How to Make Tinctures with Medicinal Herbs

Making tinctures with medicinal herbs is easy and only requires three ingredients 

and a few supplies. Not only is a tincture the simplest way to use herbs, but it 

increases the potency and extends their shelf life. 

Tincture Ingredients:

• Medicinal Herb (many are available through canyonbotanics.com)

• 100 proof drinking alcohol, such as Vodka

• Time and patience (6 to 8 weeks!)

Fresh herbs are preferred for tinctures, but dried herbs can be used as well. 

We use 100 proof alcohol (50% alcohol) regardless, though some will use 80 proof (40% alcohol) with dried herbs because of the water content.  Alcohol should be distilled spirits for consumption - not rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is toxic. Vodka will not impart a flavor, but any variety of spirit (whiskey, brandy, gin, rum and others).

Tinctures can also be made with food grade glycerin or vinegar. We prefer alcohol tinctures because they are absorbed by the body faster than any other means, have little risk of spoilage, and can be kept indefinitely if stored properly.

 

Dosage depends on the strength and individual - and varies. It is by the dropperful. Start small, and evaluate your body's response.

Tincture Supplies:

• Glass Jar

• Plastic Lid 

• Fine Mesh or Fabric Strainer

• Funnel

• Tincture Dropper Bottles (available here)

Tincture Directions:

1. Tear or cut to increase surface area of herbs if using large leaves or roots. 
2. Fill jar with fresh herbs, dry 1/3 to 1/2 full. Do not compress them. (If using dried herb, the ratio is 1 oz by weight of herb to 5 ounces by volume of alcohol)
3. Cover herbs with alcohol, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
4. Close jar with plastic lid. (Metal lids can deteriorate.)
5. Label and date the jar.
6. Store in a cool, dry, accessible place for 6-8 weeks.
7. Shake the tincture daily.
8. When ready, strain the solids out of the tincture.

We like to use a fine fabric strainer which allows us to press all of the liquid from the solids.

This is our favorite set of funnels and strainers

Your tincture should be stored in cool, dark place or amber tincture bottles. Many people use dropper bottles for ease of dosing. Tinctures are typically taken in drops under the tongue, or from 1/2  to 1 teaspoon for adults. They can also be added to water to dilute the taste, but this will slow absorption. To prevent evaporation, use small bottles, or transfer tincture from larger to smaller bottles as the level lowers.

Click here for a full list of recommended supplies for tinctures, syrups, salves and sprays 

We hope you find this helpful! Please support our efforts by using the links on our blog to purchase supplies, sharing our posts, and sourcing your medicinal herbs from canyonbotanics.com  Thank you!

Be well!