In This Issue
Pink Heart

February Specials Butterfly Express LLC
8 NEW Oils - 3 New Blends and 5 New Singles
Featured Oils of the Month Butterfly Expressions LLC
Webinars online Essential Oil class
Making Herbal Medicines ~LaRee Westover~
Health Tip: HVC Tea -Benefits of Cayenne
Quote of the Month
~Mother Teresa~
Pink Heart


Pink Heart
February Specials
Butterfly Express LLC ®
Pink Heart
15 % off
To purchase product click on the picture
.. . . . .
LeMoonlight, LePurify, LeWeightless
. . . . . . .
Clementine, Oregano, Rose

...............Buy all six and receive 20% off...............
LeMoonlight, LePurify, LeWeightless
Clementine, Oregano, Rose

www.ButterflyExpress.net
1-208-747-3021


Sneak Preview at the March Specials
LeDelicate
LeTendaCare
LeVallee
Eucalyptus
Blue Mallee
Lemon
Palmarosa


New Oils
10% off
from Butterfly Express
6ml
10ml
10ml
10ml
10ml
6ml
6ml
6ml

. . . .
Add these wonderful Essential oils to your
to your "Butterfly Collection" today!!
. . . .


LeGrace
Ingredients
mandarin, neroli, sandalwood, spruce, zanthoxylum

Affinity for
nervous system meridians emotional balance
endocrine system governing vessel chakras
electrical system of the heart central vessel solar plexus, brow
pineal and pituitary glands

all 4 fire element meridians

heart, and sacral

Resonance
physical, emotional, spiritual

Application
LeGrace has a lovely aroma. It is very nice worn as a perfume (perhaps it is a little too sweet for a man’s cologne). It can be diffused, used as a massage oil, or added to a bath. I like to dilute it and apply it on my chest, directly over my heart.

Aromatic Considerations
LeGrace has a delicate, yet penetrating aroma which increases feelings of hope and self-confidence.

Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
When we arrived on this mortal shore, each one of us inherited a packet of fears. Included in this package was the fear that we are somehow defective and less than we should be. We fear that we are not going to be able to accomplish the things in life that we were meant to accomplish. We are unable to truly love others. To love is to let someone come close enough to see that we are deficient in qualities that we believe everyone else has in abundance. That this feeling of deficiency we think we see in ourselves is only a perception doesn’t make it any less real in our minds. It becomes one of the core beliefs that we are living our lives . LeGrace is meant to help us connect with reality and God’s view of our potential and who we are. This blend can open us to the love of others and to acceptance of ourselves. This perception of defectiveness and deficiency in ourselves creates peaks and valleys in our emotions and in our productivity. For a while, we struggle on in the face of our fears. We are determined to learn what we need to learn and we are determined to win at the game of life somehow. This productivity and enthusiasm is then followed by a period of despair and inertia as our perceptions and fears get the upper hand. LeGrace, by removing our mis-perceptions and fears and helping us see ourselves more clearly, evens out these peaks and valleys and lets us settle in to calm and dynamic productivity. The aroma of LeGrace helps us find and move toward our place in the universe. This blend can bring us the assurance that we are right where we are supposed to be and all is right in our personal world. We can relax and enjoy our lives, while still accomplishing all that we need to and living to our full potential. We can begin to express and receive love without our fears getting in the way. LeGrace is an excellent blend for the grief of losing, or separating from, a loved one. LeGrace should be used for depression and anxiety, especially when those states were triggered by grief or loss. LeHeart Song and LeGrace are excellent companion oils when working with grief issues of any sort.

Physical Aspects
LeGrace, because is regulates the electrical impulses of the heart, has a regulatory effect on heartbeat, pulse, and blood pressure. This effect is particularly pronounced when the heart problems have an underlying emotional component of stress over feelings of inadequacy or inability to do enough or be good enough in life or in a particular situation. LeGrace can be effective for heart arrhythmias, tachycardia, and high blood pressure.

General Information
LeGrace can be used as a follow-up or companion oil to LeReconciliation. Having healed the grief of parting and distance from loved ones, we are ready to find our own way and become all that we were meant to become.

Cautions
The oils contained in LeGrace have no known cautions.


