Anti-Viral Anti-Flu Tincture

I attended a class taught by an experienced herbalist the other evening. She has studied herbal remedies for many years and uses them with her family to ward off many ailments. It was fascinating since I am a complete novice to herbal remedies. With the cost of healthcare escalating and health services being manipulated by large drug companies whose goal is to repeatedly treat not cure, I am going to begin to study this field. I can not guarantee that this tincture works. Use your own knowingness. When in doubt always contact your physician.

The following recipe will make about one gallon of tincture. You can half or double the recipe according to your families needs. It is suggested you make it the first time with a friend because the herbs are sold in bulk and you may want to share to save costs. Some health food stores carry these herbs or you can shop online.

Ingredients
2 oz. comfrey                       1 oz. uva ursi
1 oz. lobelia                         1 oz. white oak bark
1 oz. marshmallow root       1 oz. wormwood
1 oz. mullein leaves             1 oz. black walnut leaves
1 oz. skullcap                       ½ oz. black walnut hulls

Step One
Measure herbs and place in a ceramic or glass container. Only use stainless steel if using metal. A gallon canning jar works well. Cover with about 2 ½ quarts (more if needed) of unprocessed apple cider vinegar. Braggs is a good brand. Buy the best you can get and make sure it is apple cider vinegar not some imitation. Set his mixture in a dark cool place. Shake 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks. Don’t forget to shake it!

Step Two
Peel 1 ¼ pounds of garlic and blend or chop. Place the garlic in a large bowl and pour enough apple cider vinegar over the garlic to make a thick soup like mixture. Place this mixture in quart jars (will fill 2 quart jars). Put garlic mixture by your herb mixture and shake it when you shake the herb mixture. Shake 2-3 times daily for 2 weeks.

At the end of two weeks strain both mixtures well. A muslin cloth works as a strainer as does a point strainer bag. Squeeze all the moisture to of the herbs. Combine the herb liquid and the garlic liquid in a large stainless steal pot or glass container. To this mixture add 2 cups raw honey (not processed) and 3 cups vegetable glycerin (tincture will be effective if the vegetable glycerin can not be located).

The tincture is a powerful anti-viral and anti-bacterial mix. It also helps build the immune system. Store tinctures in a cool dark place in dark colored bottles if possible.

To keep immune system strong take a few ounces each day. If the flu is going around take a bit more and increase the dosage. Use your knowingness to determine the actual amount. It is recommended you start with a small dose and increase gradually. Tincture can be diluted with water or juice to make it more palatable. Tincture has a sweet apple juice flavor.

For those that do not want a strong garlic flavor. Store herb tincture separately and add a few drops of the garlic tincture to taste. Five drops is recommended.  When the tincture if finished I will post pictures of the final product.