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Anita Morrill
Hello! I’ve been making my own herbal tinctures and salves for 4 or 5 years now using jars, kitchen tools, and a crock pot. My family recently gave me some specialized equipment that I’m not sure I need or will use. What equipment do you all use to make various things?
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Sherry Dyck
I also use regular kitchen tools. However my stick emulsion blender died and would like to buy one that is recommended for lotion making. Any suggestions?
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Greg Boggs
I use a Vitamix to powder up my dried herbs. For tincturing I use a potato ricer to press the herbs (thanks to whoever posted that idea on the forum) and a cloth
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Rebecca
Kitchen apothecary here too! I’ve found the old metal clasp mason jars to be indispensable. They are reusable, solid, and no metal comes in contact with the contents, so there is no concern of rust or leakage from the modern lid and band. The rubber gasket replacements are found online, just be sure to order the right measurement.
Some glass fermentation weights have been useful for the herbs that just don’t want to stay under the liquid line, but they’re not necessary.
Constantly buying cheesecloth can get out of hand pretty quickly, so I opted for muslin nut milk bags for the bigger messier jobs.
This is absolutely not a requirement, but it has given me a lot of satisfaction and saves your wrists if you deal with arthritis. If you like visiting flea markets or antique shops, try keeping an eye out for a mezzaluna knife, ulu knife, or even an old pastry cutter with two handles. They all have a curved blade that can be used in a rocking motion with your arms to quickly break down fresh herbs when a blender is not available or undesirable. (I’m a bit strapped for cash, so until I can afford a good blender, my sharpening stones will still have a job!)
Caution: Always thoroughly clean the metal of any rust before use, and if you are not confident in sharpening the blade, professional knife sharpeners are almost always excited when a different shaped blade comes their way for service!
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kmarotta
I use basic kitchen equipment, too. A double boiler and amber jars are the most essential. I save empty jars, bottles & containers for salves and creations. The empty brown bread machine yeast jars make great salve containers! A good sturdy blender is also very useful. I buy plain cotton muslin at the fabric store. I don’t think you need specialized or dedicated equipment.
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Sharon
For pressing, I have tried many methods/tools – but this inexpensive gadget is the bomb!! ebay.com/itm/335297450250 I use knee high hose for the herbs and it works so much better than fabric due to space issues in the press. Probably the best $30 I have spent on herb related tools/gadgets!
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Helen Huizenga
Hi,
I use basic kitchen equipment right now myself, I am working on making my own tincture press using a hydraulic jack, I will keep you posted on that. I use the Oster blender that will fit my mason jars it helps a lot with oil making. I love a good gadget lol, anything that makes the process easier.
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