How to make Herbal Tinctures

A tincture is a liquid-concentrated extract that is made from herbs and alcohol, and used as a supplement that utilizes the herbs beneficial properties. Making a herbal tincture at home is easy using alcohol or glycerine, and this step-by-step guide.

Late summer and early fall are the ideal time to prepare herbal tinctures. Not only is your herb garden in full swing, but tinctures take about 6-8 weeks to infuse, so starting them early means they will be readily available when cold and flu season arrives. 

If you're not familiar with herbal tinctures, they are a concentrated liquid extract of herbs, made by soaking herbs, plant material, bark, leaves or roots in a solvent, most commonly food grade alcohol. The alcohol extracts the active compounds of the plant or herb and preserves its medicinal properties, allowing you to use it as a potent herbal remedy. Herbal tinctures have been used by many, and can be traced back for thousands of years.
 

The earliest dated concentrated herbal extract is tied back to the invention of alcohol distillation. The term "tincture" wasn't formulated until 1834 when Western physician and scientist Carl Warburg developed a popular fever remedy called Warburg's Tincture (now obsolete) to combat a range of health concerns. Warburg's tincture contained quinine, aloes, rhubarb, angelica seed, elecampane, saffron, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, fennel, and other ingredients. Warburg's tincture was phased out in the early 20th century. 

The interest in herbalism was rekindled in the 1960's and 1970's as part of a larger movement towards natural wellness. Throughout history, tincturing has remained the same, but methods and solvents have evolved. Tinctures have regained popularity in recent decades as a trusted form of herbal medicine that can be tailored to address a wide range of health concerns. 

High-quality tinctures can be purchased online, or you can make them yourself. Home-made tinctures are easily made by using a clean dry jar, fresh herbs that you've grown or using dried herbs from a trustworthy source. Tinctures can be made using alcohol, vegetable glycerin or even apple cider vinegar for preservation. 

I use vodka when I make herbal tinctures. Vodka has a neutral taste and is generally inexpensive, which makes it a great option for tinctures. The ideal alcohol proof for a herbal tincture depends on the type of herb used, and whether the herb is fresh or dried. 

ALCOHOL PROOF GUIDE BY HERB TYPE: 

Alcohol over 75% will extract constituents quicker. Make sure the type of alcohol suits the purpose.  ABV means alcohol-by-volume. 

• 80–100 proof (40–50% ABV): Standard for most dried herbs, including leaves, flowers, and some roots.
  
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• 120–150 proof (60–75% ABV): Used for fresh, high-moisture herbs like juicy berries and fresh roots, as the plant's water content will dilute the alcohol.
  
  
• 190 proof (95% ABV): Ideal for extracting resins, gums, and essential oils from dense, non-aromatic plant matter such as barks and seeds. 

HOW A HERBAL TINCTURE IS USED 

Most tinctures are made to be taken by mouth, using a dropper and placing some of the liquid under your tongue for rapid absorption or mixed with a beverage or water for slower absorption. Each method depends on the desired speed and tolerance to the herbal taste. When trying a new tincture, start with a low dose and go slow, especially if you are new to herbal supplements. This will gauge your body's reaction and find the ideal amount that works best for you. 

TAKE BY MOUTH - FOR A FASTER EFFECT:

• Use the dropper to place the recommended number of drops under your tongue. 
  
  
• Hold the liquid there for 30 to 90 seconds. This allows the mucous membranes in your mouth to absorb the active compounds.

• Swallow the remaining liquid. The rest of the tincture will be processed through your digestive system.  

DILUTE IN A BEVERAGE FOR A SLOWER EFFECT:  

• Mixing a tincture with a beverage can mask taste of tincture if the tincture is too strong for you taste. 
  
  
• Measure your tincture dose using the dropper.
  
  
• Add the drops to a small amount of liquid, like water, juice, or tea. 

• Ingest the mixture. The tincture will take longer to take effect as it is processed through the digestive system. 
  
  

HOW MUCH OF THE TINCTURE SHOULD I TAKE

• 1 teaspoon (or 5 ml) is a normal does for most adults, taken three times a day or 2 teaspoons  twice a day. For acute conditions take 1-2 teaspoons up to 4-6 times a day.  
• In general, taking one dose several times a day will give the most lasting effects. 
• It is not recommended to give alcohol-based tinctures to children

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS FOR A CLASSIC DROPPER 

• A standard full dropper typically holds about 1ml of liquid. 
• Half dropper: Roughly 0.5 ml or 15 drops
• Quarter dropper: Around 0.25 ml or 7–8 drops

WHY ARE TINCTURES SO POPULAR WITH HERBALISTS 

Herbal tinctures are popular due to their high potency, fast absorption, convenience, and long shelf life, making them an efficient alternative to other forms of herbal remedies. Herbal tinctures offer a concentrated, easy-to-use way for people to incorporate plant-based wellness practices into their modern lives. -google-

TINCTURES & THEIR USES IN HERBAL MEDICINE

Below is a listing of the more common tinctures and their uses. I grow several herbs on my own, but I have found that Sprouts carries some of the following dried herbs sold by weight instore. Please take the time to read through the list of herbs and their remedies which can help decide on what you need.
   

