The tincture can be used safely and effectively with heart medication, as it's a tonic and not a "medicine" per se; it works through its nutritional component to strengthen the heart and circulatory systems.
Ingredients
2partsElderberrydried
2partsLinden flower
2partsRose hipdried
1partBlueberrydried
1partHawthorn berry, leaf and flowerdried
80 proof alcohol or unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Select a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Chop the herbs and place them into the clean, dry jar.
Pour enough alcohol (or apple cider vinegar, if using) to completely cover the mixture by 2 to 3 inches. Seal the jar. Make sure the herbs remain covered by the liquid; add more if necessary.
Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot and let the herbs macerate (soak) for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake daily.
Strain the herbs from the liquid (offer the spent herbs to the compost goddess). Pour the liquid into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dark spot. An alcohol-based tincture will keep for many years and a vinegar-based tincture one at least 1 year (often much longer).
To use: Take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon two or three times daily for 5 days. Repeat the cycle for several weeks or even months.