All the technical information has been stolen from reliable sources and I am happy to stand behind it.
—Edward Abbey
When making herbal tinctures you need to know the proportion of water to alcohol—among other things. Everyone needs a handy list of medicinal plants and their tincture requirements. This list won’t have every plant you will ever need on it, but it does have many of them.
By the way, this list was compiled from a number of sources:
Michael Moore, King’s Eclectic Dispensatory, several Chinese materia medicas, various lists I have received over the years, and my own work with a number of plants that either were on no lists at all or whose formulations in the literature I found to be ineffective. Michael Moore’s work is the most comprehensive and valuable, and you can access it on the website for his school, the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine. Note: Plants are listed here by botanical name. If you’re searching by common name, check the index to cross-reference.
Abies (the firs). Tincture, fresh needles (must include spring growth), 1:2; dried needles, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–20 drops. Infusion: internal, 1–3 fluid ounces; external, as needed.
Acacia greggii (catclaw acacia). Standard infusion, pod/leaf: 2–4 fluid ounces.
Achillea (yarrow). Tincture, fresh plant in flower, 1:2; dried plant, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol (note: not preferred, as the volatiles are lost). Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 4x daily. Infusion: 3–6 cups daily as needed.
Acorus calamus (calamus, sweet flag). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–45 drops up to 4x daily.
Actaea rubra (baneberry, red cohosh). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 80 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–20 drops up to 3x daily.
Adiantum (maidenhair fern). Infusion, dried herb: 1–3 fluid ounces.
Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut). Tincture, dried bark or nut, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 3–10 drops daily.
Agave (century plant). Tincture, fresh leaf, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 4x daily.
Agrimonia (agrimony). Tincture, fresh leaf, 1:2; dried leaf, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: ¼–1 tsp up to 4x daily.
Agropyron repens (couchgrass). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 6x daily. Cold infusion: 2–4 fluid ounces.
Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven). Tincture, dried inner bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: ½–1 tsp up to 6x daily for acute diarrheal conditions, ½–1 tsp up to 3x daily for giardia, 30–90 drops up to 3x daily for everything else. Cold infusion: 1–2 ounces up to 5x daily.
Alchemilla (lady’s mantle). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 3x daily. Infusion: as needed.
Alchornea (alchornea). Tincture, dried leaf or bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: ¼tsp every 4 hours.
Allium sativum (garlic). Fresh juice of the bulb: ¼–1 tsp. Tincture, fresh bulb, 1:2. Dosage: 15–40 drops. Caution: Fresh juice is emetic in larger doses.
Alnus serrulata (tag alder). Decoction, bark (fresh or recently harvested only): internal use, ½–2 tbl up to 3x daily; external use (as a wash), as needed.
Alpinia (galangal). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops as needed.
Althaea (marsh mallow or hollyhock). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root (the fresher the better), 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: as needed.
Ambrosia (ragweed). Tincture, fresh or recently dried plant only, 1:2. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 4x daily.
Ammi visnaga (khella, bishop’s weed). Tincture, seed, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 60–120 drops up to 4x daily.
Anemone hirsutissima (pulsatilla ludoviciana, pulsatilla patens, anemone patens, pulsatilla hirsutissima, pasque flower, eastern pasque flower). Tincture, fresh plant in flower, 1:2. Dosage: 10–15 drops, as needed, not more often than each hour. May cause vomiting in large doses.
Anemone tuberosa (desert anemone, desert pasque flower). Same as for A. hirsutissima.
Anemopsis (yerba mansa). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–60 drops up to 5x daily. Cold water percolation: 2–4 fluid ounces up to 5x daily—if you can stand it.
Angelica (angelica). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 4x daily. Tincture, seed, 1:2. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 4x daily.
Angelica sinensis (dong quai). Tincture, cured Asian root, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Anisum (anise). Tincture, seed, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 3–15 drops on the tongue as needed. Infusion: 2–4 fluid ounces as needed.
Antennaria (cat’s paw, pussy toes, mountain everlasting). Standard infusion, whole plant: 3–6 fluid ounces up to 4x a day.
Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30 drops in water as needed. Infusion: 2–4 fluid ounces.
Apium (celery). Tincture, fresh seed, 1:2. Dosage: 15–80 drops in water up to 3x daily. Infusion, dried seed: ½–1 tsp seeds in 1 cup hot water up to 4x daily.
Aralia californica (California spikenard, elk clover). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Aralia hispida (bristly sarsaparilla). Tincture, dried root or bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–25 drops up to 3x daily.
Aralia nudicaulis (sarsaparilla). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 6x daily.
Aralia racemosa (spikenard). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Aralia spinosa (devil’s walking stick). Tincture, dried root or bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–25 drops up to 3x daily.
Arctium (burdock). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 3x daily. Tincture, seed, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–25 drops up to 3x daily.
Arctostaphylos (uva ursi, bearberry). Tincture, dried leaf, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops in 8 ounces water up to 3x a day.
