"Moonshine ginger tincture" - it's not generally what comes to mind when we think of medicine these days. However, in the early 1900's alcohol was just as commonly used as medicine as it was a social lubricant and a form of entertainment. In fact, alcohol tinctures were some of the best medicines available for treating common illnesses.

Alcohol tinctures have been used for generations "to cure what ails ya," as the saying goes. On the American frontier, mountain folk, and doctors alike, would mix ethyl alcohol with everything from tree bark to American ginseng, ginger, golden seal, honey, and even candy. However, tinctures were most often made with native plants known for their medicinal properties. One of the most common tinctures was made with ginger and alcohol. Keep reading to learn about the best kind of alcohol to use.

Wild American ginger is found as far north as Maine, as far South as Georgia, and all the way from the east coast to the great plains. It grows in the shade, beneath dense canopies of deciduous forests. Ginger leaves are shaped like hearts and its flowers are small, red cups, with three wispy tips. Early American settlers, and many other cultures before them (such as the Native Americans), used ginger as medicine, as well as a spice for foods. Settlers concentrated the potency of ginger's beneficial compounds by soaking it in high proof alcohol. Alcohol is able to dissolve substances which are less soluble in water. It also acts as a preservative.

The best kind of ginger and alcohol to use in tinctures is organic ginger and organic grain alcohol. Something like Ole Smokey, and even Everclear or high proof vodka would do the trick but this Organic Moonshine by Old Standard would be perfect.

Now would be a good time to mention that distilling alcohol is illegal without a federal fuel alcohol or distilled spirit plant permit, as well as relevant state and local permits. Our distillation equipment is designed for legal uses only and the information in this article is for educational purposes only. Please read our complete legal summary for more information on the legalities of distillation.

Modern science has actually proven the validity of many of ginger's traditional medicinal uses. Ginger has been shown to exhibit antibacterial qualities - with the ability to treat staph infections, it is an aid for several types of nausea and digestive issues, it is also a natural anti-inflammatory and can be effectively used to help ease complications and pain associated with many diseases, such as osteoarthritis.

How to make it:

Slice organic ginger roots into quarter inch chunks and fill a glass jar 3/4 full. Top with 80-100 proof organic grain alcohol (non-organic will do if you can't get your hands on organic) and seal tightly.  Leave it sit and mature for at least 6 months before using.