One of the first DIY herbal remedies I learned how to make was a tincture. Our family has been relying on simple recipes like chamomile tincture for relaxation (and our picky baby!). However, I realized it might be helpful to provide some general instructions on how to make your own tincture using herbs.
You can make plant medicine using just plant materials, a glass bottle, and alcohol. So what exactly is a tincture? Unlike herbal teas, tinctures use alcohol to extract plant material into a liquid concentrate. This herb is shelf stable due to the health benefits of the herb in concentrated form.
Alcohol-based tinctures will last for years if made and stored properly. This is great when a family member is sick and you need to get something done quickly and without fuss. I am preparing several tinctures for my children. It can also be used outside (including with young children) to quickly resolve common problems.
If you’ve ever purchased tinctures from a store or online, try making your own. It’s very affordable and can be made in minutes! Tinctures are a great addition to any home apothecary.
Non-alcoholic tincture
Some places sell so-called “alcohol-free tinctures.” This can be confusing because tinctures can only be made with an alcohol base. If you want to avoid alcohol, one good option is herbal glycerite, which is made from glycerin. These herbal extracts are not as potent and do not last as long as actual tinctures, but they are a good alternative. This is what an “alcohol-free tincture” is.
Glycerin is naturally very sweet, so kids usually like it!
Another option is to make herbal vinegar. Instead of using alcohol, use vinegar as a solvent. Again, it doesn’t extract the exact same chemical components from the plant as alcohol, but it is just as effective.
Some sources say to drop the tincture into hot water and let the alcohol evaporate first. However, studies have shown that only about 15% of alcohol evaporates this way, losing valuable volatile oils in the process. If you want to avoid alcohol, a better option is to make herbal glycerite or vinegar.
Tincture Making Supplies
To make the tincture you will need the following ingredients:
- Clean glass jar with lid (at least pint size)
- Consumable alcohol, such as vodka or rum – at least 80 proof
- selected herb
How to make a tincture
First, choose the hub you want to use. These are some of my favorite tincture blends. You can also make a tincture of a single herb, such as peppermint or astragalus.
How to make a tincture
Easily make your own tincture with this simple tutorial. Create your own custom formula using single herbs or blends!
produce: 0
- dried herbs
- alcohol (At least 80 proof)
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Fill the bottle 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried herbs. Filling half full creates a stronger tincture. Don’t pack your bags.
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Fill the rest of the bottle with alcohol, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Stir with a clean spoon.
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Place the lid on the jar. Store bottle in a cool, dark place, shaking daily, for at least 2 weeks and up to 6 months. (I usually leave the herbs for 6 weeks.)
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Strain the tincture through muslin cheesecloth and compost the herbs. Store tincture in colored dropper bottles or clean glass bottles.
Over time, alcohol can break down the rubber on the caps of some glass dropper bottles. If you are storing the tincture for more than a few months, you can store it in glass mason jars. Then refill the small dropper bottle with liquid as needed.
How to Use Herbal Tinctures
Once you have the tincture, what do you do with it? When making the tincture the simple way, the typical dosage for adults is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, up to 3 times daily. Children are usually given 1/4 to 1/3 of the adult dose.
When using a more precise tincture preparation method, the dosage will vary depending on the herb used and the person taking it. This will require you to consult an herbalist (or research a reliable resource) about your specific situation.
The tincture can also be used topically (for muscle pain, etc.). When my kids were little, I put a few drops of digestive tincture on their bellies to help with gas and colic. They can be absorbed into the skin and provide the same health benefits. Because it is alcohol, drinking too much can dry you out!
Who can use the tincture?
Unlike OTC medications, herbal medicine is not designed to be one size fits all. In general, tinctures may be safe for all ages and may also be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. That said, it depends on the herb used, how much you use, and what you’re using it for.
Mild herbs like elderberry, ginger, and lemon balm have a much wider safety net than herbs like anemones, which can be toxic in large doses. Safe bitters like dandelion help promote digestion, and elderberry supports the immune system. Do your research ahead of time to make sure the herbs you plan to use are safe for you (or your children).
I’ve included a few recipes below with common herbs that are great options for most people to get started. I do not and cannot give medical advice, so be sure to consult with your natural health care provider before starting any new supplements.
Where to get ingredients
Your backyard! But you can actually make a tincture using plants from your garden or “weeds” from your backyard. I also purchased herbs from reputable online sources such as Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals. If you collect plants, make sure you identify them correctly before using them. Here’s how to dry herbs:
Alcohol is readily available at grocery stores and liquor stores. Organic alcohol may be harder to find, but there are several good online sources. Organic alcohol is available here.
Then all you need is a glass jar (e.g. a mason jar) and a glass jar to store the finished tincture.
What type of alcohol is best for tincture?
Grain alcohol is common, but you can also find grain-free options like potato vodka. Most tinctures use 80 percent alcohol, like clear vodka. Higher levels of alcohol (e.g. Everclear at level 190) are also very useful.
Fresh herbs have a high moisture content and can spoil faster in alcohol as low as 80 degrees. 190 proof alcohol is 95% alcohol by volume, so it can also be mixed with distilled water in varying proportions to achieve a specific percentage of alcohol. Some herbs or plant parts are best extracted with varying alcohol ratios. Straight 190 proof alcohol is effective in extracting volatile oils and resins.
For the sake of simplicity, we have provided instructions on how to use the simple method or the folk method!
Have you ever tried making your own herbal tincture? What is your favorite? Share below!