Argemone corymbosa (prickly poppy, Mojave prickly poppy). Tincture, fresh herb in seed, 1:2. Dosage: 5–15 drops as needed.
Argemone mexicana (prickly poppy, Mojave prickly poppy). Same as for A. corymbosa.
Arnica (arnica). Tincture for external use, fresh plant in flower, 1:2, 70 percent rubbing alcohol; apply as needed to affected area. Tincture for internal use, fresh plant in flower or fresh root, 1:2. Dosage: 1–5 drops up to 3x daily. Do not exceed recommended dosage.
Artemisia absinthium (wormwood). Tincture, fresh plant in flower, 1:2; dried plant, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 6x daily. Cold infusion, fresh plant in flower: 1–3 fluid ounces up to 3x daily.
Artemisia annua (sweet Annie). Tincture, fresh plant in flower, 1:2. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 6x daily.
Artemisia tridentata (sagebrush). Same as for A. absinthium.
Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort, California mugwort). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2; dried plant, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Asarum (wild ginger). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–50 drops in water up to 3x daily.
Asclepias asperula (immortal root). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–30 drops up to 3x daily. Best if used in combination tinctures.
Asclepias cornuta (common milkweed). Same as for A. asperula.
Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed). Same as for A. asperula.
Asclepias subulata (desert milkweed). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–20 drops in water up to 3x daily.
Asclepias tuberosa (pleurisy root). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 3x daily.
Asparagus officinale (asparagus). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Aspidosperma (quebrache bark). Tincture, dried bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Astragalus membranaceus (astragalus). Tincture, dried sliced root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 4x daily. Cold water percolation: 2–3 fluid ounces up to 3x daily.
Avena (wild oats). Tincture, fresh milky seed top, 1:2. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 4x daily. Infusion, dried plant: 4–8 fluid ounces daily.
Balsamorhiza (balsam root). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 25–45 drops up to 4x daily. Note: Cut the root well before grinding it as it contains tough threads that will wrap around your blender blades and freeze them up.
Baptisia tinctoria (wild indigo root). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–25 drops up to 3x daily.
Berberis vulgaris (common barberry). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–60 drops up to 3x daily. Infusion or cold water percolation: 1–3 fluid ounces to 3x daily. More in acute GI tract conditions.
Bidens (same insulting names as for B. pilosa). Same as for B. pilosa except most species will be weaker. B. pinnata dosage should be 50 percent more than that of pilosa.
Bidens pilosa (beggar’s ticks, Spanish needles). Best if fresh. Tincture, fresh herb, 1:2. Dosage: 45–90 drops in water up to 2x daily, or in acute conditions ¼–1 tsp on up to 1 tbl in water up to 6x daily. Fresh juice: dosage is same as for tincture; stabilize with 20–25 percent alcohol if you intend on storing it.
Brickellia grandiflora (brickellia). Tincture, dried herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 3x daily. Infusion: 2–4 fluid ounces, to 2x daily.
Bursera microphylla (elephant tree). Tincture, small twigs and dried leaves (such as they are), 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops daily. Best if used in combination formulas. Tincture, gum, 1:5, 80 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–20 drops daily.
Calendula officinalis (marigold). Tincture, fresh flower, 1:2; dried flower (must be brilliant orange/yellow), 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–30 drops up to 4x daily.
Capsella bursa-pastoris (shepherd’s purse). Tincture, fresh whole plant, 1:2; very recently dried plant (would not recommend unless desperate), 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 2x daily.
Capsicum (cayenne). Tincture, dried seed pod, 1:5, 95 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–15 drops, normally in hot tea of some sort.
Cardamomum (cardamom). Tincture, seed, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–10 drops.
Carum (caraway seed). Tincture, seed, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–20 drops in liquid of one sort or another.
Castela emoryi (holacantha emoryi, chaparro amargosa). Tincture, dried plant, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–50 drops up to 2x daily.
Caulophyllum (blue cohosh). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–20 drops. Rarely used alone; best in combination formulas.
Ceanothus (red root). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 4x daily. Best if used in combination unless you are using it specifically for lymph problems. Cold water percolation: 2–4 fluid ounces daily.
Centaurium (centaury). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2. Dosage: 10–20 drops before meals.
Centella asiatica (gotu kola). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2. Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 3x daily. Tincture, dried plant, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 4x daily.
Cercocarpus (mountain mahogany). Tincture, twigs/stems, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–45 drops in water up to 3x daily. Decoction: 2–3 fluid ounces to 3x daily.
Cereus grandiflorus (night-blooming cereus). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2. Dosage: 5–25 drops up to 4x daily.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (Lawson’s cypress). Tincture, fresh needles/stems, 1:2, 5 percent glycerine. Tincture, recently dried needles, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol, 5 percent glycerine. Dosage: for diarrhea, 20 drops as necessary, usually not for more than 3 days; for gum infections, 5 drops in water, used to wash mouth. Not for long-term use internally. Infusion, dried needles/twigs: 2–4 fluid ounces, generally for GI tract problems.
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (yellow cedar). Same as for C. lawsoniana.
