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FLUID EXTRACTS- Fluid extracts are used both to concentrate and preserve
the active ingredients of an herb, enabling it to be used whenever necessary,
i.e. when the herb is out of season.
Fluid extracts are considered by many herbalists to be
the preferred way to preserve water soluble active ingredients. If possible
always use fresh ingredients.
When properly made one fluid ounce of fluid extract
equals one ounce of fresh herb.
Always use accurate measurements to ensure consistency
and the effect of a given dose.
Equipment needed - Large non metal or stainless steel pan
with lid, water - not city water, heat source, measuring jug, vegetable
glycerine.
Directions to produce 4 oz of Dandelion root fluid
extract - 4 oz washed fresh Dandelion roots 3 quarts water (total amount) 2
fluid oz vegetable glycerine
Chop Dandelion roots into approx. 1\4 inch pieces. Put
into pan with 2 quarts water. Bring to a boil and then cover pan and allow to
simmer until water is reduced to one quart. Take off heat and strain through a
cloth squeezing out all excess liquid.
Place remains of herb back into pan and add one quart
water. Save fluid that was strained and put to one side. Reheat pan to boil and
simmer herbs again with the pan covered until liquid is reduced by half to 1
pint. Strain through a cloth discarding the solid remains.
Now combine the two strained liquids, return to the large
pan and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and simmer until liquid is reduced to 2
fluid ounces. These will take several hours...
You have now extracted all the water soluble ingredients
from 4 oz of Dandelion roots and concentrated them into 2 oz of fluid. Remove
this liquid from heat and allow to cool. Add 2 oz of vegetable glycerine and mix
well. Pour into a dark glass bottle, stopper tightly and store in a cool place.
Treated with care this fluid extract will last at least one year.
N.B. - Glycerine is an essential fatty acid and is
generally a by product of soap manufacturing. It is used as a preservative and
stabilizing agent. Never add glycerine to hot liquids as it is temperature
sensitive and will coagulate. Always mix with cold or warm liquids.
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