What is a tincture?
A tincture is one of the most common forms of herbal medicine. It is a concentrated herbal extract that is most commonly made in alcohol but can also be made in vinegar or vegetable glycerine. It is easy to make easier to take.
An alcohol based tincture is preferred by many herbalists due to being almost fool proof to make and has an incredible shelf life. They say that an alcohol based tincture can last for 2-4 years, though many home based herbalist will tell you that a well strained and sealed mixture can last forever.
When using as a medicine, you can simple take 1-2 teaspoons or added to teas, coffee and juices.
Choosing a solution
The process itself is the same regardless of your choice of solution. However, if you plan to use alcohol, make your to go with a high quality 80 to 100 proof one. This will be at least 40% alcohol and the rest of the bottle is water.
Alcohol is preferred as it is perfect for extracting the most from the herbs and can be used for any plant or herb you would like. Alcohol has been used for tinctures for as long as it’s been around. That a long time! Most vodka, gin, rum and brandy are 80 – 100 proof making them the easiest choice.
The amount of alcohol per dose is quite small. However if making them for children or someone that can’t or shouldn’t consume alcohol, apple cider vinegar and vegetable glycerine are the other options. I would recommend vinegar since you likely have this in your home right now in one form or another.
A vinegar or glycerin tincture will only last for about a year before you need to discarded. Also, do a quite internet search to be sure that the herb(s) you are using will work with these solutions. Here are are some of the common ones that can be used:
| Rosemary | Oregano | Calendula |
| Chamomile | Peppermint | Elder berries/flowers |
| Ginger root | Echinacea | Dandelion leaves/roots |
| Valarian root | Fennel seeds | Mullein |
There are definitely more, these are just the ones you are likely to have heard of. I’ve never actually worked with most of the items on listed that I found.
I have always personally used alcohol due to being more versatile and it’s shelf life. However, I make certain ones in vegetable glycerine because they taste better in teas.
Making a tincture at home
- Step 1
Choose your herb and finely chop them. You can use dried or fresh herbs. I don’t recommend using a blender or food processor simply because the tiny pieces will be more difficult to strain at the end. Place the herb into a glass jar that has a lid. You should label the jar with either the date you are starting or the 4 week mark in the future.
- Step 2
Pour enough solution over the herbs to cover them by 1-3 inches. If using dried herbs, leave an extra 1/2 – 1 inch since they will swell . If using small jars, simple fill them about half way. Seal the jar tightly. It’s ok if herbs are floating. If that happened just give them an extra day to settle.
You can mark the jar on the outside with a black marker before putting in the solution to be a bit ore precise with the levels.
- Step 3
Place your jar somewhere warm and sunny but not too hot. I just set mine on my kitchen table or bar. Ket them hang out and soak, shaking daily to prevent too much settling at the bottom of the jar.
- Step 4
After 4 weeks, strain the mixture. This is where the larger pieces will make your life a bite easier. I tend to strain everything twice for good measure. Pour your picture into a new, clean jar and store in a cool, dark place. Under your sink or in your pantry is perfect! The color will be completely different and will no longer smell like alcohol.
Conclusion and Tips
If you are new the to world of making and Ising your own herbal, natural medicines, I think tinctures is a great way to start. If they sit and steep too long? Cool. End up only using them sparingly? No worries! With years to use them up, you will be fine letting them sit around while you get into the routine of reaching for oils and tinctures instead of the ole handle pill bottles.
*Start small. Don’t go make a quart jar on your first go. That is more than most people will use in a lifetime…even if you give some away to friends. You can actually find 4 oz jars in stores and online. I think this is the perfect amount to start with!
*Although shaking daily isn’t technically necessary, I find it fun. It will also make you feel like more of the process since it will be more “hands on.”