Chamaelirium (helonias, unicorn root). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–40 drops daily. Best if used in combination formulas.
Chelidonium (greater celandine). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2. Dosage: 10–25 drops. Short-term use.
Chelone (balmony). Tincture, fresh herb, 1:2. Dosage: 10–20 drops up to 3x daily.
Chilopsis linearis (desert willow). Tincture, dried bark and twigs, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: ¼–1 tsp up to 3x daily for systemic candida. Decoction or cold water percolation: 3–6 fluid ounces up to 3x daily.
Chimaphila (pipsissewa). Tincture, fresh herb, 1:2; dried herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–50 drops up to 4x daily.
Chionanthus (fringetree). Tincture, fresh bark, 1:2; dried bark, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30 drops up to 2x daily. Cold water percolation, bark or leaf: 2–4 fluid ounces.
Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 80 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–25 drops up to 3x daily.
Cinchona (quinine bark). Tincture, dried bark, 1:3, 45 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 3x daily; for malaria, ¼–1 tsp up to 3x daily, not to exceed 7 days, and repeat in 2 days. Cold water percolation: 2–3 fluid ounces up to 3x a day, not to exceed 7 days.
Cinnamomum (cinnamon). Tincture, dried powdered bark, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol, 5 percent glycerine. Dosage: 20–60 drops up to 4x daily.
Clematis (virgin’s bower). Tincture, freshly dried herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–40 drops up to 3x daily.
Cnicus benedictus (blessed thistle). Tincture, fresh herb in flower, 1:2; dried herb, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–40 drops in hot water up to 3x daily.
Collinsonia (stone root). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 45–60 drops up to 4x daily. Michael Moore considers the tincture of the fresh plant to be far superior to that of the dried root. Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2, 20–40 drops up to 4x daily.
Commiphora (myrrh). Tincture, dried resin, 1:5, 95 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–20 drops up to 3x daily.
Conyza canadensis (Canadian fleabane). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2. Dosage: 15–20 drops up to 3x daily. Infusion, dried flowering herb: 2–4 fluid ounces up to 4x daily.
Coptis (goldthread). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Corallorhiza (coral root). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2. Dosage: for acute conditions, 15–30 drops no more than each hour, as needed; as a tonic, 30–90 drops up to 3x daily. I don’t think the dried root is a good choice for this herb, however—tincture, dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol.
Coriandrum (coriander). Tincture, dried seed, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–20 drops as needed.
Cornus sericea (red osier dogwood). Cold water percolation or infusion, dried root or bark: 3–6 fluid ounces up to 3x daily.
Corydalis aurea (goldensmoke). Tincture, dried herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–15 drops up to 4x daily.
Crataegus (hawthorn). Tincture, dried berries, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol; fresh flowering branches, 1:2. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x a day.
Crocus (saffron). Tincture, dried stigmas (expensive), 1:5, 95 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–20 drops.
Cubeba (cubeb berries). Tincture, unripe fruit, 1:5, 80 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily. Not for long-term use.
Cupressus (true cypress). Tincture, fresh needles/stems, 1:2, 5 percent glycerine; recently dried needles, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol, 5 percent glycerine. Dosage: for diarrhea, 20 drops as necessary, usually not for more than 3 days; for gum infections, 5 drops in water, used to wash mouth. Not for long-term use internally. Infusion, dried needles/twigs: 2–4 fluid ounces, generally for GI tract problems.
Curcuma (turmeric). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 2x daily.
Datura (jimsonweed). Tincture, fresh or dried leaf, 1:3, 70 percent rubbing alcohol. For external use.
Daucus carota (wild carrot). Tincture, dried seed, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–60 drops up to 2x daily.
Dicentra formosa (bleeding heart). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2. Dosage: 10– 20 drops up to 3x daily. Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Dioscorea villosa (wild yam). Tincture, dried root: 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–100 drops up to 4x daily.
Dipsacus (teasel). Tincture, freshly dried autumn first-year root or spring second-year root, 1:3, 45 percent alcohol. Dosage: 1–30 drops up to 3x daily depending on whether you are a homeopathic herbalist or a regular one.
Dracontium (symplocarpus, skunk cabbage). Tincture, freshly dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Echinacea angustifolia (purple coneflower). Tincture, fresh flower heads in seed, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: acute, 30 drops each hour; tonic, 30– 100 drops up to 3x daily.
Echinacea pallida (purple coneflower). Same as for E. angustifolia.
Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower). Same as for E. angustifolia, except I consider the plant to be much less effective, so dosage needs to be much higher, 1–2 tsp up to 5x daily.
Eleutherococcus (eleuthero, Siberian ginseng). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: as long-term tonic, 20–60 drops daily.
Fluid extract: dried root, 1:1, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: as a tonic, 10–15 drops up to 3x daily; for acute conditions with severe fatigue, ½–1 tsp 2x daily, 20 days on, 10 days off, then repeat.
Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea, American ephedra). Tincture, dried herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–30 drops. Best if used in combination formulas.