• Oregano Tincture: antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Oregano is used internally to treat infections and externally to treat skin problems and fungal infections. Oregano tincture has also been used for digestive, respiratory, and combats both viral and bacterial infections.  
• Oil of Oregano Infusion: Fresh oregano leaves and stems added to a carrier oil (olive, grape seed jojoba or sunflower oil). Add oregano oil to water and create a facial steam for loosening phlegm, treating bronchial and congestion and coughing.  
• Lemon Balm Tincture: lemon balm is a powerful antiviral that is used to relieve cold sores, shingles, PMS symptoms, improves cold sores and shortens the duration of healing. Lemon balm also reduces anxiety and promotes better sleep.  
• Peppermint Leaf Tincture: aides in helping to settle the stomach, aides in digestion, expels gas, and has a milk palliative effect on colds and headaches.
• Apple Mint: Traditionally used to soothe stomach upset, indigestion, and other digestive issues. This tincture also has antiseptic properties. Useful for minor skin irritations and minor wounds.
• Elderberry Tincture: Elderberry is know for it's immune support and taken as a preventative for colds as wells as shortens the duration. Take elderberry tincture within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms of cold or flu. Dosage: Take up to 3 dropperfuls per day over 5 days. 
• Thyme Tincture: is an antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal. The anti-bacterial components of thyme are valuable in combatting bronchitis, coughs and other respiratory ailments. Thyme tinctures can treat acne by dabbing on blemishes once or twice a day. It dries up acne and kills bacteria. The anti-parasitic properties of thyme oil infusion treats lice and scabies. 
• Lemon Thyme Tincture: is effective in fighting most bacterial, fungal and viral diseases. Lemon thyme opens the airways and promotes better breathing and allowing mucous to be released from the body. 
• Echinacea: helps your immune system to fight off viral invasions. Echinacea is known to reduce the duration of the common cold and flu. 
• Ginger Root: can reduce nausea in pregnant women, and can be used for a remedy for motion sickness. 
• Raspberry Leaf: can support female reproductive health and help treat uterine cramping, menstrual cramping and nausea during menstruation. 
• Chamomile: is effective in treating anxiety, healing wounds, and reducing inflammation. 
• Calendula Flower: is used to improve immunity, treat gastrointestinal problems, ulcers, soothe heartburn and acid reflux, relieve stomach discomfort, and reduce swelling in the mouth and throat. 
• Bee Balm: Because of the plant’s surplus of thymol, it has traditionally been used to treat colds, flu, and congestion as well as gas, diarrhea, nausea, sore throat and fever. In addition to these uses, bee balm extract can be taken to relieve menstrual cramps. Bee balm also helps soothe the nervous system and relieve anxiety in both children and adults. When used externally, bee balms can help calm stinging scrapes and rashes
• Dandelion Root: enhances immunity, used a diuretic, or to stimulate your appetite, improves digestion, liver and gall bladder function, and urine flow. 
• Yarrow: Yarrow contains bitter flavonoids, which are appetite-stimulating aromatic compounds that encourage saliva and bile production for healthy digestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help soothe gut inflammation, which can cause upset stomach or heartburn. Yarrow is a powerful anti-spasmodic that can be used to alleviate painful menstrual cramping and any intestinal distress that goes with it.
• Mullein: is best known for it's respiratory health to soothe and open the lungs, soothe inflammation, and boost immune function. Mullein tincture is used as a natural remedy to ease coughs, clear mucus, soothe irritated airways, and relieve congestion. 
• Marshmallow Root Tincture: is used internally for soothing sore throats, coughs, and other respiratory complaints, and is great as a natural remedy for cold and flu symptoms. Topically Marshmallow root tincture can be used to treat dermatitis, promote healing for minor burns, wounds, and irritated skin.  
• Milk thistle: This herb has been used for millennia to treat liver problems. It contains the healing compound silymarin and is also known to help lower cholesterol.
• Feverfew: is traditionally used for reducing fevers, and modern uses for preventing migraines and treating arthritis. 

Source: The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies & Google

🌿 HOW TO MAKE A HERBAL TINCTUTE 🌿

First you will need to gather your herbs. You can use fresh herbs or dried herbs that you purchased locally. 

If using fresh herbs, gently rinse the herbs thoroughly before using. Rinse the herbs under running water, and then spin them in a salad spinner to remove all of the water. Lay the herbs out on a clean dish towel or paper towels, and gently pat them dry.   

Roughly chop the fresh herbs, leaves, flowers or roots to speed up the extraction process. Pack the fresh herbs 2/3 - 3/4 into a clean, dry 4 ounce mason jar. If using dried herbs pack the jar 1/2 - 3/4 full. 

Pour the high proof vodka over the herbs and press them down to submerge the herbs under the alcohol by at least 1 inch.  Place a piece of waxed or parchment paper over rim of the jar, and then add the lid and screw on the ring.  This will prevent the lid from rusting. 

Label , date the lids, and store the jars in a dark place for about 6-8 weeks. Check on and shake your jars every few days, especially in the beginning. Press the herbs down into the jar or add alcohol as needed to keep the herbs covered at all times. 

After 6-8 weeks, strain the herbs out of the jar using a fine mesh strainer, sieve, or use a cheesecloth over a measuring cup. Use a tiny funnel  to pour the tincture into small amber jars that have a dropper. Label and date the jars, and store in a cool dark place. 

The shelf life of a homemade herbal tincture depends on the solvent used, with alcohol-based tinctures lasting the longest. 

• Alcohol based tinctures have a shelf life of several years and even decades.
• Glycerin based tinctures or non-alcoholic tinctures generally last 1-2 years. 
• Vinegar based tinctures typically have a shorter shelf life of 6 months due to their lower acidity. 
• Honey based tinctures or syrups typically last 6 - 12 months. 
  
  

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