LeJulia
Ingredients
anethi, caraway, chamomile Roman, lavender, peppermint

Affinity for
digestive system, particularly of infants and children under approximately 5 years of age.
stomach meridian

Resonance
physical, emotional

Application
Careful dilution is recommended, as always, when using essential oils with infants and small children. LeJulia should be applied to the abdomen and/or to the feet.

Aromatic Considerations
Diffuse for emotional calming and improved sleep.

Emotional/Spiritual aspects
LeJulia calms and soothes the emotions, allowing the “knots” in the stomach to dissolve. The synergy of the oils in this blend creates an atmosphere where fear, anxiety, and the need to hold on tightly to emotions can be released. It seems odd that infants and small children should have such issues, but the birth process and coming into this world can be a difficult transition for some sensitive spirits.

Physical Aspects
LeJulia is for the release of flatulence (gas), consitpation, and other intestinal distress in infants and small children. This blend is also useful for colic, upset tummy, and nausea caused by fear or over-excitement
.



LeLivN
Ingredients
blue tansy, celery seed, fir balsamea, grapefruit, helichrysum, ledum, myrrh, yarrow yellow

Affinity for
immune system bilary ducts gallbladder and liver meridians
endocrine system liver solar plexus chakra

Resonance
physical, emotional, mental

Application
Dilute and apply to the feet or to the liver area (right upper side) of the abdomen.

Aromatic Considerations
LeLivN, diffused or added to a bath, promotes a calm atmosphere where difficulties can be taken in stride and overcome.

Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
LeLivN helps us recover our normal resilience and equilibrium when stress or illness has robbed us of focus and direction. This blend can help us be less frustrated and upset by the people and events in our lives. LeLivN helps us turn our energy and ideas into productivity and accomplishment.

Physical Aspects
LeLivN is a blood and liver cleansing blend. LeLivN is designed to digest and eliminate fatty cells and their load of toxins from the liver. The cleaner internal environment created by LeLivN ensures that the new cells created in the liver are healthy and better able to carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells of muscles, organs, and connective tissues. The effects of the extra nutrients and oxygen in the body are far reaching. A healthier liver, cleaner blood, and healthier cells result in the lowering of cholesterol and triglyceride levels and can have a positive influence on type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, for example. LeLivN improves immune function and increases energy levels and stamina. For more information on fatty liver see the description of ledum.

General information
In most cases, use LeLivN for major cleansing programs and LeRevitalize for routine maintenance of a healthy liver and bloodstream. LeRevitalize, being a little bit milder, might also be used for mild detoxification programs following periods of increased stress or poorer than usual dietary habits.


Anethi (Anethum sowa)

Ingredient In
LeJulia

Therapeutic Properties
antispasmodic, antibacterial, carminative, digestive, expectorant, hypo-tensive, stomachic

Affinity For
digestive system
nervous system

Resonance Plant Family Part of Plant Used
physical, emotional Umbelliferae seeds


Application
Like dill and caraway, anethi is usually more effective when used as part of a blend of essential oils.

Aromatic Considerations
Anethi is reminiscent of dill with some caraway-like notes.

Physical Aspects
Anethi, in hydrosol or well-diluted, has been used to relieve flatulence in infants. Anethi is also known as a mild and soothing expectorant and has been used to dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Cautions
There are no cautions for anethi, but all essential oils should be used cautiously by pregnant women and those suffering from seizure disorders.


Chaulmoogra (Hydnocarpus laurifolia)

Ingredient In
LeWarm Down

Therapeutic Properties
analgesic, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, cicatrisant

Affinity For
skin respiratory tract nerves

Resonance Plant Family Part of Plant Used
physical Achariaceae
formerly Flacourtiaceae)
seeds

Application
Dilute with carrier oil or water and apply to areas of concern.

Aromatic Considerations
Chaulmoogra has a pleasantly mild, woody aroma.

Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
There are no emotional aspects mentioned that I can find for this essential oil although, of course, it has some.

Physical Aspects
Chaulmoogra is used in the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema. It is also used for bruises, sprains, sores, wounds, and scrofula. In England it is recommended in treatments for tuberculosis. Chaulmoogra is sometimes used in the cosmetics industry to even the pigmentation of the skin.