Ephedra vulgaris (ma huang). Tincture, dried herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–15 drops. In my opinion, should only be used in combination formulas. Note: now illegal in the United States.
Epipactis gigantea (stream orchid). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops. A very nice nervine.
Equisetum arvense (horsetail). Tincture, fresh spring plant, 1:2. Dosage: 15 drops to ½ tsp up to 5x daily. Infusion, dried spring or early summer herb: 2–4 fluid ounces daily.
Equisetum hyemale (scouring rush). Same as for E. arvense.
Eriodictyon (yerba santa). Tincture, fresh leaf, 1:2; dried, 1:5, 75 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 5x daily. I prefer this tincture in combination formulas. Infusion: 2–4 fluid ounces as needed.
Eschscholtzia californica (California poppy). Tincture, fresh flowering plant, 1:2. Dosage: 15–25 drops up to 3x daily.
Eucalyptus (eucalyptus). Tincture, dried leaf, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–15 drops in hot water up to 5x daily. Infusion: 2–4 fluid ounces up to 4x daily.
Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2. Dosage: 20–40 drops in hot water up to 3x daily. Infusion, dried herb: 6–8 fluid ounces up to 3x daily.
Eupatorium purpureum (gravel root, queen of the meadow, joe-pye weed). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops in hot water up to 3x daily. Decoction, dried root: 2–4 fluid ounces up to 4x daily.
Euphrasia (eyebright). Tincture, dried herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops, orally, up to 4x daily. I prefer this tincture in combination formulas. Decoction, dried herb: 2–4 fluid ounces up to 4x daily.
Filipendula (meadowsweet). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2. Dosage: 60–90 drops up to 4x daily. Tincture, dried flowering herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol, 90–120 drops up to 4x daily. Infusion, dried herb in flower: 3–6 fluid ounces up to 4x daily.
Foeniculum (fennel seed). Tincture, dried seed, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–15 drops directly on the tongue or 30–60 drops in warm water as needed. Infusion: as needed.
Fouquieria splendens (ocotillo). Tincture, fresh bark, 1:2. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 4x daily.
Fragaria (strawberry): Infusion, dried herb: as needed.
Galium aparine (cleavers, bedstraw). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2. Dosage: 1–2 tsp up to 4x daily. Fresh plant juice: up to ¼ ounce daily. Or plant juice stabilized with 25 percent alcohol: same dosage as tincture. Infusion: as needed.
Ganoderma (reishi). Tincture, fruiting body, 1:5, 20 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–20 ml (2–4 tsp) 3x daily. Note: Prepare a decoction of the herb in the amount of water to be used in tincturing. Add to cold water, bring to boil, cover, slow-boil for 30 minutes. Turn off heat, allow to cool. Pour into jar, add alcohol, put on lid, and let sit 2 weeks. Decant and store. You can also use a slow cooker to slow-cook it, covered, for 24–72 hours.
Garrya (silk tassel). Tincture, fresh leaf, 1:2; dried leaf, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 45–60 drops up to 5x daily. Tincture, root bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–20 drops up to 5x daily.
Gentiana (gentian). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–20 drops before meals, if you can take it.
Geranium (cranesbill). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol, 10 percent glycerin. Dosage: 30 drops–1 tsp up to 4x daily. Decoction: 1–4 fluid ounces up to 4x daily.
Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10 drops up to 3x daily. Best if used in formula combinations. I do not recommend this herb singly.
Glycyrrhiza lepidota (American licorice): Same as for G. glabra.
Gossypium (cotton). Tincture, fresh root bark, 1:2. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 3x daily. Tincture, freshly dried root bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 1–2 tsp up to 4x daily. Try to avoid commercial cotton; it’s highly chemicalized.
Grindelia (gumweed). Tincture, fresh flowering top, 1:2; freshly dried flowering herb, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–40 drops up to 5x daily.
Guaiacum officinale (lignum vitae). Tincture, dried bark or wood, 1:5, 95 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–15 drops in water, frequently.
Hamamelis (witch hazel). Tincture, fresh twigs and leaves, 1:2. Dosage: 10–60 drops as needed.
Harpagophytum procumbens (devil’s claw). Tincture, dried root, 1:2, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: up to 1 tsp 2x daily. Cold water percolation: 4–6 fluid ounces daily.
Heracleum (cow parsnip). Tincture, fresh seed, 1:2. Dosage: 5–10 drops as needed for hiatus hernia. Tincture: fresh root, 1:2. Dosage: 5–10 drops as needed as oral antimicrobial for gums.
Heterotheca (camphor weed). Tincture for external use, fresh flowering herb, 1:2, 70 percent rubbing alcohol; recently dried, 1:5, 70 percent rubbing alcohol. Topically as liniment. Powdered dried root as antifungal for athlete’s foot.
Humulus (hops). Tincture, fresh strobiles (i.e., flowery things on the vine), 1:2; dried strobules, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 3x daily.
Hydrangea arborescens (seven barks). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: ½–1 tsp in water up to 4x daily.
