Tincturae Herbarum Recentium (U. S. P.)—Tinctures of Fresh Herbs.
(Modern shorthand: 1:2 91 %)
"These tinctures, when not otherwise directed, are to be prepared by the following formula: Take of the fresh herb, bruised or crushed, five hundred grammes (500 Gm.) [1 lb. av., 1 oz., 279 grs.]; alcohol, one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Macerate the herb with the alcohol for 14 days; then express the liquid and filter"—(U. S. P.).
This formula was introduced to insure, as nearly as possible, uniformity in the preparation of these tinctures. It is particularly adapted to drugs holding volatile or evanescent constituents, which are dissipated upon exposure in drying. Tinctures of rhus, gelsemium, thuja, salix nigra aments, pulsatilla, etc., may be prepared in this way. Homoeopathic tinctures, introduced by Hahnemann, are of this character. The following are the general directions for preparing MOTHER TINCTURES:
"Homoeopathic mother tinctures are prepared: (1) By expressing the juice from freshly-gathered plants, and mixing that juice with an equal bulk of alcohol, allowing it to stand 8 days in a dark, cool place, and finally filtering the product; (2) by mixing 2 parts of alcohol with 3 parts of the comminuted plant, straining the liquid through new muslin, and proceeding further as above directed; (3) by taking 2 parts of alcohol to 1 part of the comminuted plant and macerating them together for 8 days in a well-filled bottle, and lastly, decanting, straining, and filtering; (4) by taking alcohol, 5 parts, to the comminuted drug (vegetable or animal), 1 part, macerating 8 days, shaking twice daily, and lastly, decanting, straining, and filtering the product" (Locke's Syl. of Mat. Med.).