General Information
The fresh, ripe seeds of this plant are reputed to contain an essential oil that has been used specifically in the treatment of the early stages of leprosy.
The use of chaulmoogra for leprosy is documented in several countries over a period of several hundred years.

Cautions
Non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. There is not enough information available to declare it safe for pregnancy, however. Caution is advised with pregnancy and small children.


Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)

Ingredient In
LeLivN, LeTherma-Care, LeWeightless, LeWoman Wise

Therapeutic Properties
anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular tonic, cicatrisant, diuretic, mildly expectorant, hepatic, lymphatic decongestant, nervine, pectoral, sedative

Affinity For
urinary system liver meridians
nerves circulation particular affinity for water

Resonance Plant Family Part of Plant Used
physical, mental, emotional Asteraceae flowers


Application
Goldenrod should be diluted and applied as needed. It may also be diffused.

Aromatic Considerations
Goldenrod is relaxing and calming when diffused. It has a pleasant balsamic/citrus aroma with just a touch of spice.

Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
As goldenrod strengthens the cardiovascular and urinary systems, it brings to us an ability to take charge of our own emotional and physical health. Goldenrod is emotionally and psychologically strengthening.

Physical Aspects
The Swiss Pharmacopia lists goldenrod as a support for the cardiovascular system for tachycardia and arrhythmia and credits it with strengthening the urinary tract and improving liver function. Goldenrod, like ledum, affects and diminishes the unwanted fatty cells in the liver. Goldenrod is also reputed to aid lymphatic drainage and to be effective for sinus and bronchial mucous and in the relief of hay fever symptoms. The combination of nervine, cardiovascular, and urinary tract properties make goldenrod a natural choice for the control of high blood pressure.

General Information
It is interesting to note that the medicinal properties of this oil were so well recognized that its name, Solidago, was derived from the Latin word solide which literally means “to make whole.” In America, goldenrod tea is still referred to as “Liberty Tea.” This reflects its use by the colonists as a substitute for the English tea that was being taxed by the king.

Cautions
Dilution is recommended, especially for use on more sensitive areas.


Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides)
Ingredient In
LeInside-Out, LeJourney, LeVallee

Therapeutic Properties
analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, fungicidal, nervine

Affinity For
digestive system ear, nose, throat yang energy
nervous system skin, hair

Resonance Plant Family Part of Plant Used
physical, emotional Myrtaceae leaves

Application
Dilute and apply to areas of concern.

Aromatic Considerations
Kanuka has a calming, yet invigorating, aroma.

Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
Kanuka is useful in the reduction of anxiety and stress-related behaviors.

Physical Aspects
Kanuka contain a cluster of five sesquiterpine compounds, all of which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Kanuka is effective for joint and muscle pain, including that of rheumatoid arthritis. Kanuka’s anti-inflammatory properties seem to be particularly effective for ear, nose, and throat inflammations and infections and for the treatment of certain types of migraine headaches. Kanuka is also used in the treatment of skin conditions such as eczema, rashes, and insect bites. Kanuka is said to be an insect repellent.

General Information
Kanuka is a fairly new essential oil from Tasmania. A Tasmanian farmer, John Hood, noticed that the steel wire fence that had this strange plant growing near it was not rusting out like other fences on his property. This observation led to years of investigation and trials of the essential oil that is distilled from this plant. Kunzea (Kunzea ambigua) and kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) seem to be very similar in both aroma and therapeutic properties. Dr. Daniel Penoel, MD, of France has used Kunzea abigua in the treatment of advanced Chrohn’s disease. He, as is common in France, was using it internally.

Cautions
There are no none cautions with Kanuka essential oil
.


Violet Leaf (Viola odorata)

Ingredient In
LeReconciliation

Therapeutic Properties
analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, astringent, circulatory stimulant, decongestant, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, hepatic, laxative, lymphatic, pectoral, sedative

Affinity For
circulatory system liver All 4 of the fire element meridians
lymphatic system nerves heart chakra

Resonance Plant Family Part of Plant Used
physical, emotional Violaceae flowers

Application
Violet can be diffused, added to the bath, or diluted and applied to any area of the body.