Hydrastis (goldenseal). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–50 drops up to 4x daily. Would highly recommend berberine alternatives.
Hyoscyamus niger (henbane). Tincture, fresh flowering top, 1:2. Dosage: 3–10 drops up to 3x daily. Caution is advised.
Hypericum (St. John’s wort). Tincture: fresh flowering top, 1:2. Dosage: 20–30 drops up to 3x daily. Dried plant is useless.
Illicium (star anise). Tincture, dried seed, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–10 drops as needed.
Impatiens (jewelweed). Juice of fresh plant, stabilized with 20 percent alcohol. Topical use for poison ivy and other itchy rashes as needed. (Fresh plant tincture not quite as good.)
Inula (elecampane). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 4x daily.
Iris missouriensis (blue flag). Tincture, dried root only, 1:5, 80 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–20 drops up to 3x daily. Not for long-term use.
Iris versicolor (blue flag). Same as for I. missouriensis.
Isatis (woad). Tincture, dried leaf or root, 1:5, 25 percent alcohol. Both leaves and root should be heated in the water to be used for the tincture, to a boil, and left to steep until cool; then add alcohol. Dosage: as a tonic, 30 drops up to 6x day; for acute conditions, 1 tsp up to 10 times day. Decoction, root: 10–30 grams (⅓–1 ounce) of the root boiled for 30 minutes. Dosage: 1 cup 3x daily for a max of 3 weeks. Decoction, leaf: 9–15 grams of the leaf as a tonic, 60–120 grams in acute conditions, boiled for 30 minutes. Dosage: 1 cup 3x daily.
Juglans major (black walnut). Tincture: fresh leaf, 1:2; dried leaf, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 3x daily. Tincture, dried hull, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–50 drops up to 4x daily.
Juniperus (juniper). Tincture, dryish berries, 1:5, 75 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–20 drops up to 3x daily. Tincture, fresh needles, 1:2. Dosage: 30–50 drops up to 4x daily.
Krameria (rhatany). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol, 10 percent glycerin (or not; I haven’t noticed a problem without glycerin). Dosage: 20–50 drops up to 3x daily. World–class astringent.
Lactuca (wild lettuce). Tincture, fresh herb in seed, 1:2. Dosage: ½–1 tsp up to 3x daily.
Larrea (chaparral). Tincture, leaves and small twigs, 1:5, 75 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Leonurus cardiaca (motherwort). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2. (Would not suggest using the dried plant at all.) Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 4x daily. Up to ¼ fluid ounce at a time, in water. Exceptional if combined with Pedicularis, equal parts.
Leptandra (Culver’s root). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily. I prefer this herb in combination formulas. Nice herb but very strong.
Ligusticum porteri (osha). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–60 drops up to 5x daily. Very intense.
Lobelia inflata (lobelia). Tincture, fresh flowering plant, 1:4, pure grain alcohol. Dosage: 5–20 drops up to 4x daily. Skip the dried plant; it’s relatively useless. Tincture, fresh seed, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 3–10 drops.
Lomatium dissectum (lomatium). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; tincture, dried root, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 4x daily.
Lycium pallidum (wolfberry). Tincture, fresh herb, 1:2. Dosage: 15–40 drops up to 4x daily.
Lycopus (bugleweed, water horehound). Tincture, fresh herb, 1:2. Dosage: 15–40 drops up to 3x daily.
Lysichiton americanum (western skunk cabbage), my favorite. Tincture, freshly dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Mahonia (Oregon grape). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–60 drops up to 3x daily. Infusion or cold water percolation: 1–3 fluid ounces up to 3x daily. More in acute GI tract conditions.
Malva neglecta (mallow). Infusion: 2–6 fluid ounces as needed. Highly useful as part of decoction mix for cough syrups.
Marrubium (horehound). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2; dried plant, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 4x daily. (Yuck, talk about bitter.) Exceptionally useful as part of a combination decoction for cough syrups.
Matricaria (chamomile). Tincture, fresh flower, 1:2; dried flower, 1:5, 45 percent alcohol. Dosage: 100–150 drops up to 3x daily.
Matricaria matricarioides, a.k.a. discoidea (pineapple weed). Same as for Matricaria.
Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Infusion, dried flowering plant: usually in the morning, or as needed. Exceptionally good blended with red clover and wild oat straw, equal parts.
Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2; recently dried flowering herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: ½–1 tsp in warm water up to 4x daily. Tincture for external use: 1:3, 25 percent alcohol, 30 percent glycerine, 45 percent water; use topically for itching skin blisters/shingles.
Mentha arvensis (poleo mint). Tincture, fresh herb (in flower if possible just for the added mass), 1:2. Dosage: 1 drop on up.
Mentha piperita (peppermint). Same as for M. arvensis.
Mentha spicata (spearmint, yerba buena). Same as for M. arvensis.
Menyanthes (buckbean, bogbean). Tincture, whole fresh plant, 1:2; dried plant, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Mitchella repens (squaw vine). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2; dried plant, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: ½– 1 tsp up to 3x daily.
