, I’m already up to a 1:7, but can tell it’s probably going to be a 1:9 before it can “slosh” enough to shake it daily!
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Good luck! I tried tincturing mullein once and it went up to 1:13. I just dry it now and make a tea. It’s a fun learning process because you won’t forget what you’re learning while you are doing hands-on. Way to go!!
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I know – my mullein tincture was a ratio disaster! I think your number was about what I ended up with, but now I combine mullein and marshmallow (and some peppermint for taste), and it’s supposed to really help with mucous and allergies. Just started using it, but have to say, it’s one of the best tasting ones I’ve made yet – most lean into “nasty” pretty strong! Thanks for the encouragement!
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Ya! Mullein seems mild in flavor enough to be tasty with other tasty herbs. I love spearmint with it. And all the Christmas flavors go well with it too, like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom. Yum!!
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Well, it looks like it had to be a 1:11 for the comfrey. Might could have gotten by with a teeny bit less, but at that point, there’s probably not much difference in the strength of 1:10 and 1:11. Oh well, it is what it is.
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Dr. Patrick Jones
Mullein is the thirstiest herb I’ve ever met…like a sailor with a hollow wooden leg. Comfrey can absorb a lot too. Both are worse when not finely ground. I’ve gone “Folksy” on mullein about every time I do it as a simple. LOL
Yarrow always seem to like being 1:6 instead of 1:5. 1:5 isn’t a perfect ratio for every herb…just most of them.
Comfrey is also the most miserable herb on Earth to press…super thick and slippery. If it wasn’t one of the best medicines on Earth, I’d never tincture it. LOL
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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Thanks Doc – good to know that “folksy” is the norm for some of these “hollow legged” ones!
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Dee.MW
Can a folk tincture be too weak? Is that even a concern?
Or in other words what’s the best visual guessing guide for these thirsty herbs? Look for half herb/half liquid balance? I was tincturing hops and the liquid sank like a toddler in a ball room – gone. I kept pouring until there was liquid for the herb to float and easily stir, maybe 1/3 again above the hops. It doesn’t look or smell weak, but I also don’t want to under utilize herbal resources if they can take more liquid. Thanks!
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Hops is often a super thirsty rascal. As long as the herb is completely covered with the booze, it’ll work.
A tincture can’t ever be “too weak” but you may need to take more than a normal dose to get the effect you’re after. If you keep track of the ratio you’ll know how strong it is.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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Charlotte Chumlea
I have not tried either of those herbs yet, but I wonder if freeze drying before “powdering” would help. ?
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kencar
Sounds like a good idea. I’ll try my comfrey that way and see what happens.
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Michelle Koch
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