Aromatic Considerations
The aroma of violet on first impression is very green—grassy and leafy all at once. Applied to the body or diffused, it develops a delightful floral overtone. The aroma is soothing and inspiring.

Emotional/Spiritual/Mental Aspects
Violet supports the heart and the emotions that reside there. Violet is particularly balancing to feelings of melancholy, nostalgia, and longing for things past. Violet can also be used effectively to temper obsessive tendencies. The aroma of violet leaf can help us focus mentally, pay attention more easily, and see clearly to the core of confusing issues in our lives. The clarifying influence of violet leaf essential oil can help us realize our potential and overcome feelings of fear.

Physical Aspects
Inhaled, particularly using a cool mist humidifier, violet can relieve migraine headaches and clear blocked nasal passages. Violet leaf can be applied topically to relieve the pain associated with sprains, bruises, and arthritis. Violet leaf essential oil, applied with water rather than a carrier oil, can cleanse and close the pores of the skin and increase lymphatic drainage. Violet is considered a liver decongestant and circulatory stimulant. Violet oil should be applied to the chest or inhaled when there is a need to bring up phlegm (expectorate).

Cautions
Non known.


Webinars Online Essential Oil Class
Taught by Sharon Moran
Learn about essential oils right from your own home.
Each class is open to the first 24 people to sign up
Click here for a class schedule


Take a basic oil class in February
and you qualify for these specials:
2 ounce LeAspire   25.20
2 ounce LeHeart Song  40.60
2 ounce Cedarwood  14.00
2 ounce Lavender 14.70

Must order within 24 hours of class



LeMoonlight
Ingredients
angelica, cedarwood, cinnamon, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, mandarin, neroli, patchouli, sandalwood, spikenard, orange sweet, ylang ylang

Affinity for
emotions base chakra sacral chakra heart chakra

Resonance
physical with deep emotional impact

Application
LeMoonlight can be diffused any time you like or worn as a perfume.

Aromatic Considerations
The aroma of this blend is earthy with a strong sensuous floral tone.

Emotional/Physical Aspects
LeMoonlight is a potent aphrodisiac. It sets a mood of connection to and appreciation for your romantic partner. LeMoonlight adds to the delight you feel in the sensual and passionate side of your lives together and creates emotional depth and bonding.


LePurify
Pink Heart
Ingredients
citronella, grapefruit, lavender, lemongrass, tea tree, manuka

Affinity for
digestive system
skin
emotional stability

Resonance
physical, emotional

Application
Diffuse to purify the air, kill germs, and remove odors.

Aromatic Considerations
LePurify purifies the air, neutralizes mildew, removes the smell of cigarette smoke and many other noxious odors when diffused in a room.

Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
Some citrus oils and lavender, all of which are in this essential oil blend, are useful for anorexia and eating disorders because they moderate feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and self-loathing.

Physical Aspects
LePurify kills odors, bacteria, molds, and fungus. It is effective when applied to spider bites and insect stings and can be used for repelling bugs, insects, and mice. LePurify sometimes brings relief from toothaches and dental abscesses; at the very least, it may relieve the problem somewhat until a dentist can be reached.


LeWeightless
Ingredients
basil, grapefruit, goldenrod, green pepper, lemon, lime, sage

Affinity for
digestive system emotional balance

Resonance
physical, emotional

Application
LeWeightless is pleasant diffused, where it will eliminate odors and kill bacteria while being enjoyed for its emotional properties. LeWeightless can be used in the bath; be careful to use only 2 or 3 drops. This is an excellent essential oil blend for a full body massage. Be sure to dilute well for use in a massage.

Aromatic Considerations
The aroma of LeWeightless is uplifting. It stimulates positive and creative thinking.

Emotional/Physical Aspects
This delightful blend is designed to function on both the physical and emotional planes, even more than usual for essential oils which all seem to do this to some extent. LeWeightless increases metabolism, especially fat burning, and helps to dissolve cellulite. Emotionally it lightens the weight of our own negativity which is so often the trigger for ‘binge’ eating or junk food consumption. LeWeightless is used in programs for eating disorders such as anorexia. LeWeightless relieves stress, but it takes a minute. If you can remember to reach for the LeWeightless when you are craving that chocolate bar, then exercise a little self-control for a moment or two, you may find that you move on to something else in your life and the chocolate loses its allure!! This blend also has an effect on the mind, helping it to function more clearly and quickly
.


