Thursday, December 24, 2009

Tincture Rehmannia

Rehmmania is also known as Chinese foxglove.


Rehmannia glutinosa (also known as Chinese foxglove) can be used to treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.Tinctures deliver a more concentrated dosage of the herb they are made of, making it much more important to account for side effects and potency when using tinctures. Rehmannia is known to not tincture well, although tincture is possible. The effectivness of Rehmannia as a means to combat autoimunne disorders has not been established through the clinical trial process. While the beneficial qualities of rehmannia are not supported by scientific evidence, there is little evidence of its effects being harmful.


Instructions


Preparation


1. Wash any dirt and debris from the rehmannia root.


2. Use the knife and cutting board to finely chop the root into pieces.


3. Clean two glass jars thoroughly.


Concoction


4. Place the rehmannia into a glass jar.


5. Pour the menstruum into the glass jar. The size of the jar and amount of menstruum, which is the solvent used to extract chemical compounds of herbs for tinctures, should be proportionate to how many doses of tincture you intend to make. If you do not desire to use alcohol, glycerin and vinegar are good substitutes. However, alcohol is most likely to assure a successful outcome. Only use enough menstruum to completely cover the chopped herb.


6. Tightly cover the top of the jar with a lid and place it in a dark area at room temperature. Shake one to three times a day.


7. Wait two to three weeks, shaking the jar daily.


8. Strain the contents of the jar through a cheesecloth into the second jar. The second jar must be clean.


Allowing Tincture to Settle


9. Allow the contents of the second jar to settle overnight.


10. Clean the first jar and pour the contents of the second jar into it through filter paper (a coffee filter works).








11. Seal and label the tincture appropriately, then store it in a cool, dry place.

Tags: also known, also known Chinese, Chinese foxglove, contents second, into glass, known Chinese