Thinking about making a tincture of Japanese Knotweed and Cat's Claw

I've been doing Stephen Buhner's protocol, but it's so very expensive. (I know it's less than many others, but it's still a lot for me).

I've got his new Herbal Antibiotic book, and he says to make a Cat's Claw tincture, you're supposed to the whole dry herb 1:5 with liquid, 60% of which should be grain alcohol (190 proof), and 40% should be water.

First question, can I make this with Vodka that isn't quite as strong as grain alcohol if I skip the water? Anybody made tinctures with just 80 proof vodka?

His instructions for Japanese Knotweed are similar, but supposed to be more alcohol. 70% alcohol, 30% water.

Second question, what if I put them together? Do you think that would work? Or should I do them separately?

Thanks for any thoughts you might have on this or either of these herbs.

Nope!! Don't mind a bit, 1bcgirl!! I know that you've done a lot of tincturing for a while now, so I know that you know what you are talking about - better than I do!!! LOL! Also, I haven't been tincturing those specific herbs like you have, and I've only tinctured fresh herbs, not dried.

Thanks of all of the great, detailed information!

Just to add one thought - Stephen Buhner suggests that you chop the herb very finely right before adding the liquid or even blend your herb/alcohol mixture. He says he has a heavy duty mixer for that purpose and even uses it for dried roots.

I haven't made tea from the whole herbs, yet. I've been ordering pre-made capsules, and they're expensive. The cat's claw didn't seem to do much for me at all, until the brand I was getting started mixing it with black pepper fruit. I didn't realize it was any different and just took it at my usual dose. Wow - my whole body hurt. So, if it works for me like it has for you, the whole herb tea and/or tinctures should work better.

Well, I'm glad that you are posting all of this, 1bcgirl!!! You're right, someone will read it and say to themselves, "That's me!!" and will finally know what they are dealing with.

I only fill capsules with things like turmeric, ginger root(which I get from the health food store or order myself), and a few other powdered herbs that I get from my Practitioner - she grinds them herself just before my appts. Otherwise, it's the whole herb that goes into my treatment teas.

I'm so very happy that you are getting so much better - I know that you don't want to celebrate until you are much closer or are completely healed, but I just can't wait that long!!! I like to do the happy dance when there's any improvement!!! Giggle! You know how I am.

Hi seymourblogger - welcome to our community!

Do you have, or think you have lyme? Or did you just stop in to post about tincture?

FYI - the original poster hast not been on the forum for over 3 years now...