Clementine (Citrus nobilis)
Pink Heart

Ingredient In
LeInsight

Therapeutic Properties
tonic, stomachic, digestive, calming, antispasmodic, antiseptic

Affinity For
nerves emotions

Resonance Plant Family Part of Plant Used
emotional, spiritual Rutaceae fruit

Application
Clementine may be applied on the feet or on the body. It is excellent in a bath or diffused. Clementine is a citrus oil that is not considered photo-toxic!!

Aromatic Considerations
The aroma of clementine is delightful. It can only be described as absolutely ‘yummy’.

Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
Clementine is gentler, softer, and sweeter than its parent plant, red mandarin.
It is uplifting and gently revitalizing. Clementine is often used for insomnia.


Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Ingredient In
LeDeliverance, LeLife Force, LeNoMore

Therapeutic Properties
anti-infective, antibiotic, antiviral, antiseptic, stimulant, anti-aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, antiparasitic, expectorant, rubefacient, antifungal, immunostimulant

Affinity For
immune system digestive system sacral chakra
respiratory system

Resonance Plant Family Part of Plant Used
physical Labiatae leaves

Aromatic Considerations
Oregano is not pleasant diffused by itself. However, the antimicrobial properties can be pleasantly diffused into the air as part of a blended oil formula.

Application
Be sure to dilute very well before applying to the feet or to the body.

Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
Oregano essential oil promotes a feeling of strength and stability.

Physical Aspects
Oregano, in either herbal or essential oil form, has strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Oregano essential oil balances metabolism, strengthens the vital centers of the body, and is an immune stimulant. In the respiratory tract, oregano is useful for treating chronic bronchitis, respiratory infections, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis, colds, and flu.

General Information
Oregano is an extremely beneficial and effective oil which has received some attention from the media lately. Unfortunately, too many reporters and announcers do not know the difference between therapeutic grade essential oils and oils which have been diluted with carrier type oils. DO NOT follow their suggestions and use large quantities at once. 2 or 3 drops of a pure essential oil is always sufficient.

Cautions
Oregano should be avoided or used very cautiously during pregnancy. This oil can cause extreme skin irritation if applied repeatedly without dilution. Oregano should be used with a little bit of caution when diffused.


Rose (Rosa damascena)
Pink Heart

Ingredient In
LeAngel, LeBaby Me, LeBelieve, LeBenediction, LeDiscernment, LeExpressions, LeEverlasting, LeFaith, LeHeart Song, LeTomorrow, LeTrust, LeTurmoil, LeUnity

Therapeutic Properties
anti-infective, antiseptic, astringent, tonic, stimulant, aphrodisiac, emollient, nervine, cytophylactic

Affinity For
cardiovascular system
genito-urinary system
central vessel meridian
nervous system
yin energy
spleen meridian
digestive system
heart chakra

Resonance Plant Family Part of Plant Used
physical, emotional Rosaceae flowers

Rose is the highest frequency essential oil. As the frequency of the body raises to meet this amazing oil, wonderful things happen in the body.

Aromatic Considerations
Rose is an almost annoyingly intoxicating fragrance, but when you need it, the aroma is absolutely divine.

Application
There is no wrong way to use rose. Simply enjoy it as often as you can.

Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
Rose is an outstanding remedy for those times when we feel trapped by our responsibilities or by the past. Sometimes we need help to let go and move forward into the future easily and with delight. The best way that I know to describe rose oil is to tell you a story that was told to me.

A very wise man was walking along the edge of the river one day. He heard faint calls for help coming from just over the edge of the rushing river. As he looked over the edge he saw a person, so very afraid, clinging to an old dead branch with all of his might.
“Help me,” the poor person calls out to him. “Please, give me your hand. I can’t hold on another moment.” The wise man looks around him and spots a beautiful rose growing on the side of the riverbed. Picking it, he holds it out to the distraught person, saying, “Take hold of this rose. It is the most magic of flowers. You will be saved and all will be well with you.”
The person immediately reaches for the magic flower, losing his grip on the old dead branch—and the rushing river instantly carries him away.
The wise man smiles and walks down the riverbank for a short way. There he finds the person, wet and shaken, but washed ashore quite safely. The wise man hands the person the flower and says gently, with compassion and understanding in his voice, “You only needed to trust and let go.”