Myrica (bayberry). Tincture, fresh root bark, 1:2; dried root bark, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–60 drops up to 3x daily; in acute conditions ½–1 tsp up to 4x daily. Cold water percolation: 2–4 fluid ounces up to 3x daily; in acute conditions up to 6x daily.
Nepeta cataria (catnip). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2; recently dried herb if you must, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: ½–1 tsp up to 4x daily.
Nuphar (yellow pond lily). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2. Dosage: 10–20 drops up to 3x daily.
Oenothera (evening primrose). Tincture, fresh flowering herb stalk, 1:2. Dosage: 30 drops up to 1 tsp as needed. Tincture, seed, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol, 10 percent glycerine. Dosage: 3–10 drops up to 6x daily.
Olea europaea (olive). Tincture, fresh leaf, 1:2; dried leaf, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 3x daily.
Oplopanax horridus (devil’s club). Tincture, dried root bark, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–40 drops up to 3x daily.
Opuntia (prickly pear). Fresh pad juice, stabilized with 25 percent alcohol: 1–3 fluid ounces up to 2x daily.
Osmorhiza occidentalis (western sweet cicely). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 45–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Paeonia (peony). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–25 drops up to 4x daily.
Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng). Tincture, cured (red) root, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–30 drops up to 3x daily. Tincture, uncured (white) root, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–40 drops.
Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng). Tincture, all forms of dried roots, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Woods-grown dosage: 10–20 drops 3x daily. Field-cultivated dosage: 20–40 drops 3x daily.
Parietaria (pellitory-of-the-wall). Tincture, flowering herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 60–90 drops up to 5x daily.
Passiflora (passionflower). Tincture, fresh flowering herb (if you can get it in flower; otherwise, just the whole herb), 1:2; dried, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: ½–1½ tsp up to 4x daily.
Paullinia cupana (guarana). Take this one as a powder of the seed, 1 tsp in a little water. Makes the mind clear and the self energetic. Very unlike caffeine. Tincture the dried seed if you want, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: ¼–1 tsp.
Pausinystalia (yohimbe). Tincture, dried bark, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–30 drops. Careful with this one.
Pedicularis and P. groenlandica in particular (lousewort, elephant head). Same as for P. bracteosa below. A lot of people use the species interchangeably, but groenlandica and fernleaf lousewort (P. bracteosa) are the only two I have tried, and I think groenlandica tastes dreadful. Michael Moore notes the pediculari are semi-parasitic and pick up stuff from their hosts. I generally harvest the fernleaf lousewort that grows among aspen groves and haven’t noticed a problem. Moore suggests that you avoid species growing in close proximity to Senecio species or toxic legumes. I think the dried herb is useless.
Pedicularis bracteosa (betony, fernleaf lousewort). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2. Dosage: 30 drops up to ½ fluid ounce in water as needed. My favorite of the pediculari. Very nice as a general muscle relaxant, especially if combined in equal parts with motherwort tincture.
Petasites (western coltsfoot). Tincture, fresh herb, 1:2. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Petroselinum (parsley). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 3x daily; I’d mix the tincture in water with this one.
Phytolacca (poke). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–15 drops up to 3x daily. Not nearly as unsafe as portrayed; nevertheless, use with awareness and be careful with that dose.
Picraena (quassia). Tincture, dried bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Pilocarpus (jaborandi). Tincture, dried leaf, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–30 drops in warm water.
Pinus (pine). Tincture, needles, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily. Powdered: topically as needed.
Pinus pollen (pollen pini). Tincture, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: as a tonic, 10 drops up to 3x daily; as a treatment for specific conditions, 30 drops 3x daily. Not for men under 45 without a specific medical condition. Not generally for women except in certain medical conditions. Not for muscle builders. Contains high amounts of testosterone. Large doses (½ fluid ounce a day or more) will shrink testes and reduce normal testosterone production.
Piper methysticum (kava kava). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 4x daily. The fresher the root, the better.
Piper nigrum (black pepper). Tincture, dried fruit (i.e., peppercorns), 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–15 drops.
Plantago major (plantain). Fresh leaf juice, really the only good way to use this plant: 1–2 tbl up to 4x daily. Can be frozen or stabilized with 20–25 percent alcohol. Specific for Crohn’s, IBS, intestinal ulceration. Topical poultice of the fresh leaf for splinters, basically, embedded things in the skin. Magic.
Polygonatum (Solomon’s seal). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Polygonum bistorta (bistort root). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol, 10 percent glycerin. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 3x daily.
Polypodium glycyrrhiza (licorice fern). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Populus balsamifera (balsam poplar). Tincture, fresh early-spring leaf buds, 1:2; very recently dried early-spring leaf buds, 1:5, 75 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 3x daily. You can also infuse the early-spring leaf buds in oil for topical use. Yum.
Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen). Tincture, freshly dried bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Prinos (black alder). Tincture, freshly dried bark, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 2x daily.
