Dual- extract Usnea Tincture Recipe
Usnea tincture recipe - this lichen is an infection fighter. Unlike most modern antibiotics which disrupt the structure of a cell, this lichen prevents the metabolism of many bacterias such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is particularly effective for hot, irritable, wet coughs.
Equipment
- Sharp Knife or scissors
- Vodka 100 Proof
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- Usnea
- Vodka
- Filtered Water
Instructions
- Chop usnea into small pieces with a knife or clippers. Can use a herb or coffee grinder.
- Place the chopped usnea in a clean jar. Pour 100 proof vodka over the plant matter until it is just covered.
- Seal the jar and store in cool dark place. Shake twice a day.
- When ready, strain the usnea-infused alcohol and measure its volume before putting it in another jar. This is your alcohol extraction. Set aside the usnea while you prepare the next step of the double extraction.
- Measure out filtered water that is double in volume to the amount of alcohol extraction you just measured.
- Place the Usnea into a crockpot and cover it with the filtered water.
- Turn the crock pot to its lowest setting and let the usnea and water cook until the water is reduced by half. Anywhere from 24 to 48hrs. Keep an eye on it.
- Strain the Usnea from the water. The water should be about equal in amount to the alcohol extraction.
- Combine the alcohol extract (tincture) with the hot water decoction. You now have a dual-extract usnea tincture!
- Label the jar with date, alcohol used, where the plant was collected, and any other info.
- Store tincture in a dark, cool place. Take 1 dropper full 2-4 times a day to fight virus or infection.
Notes
If your crock pot cooks hot, turn it off at night and turn it back on in the morning to avoid overcooking or completely evaporating the liquid.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!