We choose our attitudes and beliefs based on our perceptions of the experiences in our past. Rose oil can help us understand that nothing from the past needs to hamper our futures.

Physical Aspects
Rose is one of the very best oils for use in any emotional crisis. It is useful in extreme debility and fatigue. Rose has a four-fold action on nerves, digestion, vascular, and urinary systems. This action is one of cleansing, rather than stimulation. Rose oil, surprisingly, is one of the most antiseptic essential oils. This antiseptic action, combined with its action on capillaries and its soothing and emollient qualities, make it a wonderful oil for nearly all types of skin.

General Information
All absolutes, because of their concentration and intensity, should be evaluated in extremely small quantities. Large amounts of these oils can overcome the receptor sites in the nose. The complexity of the fragrance, especially the rare and exotic notes, become entirely lost to our sense of smell.



HVC Tea
Health Tip: by Sharon Moran
This drink can be used cold to stop bleeding and shock; but it is absolutely wonderful in the winter taken warm for sore throats, fighting the flu, and for just warming up on a cold afternoon.

Using cayenne tincture makes it easier to ingest a larger quantity then if trying to stir in powdered cayenne to your tea.  The tincturing process concentrates the properties and allows the liquid to be dispersed throughout the whole tea, not just floating on the top or settling to the bottom.

Cayenne is the #1 stimulant herb.  It is the purest and most powerful of all the medicinal herbs, helping to rebuild vein structures, remove plaque from veins and increase the overall circulation.  Studies have shown that cayenne, used warm,  reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as preventing blood clots.

The recipe for HVC is:
     4 Tbsp. honey
4 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
40 drops of cayenne tincture
 (Or as much or as little as you can handle)
1 quart water


To read more about cayenne, read “Butterfly Miracles with Herbal Remedies”
by LaRee Westover.

Click here to purchase

Take a look inside the book


“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day.
Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
    ~ Chinese Proverb ~


To better serve our customers and to “teach them how to fish” Butterfly Expressions will be focusing on teaching you how to make your own tinctures. Dry herb packs will be available from Butterfly Express for all your tincturing needs.  These herb packs can be used to make teas, tinctures, and salves. The herb packs vary in weight, depending upon the recipe.  The single herbs are available with an 8 ounce minimum.

The need for self sufficiency is more pertinent than ever before - and let’s face it - during natural disasters and catastrophes is the time when we will need to rely most of what we can provide for ourselves. Having the knowledge and skill to make your own herbal remedies will be a great asset.  And besides that, it’s a fun family activity.  Sharing and trading herbal tinctures is just as much fun as swapping jam with neighbors in the fall.  Be sure to share your comments and pictures on Facebook about what you are making or questions you might have.

Classes and webinars teaching about herbs and tincture-making will soon be available. 
Watch the web-site for more details.  Until then, the pages listed below are from the new “Butterfly Miracles with Herbal Remedies”
by
LaRee Westover

Making Herbal Tinctures
The liquid medium into which the herb is placed is call the menstrum; the herb is known as the marc). For internal use, the menstrum can be alcohol, apple cider vinegar, or vegetable glycerine. A good rule of thumb for beginners is, “When in doubt, use alcohol.” The medicinal properties of most herbs are pulled out best in an alcohol tincture.

One hundred proof Vodka (50% alcohol/50% water) is ideal for herbal tinctures, although eighty proof (40% alcohol/60% water) is acceptable for most herbs. When you need to add water to any tincture, distilled or filtered water is necessary.

Some herbs, especially kidney/bladder herbs, do not tincture well in vinegar. The finished tincture looks bad and tastes bad. Some people have reported that these vinegar tinctures make them nauseous. A tincture that is part vinegar and part alcohol is often more palatable. When using vinegar, always use an all-natural apple cider vinegar. Western Family makes one that is excellent and cheaper than the ones in health food stores. It must not say “apple cider flavored distilled” on the label.

