One of the first DIY herbal remedies I learned how to make were tinctures. Our family relied on such simple recipes chamomile tincture For fun (and naughty babies!). However, I realized that it might be useful to give some general instructions on how to make tinctures yourself with medicinal plants.
All you need to make your own herbal medicine is some plant material, mason and alcohol. So what exactly is a tincture? Unlike herbal teas, tinctures use alcohol to extract the herbal ingredients into a liquid concentration. They are packed with the health benefits of the plant.
Alcohol-based tinctures will last for years if properly made and stored. It’s great when this happens The family is sick And you need to catch something quickly without any fuss. I keep several tinctures on hand for my kids. You can use it externally (even on minor ones) to get quick relief from common problems.
If you buy tinctures from a store or online, I recommend that you try making your own. They are super cheap and you can make them in minutes! Tinctures are great additions to any home remedy.
Alcohol-free Tinctures
Some places sell what they call “alcohol-free cans.” This can be confusing because tincture can only be made with an alcohol base. If you want to avoid alcohol, then Glycerites extracted from plants Made with glycerine is a good option. These herbal remedies are not very strong and do not last as long as a real tincture, but they are a good alternative. Those “alcohol-free tinctures” are actually these.
Kids usually love these because glycerin is naturally very sweet!
Another option is to do it Vegetable vinegar. Instead of using alcohol, use vinegar as a solvent. Again, it doesn’t extract the same chemical substances from plants as alcohol, but it works.
Some sources put the tincture in hot water and let the alcohol evaporate first. However, studies show that 15% of the alcohol evaporates in this way, also losing valuable volatile oils in the process. If you want to avoid alcohol, a good option is to prepare herbal glycerite or vinegar.
Tincture manufacturing supplies
To make a tincture, you will need the following materials:
- A clean glass jar (at least pint size) with a lid
- Alcohol such as vodka or rum – at least 80 proof
- Selected plants
How the tincture works
First, select the herbs you plan to use. These are my favorite tincture mixes. You can just infuse single herbs like peppermint or astragalus.
How the tincture works
Make your own tinctures easily with this simple tutorial. Use single herbs or blends to create your own custom formula!
Product: 0
- Dried herbs
- Alcohol (at least 80-proof)
-
Fill the pot 1/3 to 1/2 with dried herbs. Half filling makes a stronger tincture. Do not pack.
-
Fill the rest of the jar with alcohol, leaving about 1 inch of head space at the top. Stir with a clean spoon.
-
Put the lid on the bottle. Store the jar in a cool, dark place, shaking daily for at least two weeks and up to six months. (I usually leave the herbs for six weeks).
-
Strain the tincture through muslin cheesecloth and strain the herbs. Store the tincture in colored bottles or clear glass jars.
Over time, the alcohol can break down the rubber in some glass dropper bottles. If you are storing tinctures for more than several months, you can store them in a glass mason jar. Then refill the dropper bottle as needed.
How to use herbal tinctures
What do you do once you get your tincture? If you are using a simple method for making tinctures, the total dose for adults is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon three times a day. I usually give kids 1/4 to 1/3 the adult size.
If you use more precise methods of making tins, the amount depends on the plant used and the person taking it. That’s something you should consult with an herbalist for your situation (or check reliable sources).
In addition, tinctures can be used topically as a coating (such as muscle spasms). I put a few drops in when my kids were little Digestive tincture In the stomach to help with gas and bloating. They penetrate the skin and can provide many of the same health benefits. Because it is alcohol, it can be very drying!
Who can use Tincture?
Unlike OTC medications, herbal remedies are not designed to have a single dose. In general, tinctures can be safe for all ages and even during pregnancy and breastfeeding. That said, it depends on the herb used, how much one uses and what one uses it for.
Tender herbs like elderberry, ginger and lemon balm have a wider safety net than herbs like anemone, which can be toxic in high doses. Very healthy bitters such as dandelion stimulate digestion, while elderberry supports the immune system. Be sure to research the herb you plan to use beforehand to make sure it’s safe for you (or your kids).
I’ve included some recipes below that are good options for most people to get you started. I do not (and cannot) give medical advice, so be sure to consult a natural health care provider before starting a new supplement.
Where to find the ingredients
Your backyard! In fact, you can use plants from your own garden or even backyard “weeds” to make tins. I also buy herbs online from reputable sources like Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Herbs. If you are feeding plants, make sure you separate them properly before use. Here How to dry your plants.
Alcohol is easy to come by at any grocery or liquor store. Organic alcohol can be difficult to find, but there are some good online sources. you can find Organic alcohol is here.
Then all you need is a glass jar (like a mason jar) and a glass bottle to store your finished tin.
What kind of alcohol is best for tinctures?
Grain alcohol is a common option, but you can find grain-free alternatives such as potato vodka. For most tinctures, I use 80-proof alcohol, like pure vodka. A high-quality alcohol (like 190-proof Everclear) is also very helpful.
Fresh herbs have a high water content and can spoil quickly in low 80-proof alcohol. Since 190-proof alcohol is 95% alcohol by volume, you can mix it with distilled water in different ratios to get different alcohol percentages. Some plants or plant parts are best produced with different percentages of alcohol. Straight 190-proof alcohol works best for extracting volatile oils and resins.
For simplicity’s sake, I’ve provided instructions on how to use the simple or traditional method!
Have you ever made your own herbal tinctures? What are your favorites? Share below!
