How to Make an Herbal Tincture
If you have any interest in the world of herbalism, you’ve more than likely come across tinctures. Perhaps you take tinctures. Tinctures are also known as herbal extracts that are liquid-based, most often using alcohol, but sometimes glycerin. Tinctures are a popular way to take herbs because of their convenience. Constituents in tinctures are shelf-stable, easy to take, and portable. Summer is a perfect time to try your hand at making tinctures yourself.
How are Tinctures Made?
If you’ve ever noticed the term 1:5 ratio on a tincture bottle and wondered what that meant, well, it means that the extract was made using one part herb to one part alcohol (or a combination of alcohol and water). Some herbs are extracted just fine with a low alcohol percentage, while others require up to 95% alcohol. Things like propolis or other resin herbs require that. Some herbs are best extracted fresh, and some are best extracted dry. If you are thinking about getting into some serious tincture making or planning on selling tinctures, you’ll want to learn all you can about the best way to make the most effective product. Don’t worry if this all sounds confusing; for the average home herbalist, all you need to learn is the “folk method”. Our ancestors have been infusing herbs into wine and other alcoholic beverages for centuries, and they didn’t always have the science of extraction.
Alcohol vs. Glycerin
Most tinctures are made using alcohol. Glycerin is used in alcohol-free extracts. Glycerin has a similar structure to alcohol, molecularly speaking, but alcohol is the preferred method because it is the superior solvent for extracting constituents, the good things you are trying to get out of your herbs. Alcohol-based extracts have a longer shelf life than glycerin-based extracts. Most commercial tincture makers use high-proof grain alcohol that has been combined with water at specific percentages. For the at-home folk method, most use vodka since it is neutral in flavor. Brandy is also a popular choice.
Glycerin has its place though, especially if you are trying to avoid alcohol or when it comes to giving children extracts. If you plan on making glycerin-based extracts, look for a high-quality food-grade glycerin. If you are allergic to soy, look for a coconut-based glycerin.
Fresh Vs. Dried
When making tinctures, you can use fresh or dried herbs, but with fresh herbs, there are more factors to consider. When plants are fresh, they release water into the alcohol during extraction, which can change the finished alcohol percentage and could make your preparation not shelf-stable. If you want to make fresh-herb tinctures, you can find books on the proper way to make shelf-stable tinctures. When you are first learning how to make them, it’s best to use dried. You can learn more about how to dry herbs from your garden here.
Best Herbs for Tinctures
There is no official “best herbs for tinctures” list, but it’s true that some herbs are best prepared and taken in other ways. But it also depends on your health goals whether an extract is the best way for you. For example, in my opinion, marshmallow root is best taken as a cold infusion or tea; that way, you get all the mucilaginous goodness from the roots. But it can be tinctured, and it’s especially good for mixing with other tinctures. Now, valerian root is another story. I don’t know of many who think "I’d love a nice cup of valerian root tea!" If you’ve smelled this plant, you know what I mean. Valerian tincture is probably the best way to take this herb; take a few drops and get it over quickly. Some ideas for herbs to tincture are:
Ashwagandha root
Chamomile
Calendula
Cayenne pepper
Echinacea root
Horseradish root
Rose petals
Sage
Yarrow
How to Take a Tincture
Tinctures can be taken directly by mouth. Since they are often made with alcohol, this can become irritating. And sometimes they do not taste the best.
You can also squeeze your dose into a little bit of water, juice, or tea.
You can make a tincture “tea” by boiling water and adding it to a mug. Then carefully add your tincture to the water, and the alcohol should boil away. I love to use chamomile tincture for this method! Willow bark is also very nice this way.
Some tinctures are used topically on the skin.
Things to Consider
Before we go through the step-by-step process for tincture-making, there are a few things to note:
Learn about dosages. Most tincture dosages are between 20-30 drops or about 1 ML, 1-3 times a day, depending on what you are using it for.
Learn about what herbs are meant for short-term use only. Learn about what herbs are safe for children and what dosages are safe for them.
For more information, look up Clark’s Rule regarding herbs and children.
Always label your extracts while you are in the waiting stage.
Ask your doctor if tinctures are safe for you. It’s important to know if any herbs can interact with any medications you may be taking.
Instructions for Making Tinctures Using the Folk Method
You will need:
Dried herbs (enough to fill half a jar)
Glass jar with lid
Vodka
Cheese cloth for straining or a funnel with a coffee filter
Optional items:
Wax paper for covering your jar lid
Masking tape to write on and stick to your jar
Amber glass dropper bottles to store
Labels for amber bottles
Step 1: Gather enough dried herbs to fill half of a glass jar.
Step 2: Fill up the jar halfway with your dried herbs.
Step 3: Pour vodka almost to the very top. You don't want a lot of airspace between the lid and the liquid.
Step 4: Put a square piece of wax paper between the lid and the jar opening to prevent corrosion of the lid due to alcohol. Seal the lid on the jar.
Step 5: Gently give the jar a shake. Label the jar with the herb inside and the date. You can use a piece of masking tape for an easy-to-remove label. Store in a cool and dark space such as a pantry. Make sure to gently shake every few days. Leave to infuse for 4-6 weeks.
Step 6: After 4-6 weeks, it's time to strain your extract. You can do this by pouring your mix into a cheesecloth and squeezing the liquid into another jar, and then composting the herbs. Or you can line a funnel with a coffee filter, collect the liquid in another jar, and then compost the herbs.
Step 7: Funnel your tincture into your glass amber jar and label. Always write the bottling date and what is inside your bottle. Store your tincture in a cool and dark place. Tinctures remain good for 1-3 years generally, but the rubber seal at the top of the dropper may start to break down, and you don't want that in your tincture, so aim to use it by the 1-year mark.
Always consult with your healthcare professional before using herbs.
Put away the pen and paper
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