The proportion of herb (marc) to liquid (menstrum) is known as the weight/volume (w/v) ratio. Standard ratios are
:
1. Tinctures of dried, intense botanicals are 1:10. This means 1 part herb, an ounce for instance, to 10 parts liquid, also measured in ounces. Examples of this type of herb are cayenne and the resins such as myrrh and propolis. Most of these herbs require a higher proportion of alcohol to water for maximum potency. I would recommend 50% (100 proof) Vodka.
2. Tinctures of dried, fluffy, absorbent herbs such as mullein, yarrow, hops, etc., should also be 1:10. Always check your tincture after 24 hours to make sure all of the herb is still covered with liquid. Any exposed parts will probably mold and ruin the entire batch.
3. Tinctures of other dried botanicals are made with a 1:8 ratio. For example, if you have 3 ounces of herb you would multiply the 3 by 8 and use 24 oz of whatever liquid you have chosen.
4. Tinctures of fresh plants are made on a 1:3 ratio, if you are using vodka. This is because the plant still contains so much water that the menstrum would become too diluted to pull the herbal properties from the herb. Without sufficient alcohol, the tincture will mold. I have found that a higher ratio of alcohol to water (about 75-80%), and using a 1:4 ration works better. This kind of alcohol is expensive unless you have a source coming out of Mexico. Always use the least amount of alcohol that you feel is effective when making a tincture.

Basic Instructions for Tincture Making:
Measure your herb into a glass jar with a well-fitting lid. Add your menstrum, put on the lid and shake well. Set in a cool place out of direct sunlight—but not “out of sight, out of mind”. You will need to shake this concoction at least once per day for 10 -14 days. Add more liquid at any time if the mixture looks dry or if some of the herb is sticking up out of the water. When the 10 -14 days have passed, strain your tincture and discard the herbs.
You can strain a tincture by using an ordinary strainer. This leaves a lot of the menstrum behind. Straining the herbs through a cheesecloth works well, but is messy and stains your hands badly unless you wear gloves. This also leaves quite a lot of the menstrum still clinging to the herb. A centrifugal juicer, such as the JuiceMan or the Omega, work very well. You will get back nearly all of your expensive alcohol, vinegar, or glycerine. A tincture stored in a cool place in a glass jar will keep indefinitely, remaining as potent as the day you made it. Evaporation is the major enemy. Tinctures need to be watched closely and have the lids changed regularly. This is especially true of vinegar tinctures. Use a plastic lid, rather than a metal one, if possible.

Glycerite Tinctures:
For making herbal glycerite tinctures, it is recommended that you use non synthetic vegetable glycerine.

Glycerine has the capacity to break down and remove certain chemicals and preservatives from the body. It is an excellent medium for herbal tinctures. The sweet flavor makes it especially appropriate for children. When diluted, glycerine is demulcent, emollient, soothing, and healing. Undiluted, it is an irritant and a stimulant and difficult to use because it is so thick. Glycerine tinctures do not have the indefinite shelf life that alcohol tinctures do.

In almost all glycerine tinctures, you will need to dilute the glycerine to a 60% glycerine/40% water solution. Distilled or filtered water is best. In other words, if you need 10 ounces of liquid for your tincture, you would mix 6 ounces of glycerine with 4 ounces of water.

A word of caution: some books will tell you that 50% glycerine/50% water solution is good enough. Experience has shown me that this is not always the case. 60% to 70% glycerine is more reliable. If some alcohol is tolerable, 10% added to 50% glycerine/40% water formula is ideal. The alcohol acts as an additional preservative.

A few drops of an essential oil called benzoin added to the finished and strained glycerite at a ratio of 4 drops to each 8 cups of tincture is helpful. The benzoin does not interfere with the medicinal properties and greatly improves the length of time the tincture can be stored. In fact, benzoin has some good medicinal qualities of its own. A glycerite without alcohol or benzoin has a shelf life of 1 to 3 years. Benzoin adds at least an additional 2 or 3 years to the time the tincture can be stored and still be an effective remedy.

