An Alchemist’s Guide to Tonics and Tinctures

There are many different ways to make tonics, as the term “tonic” can refer to a variety of medicinal substances that are taken to promote health and well-being. Here is a general outline of the process for making a simple tonic using herbal ingredients:

• Gather your ingredients and equipment. You will need a selection of dried herbs, a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and a liquid such as water, vinegar, or alcohol (depending on the type of tonic you want to make). You may also need a strainer or cheesecloth if you are using whole herbs rather than powdered ones.
• Choose your herbs. The type of herbs you use will depend on the specific health benefits you are seeking. Some common tonic herbs include ginseng, astragalus, and cordyceps.
• Prepare the herbs. If you are using whole herbs, you will need to chop or grind them into a fine powder. If you are using pre-powdered herbs, you can simply skip this step.
• Combine the herbs and liquid. Place the herbs in a jar and add enough liquid to fully cover them. If you are using alcohol, aim for a concentration of around 25-30%. If you are using water or vinegar, you will need to use more (around 50-60%) to extract the active compounds from the herbs.
• Seal the jar and let it sit. Tightly seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks (longer for stronger tonics). Shake the jar daily to help extract the active compounds from the herbs.
• Strain the tonic. After the desired steeping time has passed, strain the tonic through a cheesecloth or strainer to remove the solids.
• Store and use the tonic. Transfer the tonic to a clean jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator. You can take the tonic as desired by mixing a few spoonfuls with water or another beverage.

Here is a simple recipe for a tisane tonic that can be made with a variety of herbs to suit your specific health needs:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried herbs (such as chamomile, lavender, or mint)
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Gather your ingredients and equipment. You will need a selection of dried herbs, a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and a measuring cup.
2. Choose your herbs. The type of herbs you use will depend on the specific health benefits you are seeking. Some common tisane herbs include chamomile, lavender, and mint.
3. Combine the herbs and water. Place the herbs in a jar and add the water.
4. Seal the jar and let it sit. Tightly seal the jar and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours (as noted above, allow it to sit longer if you are going for a stronger tonic).
5. Strain the tisane. After the desired steeping time has passed, strain the tisane through a cheesecloth or strainer to remove the solids.
6. You can drink the tisane and store the rest for later.

Note: This recipe can be adjusted to make larger or smaller batches as needed. You can also add sweeteners or other flavorings, such as honey or lemon juice, to taste.

Simple earth tonics like this are perfect for addressing a wide range of ailments, depending on the herbs that are used. In common folk medicine, tonics often utilized a wide variety of different herbs at the same time, in order to create what many still refer to as a “cure all.”

True tonics or panaceas were like a “cure for whatever ails you,” in that they would lift the constitution and spirit together, addressing most of the important bodily systems at the same time.

For the purpose of creating herbal tonic drinks with specific energy signatures, this method can get a bit messy. However, these kinds of tonics are great for providing the body with a variety of trace phytonutrients that can help boost the immune system, ease inflammation, clean out mucus, and a number of other benefits.

Here is a simple recipe for a parsley tincture that can be used to support kidney and bladder health:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried parsley
• 1 cup high-proof alcohol such as vodka or rum

Instructions:

1. Gather your ingredients and equipment. You will need a jar with a tight-fitting lid and a measuring cup.
2. Combine the parsley and alcohol. Place the parsley in a jar and add the alcohol.
3. Seal the jar and let it sit. Tightly seal the jar and place it in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks (longer for stronger tinctures). Shake the jar daily to help extract the active compounds from the parsley.
4. Strain the tincture. After the desired steeping time has passed, strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or strainer to remove the solids.
5. Store and use the tincture. Transfer the tincture to a clean jar or bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. You can take the tincture as desired by placing a few drops under the tongue or adding them to water or another beverage.

This recipe can be adjusted to make larger or smaller batches as needed. You can also add other herbs or ingredients to the tincture to enhance its effects, such as dandelion or nettle.

Why You Should Take Tonics and Tinctures

As with any supplement or medication, it’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before taking these tonics or tinctures if you are concerned about possible side effects.

In general, herbal remedies tend not to have nearly as many conflicts and negative reactions as synthetic drugs do, as the compounds are natural and gentle. Think of herbal tonics and tinctures as being more like food, but in a somewhat more concentrated state. The most you are likely to experience is an upset stomach.

That being said, it’s well worth taking tonics and tinctures because the benefits extend beyond the physical. While a carefully made tonic can certainly help battle a cold, keep in mind that every herb has its own energy signature, and the adept use of these potions and teas can actually elevate your vibration.

From an alchemist’s point of view, there are two sides to every ingredient. The herbal or physical side, and then the etheric, or essence. Both sides must be taken into account in order to create tonics and tinctures that are extremely effective.

One of the main benefits of herbal alchemy is that it allows people to take a more natural and holistic approach to their health and well-being. Rather than relying on pharmaceutical drugs, which can have a variety of side effects, herbal remedies are made from natural plant materials that are generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated.

Herbal alchemy also allows people to take a more proactive approach to their health by creating personalized remedies that are tailored to their specific needs. This can be especially useful for people who have conditions that require ongoing treatment, as it allows them to take control of their own health and well-being.

However we know that energy is the root of everything, so in a way, the etheric properties of herbs matters even more than the physical properties and nutrients.

Herb tonics not only contain helpful nutrients, but valuable energy signatures that can be used for more than just health. Tonics can be crafted for strength, greater intuition and divination abilities, and even resistance from negative energy.

Using Tonics and Tinctures in Magick

Traditionally, tonics and tinctures act like potions. When prepared properly, they have both physical and metaphysical attributes.

Sometimes, potions or herbal alchemy remedies may have more of a physical purpose than a spiritual one, or vice versa.

In magick rituals, there are many preparations that are not physically potent but are crafted with very strong metaphysical correspondences, which are meant to work on an etheric level rather than the physical alone.

In order to prepare metaphysical tonics and tinctures, you have to possess an even greater understanding of the properties of each herb and substance before use. Hence there are multiple levels of understanding when it comes to herbal alchemy.

First, the physical properties of a plant are understood. Then the subtle properties, which include elemental signatures, potency under certain astrological conditions, correspondences with certain times of the year, as well as what kinds of energies can be moved with it.

If you are trying to create a specific effect, whether physical or metaphysical, you must first fully understand the properties of the substances you are working with, and how best to combine them to amplify their potency.

Potions and other magickal concoctions all work off of the principles of potency, meaning that they become stronger the more that their correspondences are aligned. 

The reason why traditional potion recipes tend to be so complex and oddly precise is because of the specific energy signatures associated with the ingredients, how they interact under certain conditions, and what the end result is energy-wise.

You can think of tonic creation almost like baking. These practices share numerous similarities. While you might not think an extra 1/4 teaspoon of salt or a too little baking soda would make a difference, the end result can be quite dramatic. The same goes for herbal tonics, especially when you are working with metaphysical components.

A word of caution, you want to be aware of the physical components as well, as too much of a certain herb can be deadly. Also, certain ingredients in tonics are meant to suppress the negative effects of other ingredients, to create a balance.