Tincture preparation (experts in herbal medicine) please help...?!
Question:
Tincture preparation (experts in herbal medicine) please help...?
I am planning to do an experiment. I will make a tincture of an herb which is believed to have antimicrobial effects. I plan to do a research on the antimicrobial effects of the plant. However, I am not sure if the alcohol content in the tincture has a direct effect in the bacteria I will test it against. Because it shouldn't be the case because it can probably mask the antimicrobial effect of the plant. In this case, should I should tincture or just a decoction? Please help. I am confused.
Answers:
You can make a tincture using glycerine instead of alcohol. This way you won't have problems with the alcohol killing the bacteria.
You can get glycerine at a drugstore like Walgreen's or Eckerd's or Rite Aide. If you don't see it, ask the pharmacist to order it for you. I don't think it's too expensive. Or you can order it online. I think soapmaking suppliers may carry it.