Propolis (from the hive). Tincture, 1:5, 95 percent alcohol. Dosage: 5–15 drops in a little honey or straight if you can take it. Doesn’t mix well with others.
Prunella (self-heal, heal-all). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2. Dosage: as needed. A highly underrated plant.
Prunus (choke cherry). Tincture, late summer or fall bark, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol, 10 percent glycerin. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 4x daily. I prefer the small, high-mountain varieties, especially in syrups. They really are better. The berries should be dried and added to the syrup decoction as it is cooking.
Prunus persica (peach tree). Tincture, recently dried leaf, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Ptelea (wafer ash, hop tree). Tincture, bark, seed, or leaf, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Ptychopetalum (muira puama, potency wood). Tincture, dried bark, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops. Careful, this one does have an effect on the male organs of reproduction.
Pulmonaria (lungwort). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2. Dosage: 30–90 drops as needed.
Pygeum africanum (African prune). Tincture, dried bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 40–80 drops up to 3x daily.
Pyrola (false wintergreen). Tincture, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 3x daily.
Quercus (oak). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol, 10 percent glycerin. Dosage: 30 drops to 1 tsp up to 4x daily. Decoction: 1–4 fluid ounces up to 4x daily.
Rhamnus californica (California buckthorn, coffeeberry). Tincture, well-dried bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 1–2 tsp.
Rheum officinale (rhubarb). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol, 10 percent glycerin. Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 4x daily. Note: Vitamin C powder is a much better solution for constipation.
Rhodiola rosea, R. integrifolia (rhodiola, golden root, rose root). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol (some people use a 1:3). Dosage: as a tonic, 30–40 drops 3–4x daily; in acute conditions, ½–1 tsp 3x daily for 20–30 days, then back to the tonic dose. The tincture is usually taken in water—the plant is extremely astringent.
Rhus aromatica (sweet sumac). Tincture, dried root bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol, 10 percent glycerin. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 4x daily.
Rhus glabra (smooth sumac). Tincture, dried leaf or fruit, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol, 10 percent glycerin. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 4x daily.
Rosmarinus (rosemary). Tincture, dryish leaf, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Rubus idaeus (raspberry). Infusion, dried leaf: as often as needed. Excellent for diarrhea.
Rubus villosus (blackberry). Infusion or decoction, dried root bark: 2–4 fluid ounces. Really excellent for diarrhea. If it just won’t quit, use this. I don’t know why more people don’t.
Rumex crispus (yellow dock). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–75 drops up to 3x daily.
Rumex hymenosepalus (canaigre, red dock). Decoction, dried root. Dosage: not a lot. World-class astringent; it will suck the moisture out of your body starting at your toes and then go all the way up. Great topically as either powder or cooled decoction for any kind of seeping wounds. Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol, 10 percent glycerin. Great in gum toner combinations.
Ruscus aculeatus (butcher’s broom). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Salix (willow). Decoction, dried bark: 2–4 fluid ounces to 4x daily. Evaporative concentrate for topical use.
Salvia (sage). Tincture, fresh herb (in flower), 1:2; dried herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops as needed. Decoctions and infusions are also useful.
Sambucus (elder). Tincture, fresh flower, 1:2. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 3x daily. Tincture, fresh leaf, 1:2. Dosage: 10 drops, not more than once per hour (good nervine). Tincture, dried berry, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 3x daily. If nausea occurs back off on the dose.
Scoparius (broom). Tincture, dried flowering top, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 4x daily.
Scrophularia (figwort). Tincture, fresh herb, 1:2. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Scutellaria (skullcap). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2. Dosage: 20–60 drops or more to 3x daily. Some people are highly responsive to it, others—nothing. Would skip the dried herb unless very recently harvested; fairly useless otherwise: 1:5, 50 percent alcohol.
Serenoa (saw palmetto). Tincture, dried berry, 1:5, 80 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 3x daily. Yuck. Fetid soap.
Sida (sida). Tincture, fresh leaf, 1:2; dried leaf, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 4x day; in acute conditions, ½ tsp–1 tbl, 3–6x daily, generally for less than 60 days.
Silybum marianum (milk thistle). Tincture, dried seed, 1:3, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 5x daily minimum; or 1–2 tsp 3x daily in liver disease. For liver disease, though, the standardized capsules are much better, 1,200 mg daily. In tonic liver mixes, the powdered seeds are good in larger doses.
Smilacina racemosa (false Solomon’s seal). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2. Dosage: 10–20 drops up to 3x daily. The dried root is very good in syrups.
Smilax (sarsaparilla). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; dried root, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 3x daily.
Solanum dulcamara (bittersweet). Tincture, fresh stem, 1:2; dried stem, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–20 drops 1–2x daily. The plant is a lot milder than its reputation.
Solidago (goldenrod). Tincture, fresh plant in flower, 1:2. Dosage: 20–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Stachys officinalis (European betony). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2; dried herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 3 drops to 1 tsp up to 4x daily.
