BEGINNERS GIDE TO HOME MEDICINAL WINE MAKING

Medicinal wines and tinctures have an ancient history that in the present day, have grown into a large-scale, independent culture. No one knows exactly when people first began to infuse alcohol with other ingredients, but historians believe that the first tinctures began to be produced by the ancient Chinese, approximately in the 3^rd millennium BC. Later, the recipes for the preparation of tinctures-both medicinal and not-reached ancient Greece and Ancient Rome through Asia.

WINES AND TINCTURES: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Tinctures and medicinal wines are considered as a dietary supplement in a concentrated and liquid form. Tinctures are stronger than medicinal wines: they contain more than 45% greater of an alcohol base and are obtained by infusing alcohol with roots, leaves, flowers, berries, fruits, herbs, or nuts. Everything below 45% is called a medicinal wine.

Tinctures can be taken as a small amount (usually 1-2 Tbs) and added to tea or water for a more pleasant, less intense taste, while medicinal wines can be used as a regular drink. Medicinal wines and tinctures can be used to support health, improve energy, increase longevity, and are otherwise used in a wide range of wellness goals.

REMEMBER: The appropriate alcohol strength for your tincture will depend upon the recipe and qualities of the herbs being used. Stronger is not always better!

HOW TO MAKE MEDICINAL WINES AND TINCTURES AT HOME

First, you need to decide the purpose of medicinal wine making: will you make it for health benefits, fun, or out of curiosity? Our Juniper Citrus, Good Sleep and Memory wine kits are the best choices for the beginners. The juniper berry citrus wine is prepared with vodka and has stronger taste while the good sleep and memory wine made is with sake and has smooth, fragrant taste.

Always remember to read instructions and precautions. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us or nearest licensed herbalist.

Otherwise, there are two methods you can use to create your own Medicinal wines and tinctures: maceration and percolation.

Maceration method

This method is quite easy but takes some time. You will have to mix the Medicinal wine kit with alcohol and let it sit for 5-30 days, depending on the recipe.

For this method you will need:

1. One of our medicinal wine making product packages
2. Alcohol (please see instructions on the label)
3. Large glass jar with lid, sterilized (depending on amount of alcohol; always use a slightly bigger jar). Use a clear glass jar if you want to watch the process
4. A measuring cup
5. A strainer
6. Cheese clothes
7. A funnel
8. Clean bottles, sterilized

Step 1

Carefully read instructions, warnings, and precautions. If you have any questions, please contact us. Empty contents of package into glass jar. Add alcohol.

Step 2

Place your tincture/medicinal wine in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Shake every day and check your alcohol levels. If the alcohol has evaporated a bit and the herb is not totally submerged, be sure to top off the jar with more alcohol. Otherwise, do not open the jar: herbs exposed to air can introduce mold and bacteria into your tincture.

Step 3

When ready to strain, sterilize the jar or bottle that will hold the finished herbal wine. Line a strainer with a few layers of cheesecloth to strain small portions into your measuring cup. Using a funnel, pour strained wine into the prepared bottle.

Step 4

Cap tightly and store at room temperature in dark, dry, and cool place.

Step 5

Add a label with the wine’s name and date. Do not store wine for longer time than necessary- it is hard to get rid of small herbal particles and longer you store medicinal wine the stronger it gets. For best results, use within 1-2 months.

You can modify the alcohol content in your medicinal wines by adding vodka, brandy, sherry, port, cognac, or sake. It all depends on taste. You can also add some honey or sugar. If your tincture or wine tastes too strong for you, add1-3 Tbs into a cup of tea and you will get new, deliciously tasting drink!

The Percolation method

This method is fast (takes only 1-2 days to make a tincture), but complicated and requires specialized tools.

If you want to learn this method, please, follow Thomas Easley of the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine on how to create herbal extracts using the percolation method.

Warning: DO NOT USE RUBBING ALCOHOL

You can experiment with the taste or different types of alcohol but DO NOT ADD ANY ADDITIONAL HERBS OR DRUGS INTO YOUR MEDICINAL WINE INFUSION- SERIOUS INTERACTIONS MIGHT HAPPEN.

ALWAYS USE CLEAN STERILIZED EQUIPMENT.

Remember:

Medicinal wine making is an endless chain of trial and error. Start from easy premade formulas, follow directions, and be patient. The production process of medicinal wines can take up to four weeks – please, be patient and do not open your jars ahead of time.