On occasion glycerite tincures are applied topically to help keep skin surfaces moist. Glycerine does not evaporate at either body or room temperature, and it produces a sensation of warmth to the skin or the tongue. Glycerine is very emollient and is useful for really tough dry skin problems. Glycerin is quite sticky, and since it does not evaporate, can be a little bit annoying for a few minutes until it absorbs into the skin.

Skin rashes that are caused by a bacterial or fungal infection should be treated using the herbs in tea form. Glycerine and carrier type oils provide “food” for the fungus and may actually make the condition worse.

Making a Glycerite Tincture:
Use a 60% glycerine, 40% distilled water menstrum (as described above) and a ratio of from 1:8 to 1:10. This means that you will use 8 - 10 ounces of menstrum (combined glycerine and alcohol) for each 1 ounce of herb. Stir the glycerine and water together thoroughly first. Then place herb and liquid in a canning jar. Place a tight lid on the bottle and cold pack can it, much like you would do for fruit. The water need only come to the neck of the jar. Leave in the canner with the water lightly boiling for 2 hours. Remove the jar from hot water and wait for it to cool. You will need to take off the lid a couple of times while it is cooking so that you can stir the mixture. Try to get all of the herb under the liquid as soon as possible.

I have done this with a variety of herbs, including peppermint, and the heat does not destroy the medicinal properties of the herbs at all. Glycerine is a heavy medium, even diluted, and with a tightly fitting lid the medicinal properties cannot dissipate into the air. Tinctures made this way are very potent and effective. In making peppermint tea, perhaps the loss of the volatile oils and their properties is due to diffusion into the air rather than destruction by heat. Perhaps we should make all our teas with lids on them.
Glycerites (glycerine tinctures) have the added advantage of being ready to use in a few hours instead of in two weeks. This can be a very great advantage.
***Note: Wild Cherry Bark cannot be heated under any conditions. Note in the Wild Cherry Cough Syrup Recipe that the Wild Cherry is placed in the glycerine/water mixture 24 hours before the batch is going to be processed. It is simply allowed to sit. It is not heated with the rest of the ingredients. Strain the wild cherry bark when you strain the rest of the batch and mix them together.

Tincture Dosages
An alcohol tincture is taken, 12 to 20 drops in a little bit of water. It is usually advisable to take tinctures along with a meal. The nutrients are more likely to be absorbed that way. With something in your stomach, the tincture will be less likely to cause an upset tummy. Depending on the severity of the problem, tinctures should be taken 2 to 5 times a day.

Tinctures are administered in drops, and at least half of those few drops are just water if you used Vodka to make the tincture. The alcohol consumed when taking an herbal remedy is negligible. It is far less than that contained in over the counter remedies such as Benedryl and children’s cough syrups. In fact, you will be consuming less alcohol taking herbal remedies that you consume when adding vanilla to your favorite frosting recipe.
Alchohol dissipates very rapidly with heat. Since you will be adding the tincture to a couple of tablespoons of water to take it anyway, just make sure the water is very hot when you put the tincture into it. The alcohol will dissipate instantly. You will have completely eliminated the alcohol with this simple step.

Making an Infused Oil Liniment:
Infused oils are made much like an alcohol tincture. Place herbs in oil (almond or olive or whatever you choose) using a 1:8 ratio. Cover with cheesecloth (or something similar) and let sit in a warm place for 10-14 days. The mixture should be shaken or stirred often. When the 14 days have passed, the mixture should be strained much like an alcohol tincture. It is best to cover the jar with a cloth rather than a tight lid. A little air flow keeps the oil mixture from molding. When using fresh plants, let the plants wilt for 4-8 hours before placing in the oil. This eliminates some of the moisture that might cause mold. Adding 2 drops of benzoin essential oil to each 3-4 cups of oil will also help prevent mold from forming and give the oil a longer shelf life.

Fresh plants for tinctures or oils are far superior to dried ones. The peak harvesting time varies greatly from plant to plant, making harvesting different plants very inconvenient. One plant oil that is much better made with fresh flowers is arnica; the dried flowers do not have the same potency as the flowers when fresh. Arnica grows in our area. Most years it is ready for harvest by the end of June. Rosehips are another herb that should be harvested fresh, if possible. They are mature when they turn red. This will occur after the first hard frost.


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