Sticta (lobaria pulmonaria, lungwort moss). Tincture, lichen, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–30 drops up to 4x daily.
Stillingia sylvatica (queen’s root). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; recently dried root, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops daily.
Swertia radiata, a.k.a. Frasera speciosa (green gentian, cebadilla). Powdered root, recently dried: mix with petroleum jelly and place on skin cancers, cover with bandage, leave 72 hours, remove.
Symphytum (comfrey). Tincture, dried root: 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 3x daily for up to 30 days. Root powder for ulceration in GI tract: 1 tsp 3x daily for 30 days.
Tabebuia (pau d’arco). Tincture, dried bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: ½–1 tsp up to 4x daily.
Tanacetum (feverfew). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2; dried plant, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 4x daily. Cold infusion, fresh plant in flower: 2–4 fluid ounces.
Taraxacum (dandelion). Tincture, fresh root, 1:2; fresh leaf, 1:2. Dosage: ½–1 tsp up to 4x daily. Don’t take the leaf before bed; it’s a strong diuretic.
Thuja (arborvitæ, red or yellow cedar). Tincture, fresh herb, needle, or leaf, 1:2. Dosage: 5–15 drops in water up to 4x daily.
Thymus (thyme). Tincture, fresh herb, 1:2; dried herb, 1:5, 45 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 3x daily.
Tribulus (puncture vine). Tincture, dried seed (and herb if you must), 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–40 drops up to 2x daily.
Trifolium pratense (red clover). Infusion or decoction, flowering herb: 4–6 fluid ounces daily.
Trillium (beth root). Tincture, fresh plant, 1:2. Dosage: 15–25 drops up to 3x daily.
Turnera diffusa (damiana). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2. Dosage: 20–30 drops up to 3x daily (yum). The dried plant isn’t really worth it, but it would be 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Fresh plant is the way to go.
Ulmus pumila (Siberian elm). Cold infusion, powdered or shredded bark. Dosage: as needed for GI tract problems, debility. Note: Ulmus fulva, slippery elm, is endangered. Siberian elm is the primary elm that is an exact substitute for slippery elm. It is an invasive and should be used with abandon. It is really good, plus the fresh seeds are highly edible and tasty, especially if lightly cooked in butter. The dried seeds make a great flour.
Umbellularia (California bay, Oregon myrtle). Tincture, fresh leaf, 1:2; recently dried leaf, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–20 drops up to 3x daily.
Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw). Tincture, dried root bark or vine inner bark, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 40–60 drops up to 3x daily.
Urtica (nettles). Infusion, whole herb: as needed.
Usnea (old man’s beard). Tincture, dried herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops up to 4x a day. Herb should be well ground, moistened with a little alcohol, then added to the proper amount of water to be used in the tincturing process, brought to a boil, slow-boiled, covered, for 30 minutes, then allowed to cool, still covered. Then the alcohol should be added, the whole mess put in a jar and allowed to macerate for 2 weeks, decanted, and bottled. A slow cooker can also be used instead of the boiling; let cook on the low setting for a couple of days.
Valeriana (valerian). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 3x daily. Old sock special.
Verbascum (mullein). Tincture, fresh flowering head stalk, 1:2. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 4x daily.
Verbena (blue vervain). Tincture, fresh flowering herb, 1:2; dried flowering herb, 1:5, 60 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 4x daily.
Viburnum (cramp bark, black haw). Tincture, root bark, and bark, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–90 drops up to 4x daily.
Vinca major (periwinkle). Tincture, fresh herb, 1:2; dried herb, 1:5, 50 percent alcohol. Dosage: 20–40 drops up to 2x daily.
Vinca minor (periwinkle). Same as for V. major.
Viola odorata (violet). Tincture, fresh plant in flower, 1:2. Dosage: 1–2 tsp up to 2x daily.
Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree). Tincture, dried berry, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–60 drops in the morning. Michael Moore suggests using the tincture or the tea in the 2-week period before menses as it strengthens the progesterone phase of the cycle.
Withania somnifera (ashwagandha). Tincture, dried root, 1:5, 70 percent alcohol. Dosage: 30–40 drops up to 3x daily. Tincture, fresh leaf, 1:2. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily. Tincture, dried seed, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 3x daily. Tincture, fresh fruit, 1:2 (grind the whole mess well). Dosage: 15–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Xanthoxylum (prickly ash). Tincture, bark/berry, 1:5, 65 percent alcohol. Dosage: 10–30 drops up to 3x daily.
Zea mays (corn silk). Tincture, fresh silk, 1:2. Dosage: ½–1½ tsp in water. Excellent in UTI combinations.
Zingiber (ginger). Fresh juice of the root, stabilized with 20–25 percent pure grain alcohol. Add ¼ cup fresh juice of gingerroot to 8 ounces hot water, and add 1 tbl wildflower honey, ⅛ tsp cayenne, and a squeeze of ¼ lime (then drop the peel in). Drink up to 6 cups daily. Fresh root tincture, 1:2. Dosage: 10–60 drops in warm to hot water up to 6x daily.