One of the first DIY herbal remedies I learned how to make were tinctures. Our family has relied on easy recipes like this chamomile tincture to help us relax (and picky babies!). However, I realized that it might be helpful to have some general instructions on how to make your own tinctures using medicinal herbs.
All you need to make your own botanical medicine is plant materials, mason jars, and alcohol. So what exactly is a tincture? Unlike herbal teas, tinctures use alcohol to extract plant matter into a concentrated liquid. The health benefits of herbs can be stored in concentrated form.
Alcohol-based tinctures can last for many years if manufactured and stored properly. This is perfect when a family member gets sick and you need to get something quickly without any hassle. I keep some tinctures on hand for the kids. It can also be used externally (including with small children) to quickly resolve common problems.
If you’ve ever bought tinctures in a store or online, we encourage you to try making your own. It’s super cheap and can be made in minutes! Tinctures are a great addition to your home pharmacy.
alcohol free tincture
Some places sell what are called “alcohol-free tinctures.” Tinctures can be confusing because they can only be made with an alcohol base. If you want to avoid alcohol, herbal glycerite made with glycerin is one good option. Although these herbal extracts are not as strong or long-lasting as real tinctures, they are a good alternative. This is the true nature of “alcohol-free tincture.”
Glycerin is naturally very sweet, so children usually like it.
Another option is to make herbal vinegar. Use vinegar as a solvent instead of alcohol. Again, it doesn’t extract the exact same chemical components from plants as alcohol, but it does work.
According to some sources, drop the tincture into hot water and let the alcohol evaporate first. However, research has shown that only about 15% of the alcohol evaporates using this method, and valuable volatile oils are also lost in the process. If you want to avoid alcohol, we recommend making herbal glycerite or vinegar.
tincture making supplies
To make a tincture, you will need the following ingredients:
A clean glass jar with a lid (at least pint size) Alcohol, such as vodka or rum (at least 80 proof) Herbs of your choice
How to make tincture
First, choose the herbs you want to use. These are some of my favorite tincture blends. You can also make tinctures of single herbs, such as peppermint or astragalus.
How to make tincture
Easily create your own tincture with this simple tutorial. Create your own custom formula using single herbs or blends.
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Soaking time 14 days
Total time 14 days d 3 minutes minutes
Yield: 0
Author: Katie Wells
Dry herbal alcohol (at least 80 proof)
Fill the jar with about 1/3 to 1/2 of the dried herbs. Filling it halfway will produce a more potent tincture. Don’t cram it.
Fill the remainder of the jar with alcohol, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Stir with a clean spoon.
Put the lid on the jar. Store the jar in a cool, dark place, shaking it daily, for at least 2 weeks and up to 6 months. (I usually leave the herbs for 6 weeks).
Strain the tincture through muslin cheesecloth and compost the herbs. Store tinctures in colored dropper bottles or clean glass bottles.
Over time, alcohol can break down the rubber on the lids of some glass dropper bottles. If you want to store your tincture for more than a few months, you can store it in a glass mason jar. Then refill the small dropper bottle with liquid as needed.
How to use herbal tinctures
Once you have your tincture, what do you do with it? For easy tincture preparation, a typical adult dose is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day. I usually give children 1/4 to 1/3 of the adult amount.
If you are using a more precise method of making a tincture, the dosage will vary depending on the herb you use and the person taking it. That’s something you should consult an herbalist (or check out trusted resources) depending on your specific situation.
Tinctures can also be used topically as a topical ointment (for example, for muscle pain). When my kids were little, I applied a few drops of digestive tincture to their bellies to relieve gas and colic. They are absorbed into the skin and provide many of the same health benefits. However, since it is alcohol, too much can be drying.
Who can use tinctures?
Unlike OTC medicines, herbal medicines are not designed to be a panacea. In general, tinctures are safe for all ages and even during pregnancy and breastfeeding. That being said, it depends on the herb used, how much someone uses it, and what they use it for.
Gentle herbs like elderberry, ginger, and lemon balm have a much wider safety net than herbs like anemone, which can be toxic in high doses. Safe bitters like dandelion aid digestion, and elderberry supports the immune system. Research the herbs you want to use ahead of time to make sure they are safe for you (or your child).
Below are some recipes using common herbs. These are a great option for most people to get started quickly. I don’t (and can’t) give medical advice, so be sure to consult your natural health care provider before starting any new supplements.
Where to get materials
your backyard! But you can actually make tinctures using plants from your own garden or even backyard “weeds.” I also purchased my herbs from trusted sources online, such as Mountain Rose Herbs and Starwest Botanicals. If you are looking for plants, make sure you correctly identify them before using them. Here we will show you how to dry herbs.
Alcohol is easily available at grocery stores and liquor stores. Organic alcohol can be difficult to find, but there are some good online sources. You can buy organic alcohol here.
Next, all you need is a glass jar (like a mason jar) and a glass jar to store your finished tincture.
What type of alcohol is best for tinctures?
Grain alcohol is common, but there are also grain-free options such as potato vodka. Most tinctures use 80 proof alcohol, like clear vodka. Strong alcohol (such as 190 strength Everclear) is also very useful.
Fresh herbs have a high water content and can spoil quickly in alcohol below 80 proof. 190 proof alcohol is 95% alcohol by volume, so it can be mixed with distilled water in various proportions to obtain a specific alcohol percentage. Some herbs and plant parts are best extracted with different alcohol percentages. 190 proof straight alcohol is ideal for extracting volatile oils and resins.
However, for clarity, I have explained how to use simple or folk methods.
Have you ever made your own herbal tinctures? What are your favorites? Please share below!
