How to make herbal tinctures from dried herbs

One of the first DIY herbal remedies I learned how to make were tinctures. Our family has relied on simple recipes like this one chamomile tincture for relaxation (and busy babies!). However, I thought it might be helpful to provide some general instructions on how to make your own herbal tinctures.

All you need is some plant material, a mason jar and alcohol to make your own herbal remedy. So what exactly is a tincture? Unlike herbal tea, a tincture uses alcohol to extract the plant matter into a liquid concentrate. They are shelf stable with the health benefits of the herb in a concentrated form.

Alcohol-based tinctures last for years when properly made and stored. This is great when the family is sick and you need to catch something quickly without any fuss. I keep a few tinctures on hand for my kids. You can even use them externally (including on babies) for quick relief of common problems.

If you have ever purchased tinctures from the store or online, I would encourage you to try making your own. They are very cheap and you can make them in minutes! Tinctures are a great addition to any home pharmacy.

Tincture without alcohol

Some places sell what they call “alcohol-free tinctures.” This can be confusing because a solution can only be made with an alcohol base. If you want to avoid alcohol, then vegetable glycerites made with glycerin are a good option. These herbal extracts are not as potent and don't last as long as a real tincture, but they are a good alternative. Here's what those “alcohol-free tinctures” really are.

Glycerin is naturally very sweet so kids usually love these!

Another option is to make one vegetable vinegar. Instead of using alcohol, use vinegar as a solvent. Again, it doesn't extract the same chemical compounds from the plants as alcohol, but it will work.

Some sources say to pour a solution into hot water and let the alcohol evaporate first. However, research shows that only about 15% of the alcohol evaporates this way, plus you lose valuable volatile oils in the process. If you want to avoid alcohol, a better option is to make a glycerite or vegetable vinegar.

Supplies for making solution

To make a solution, you will need the following supplies:

• A clear glass jar (at least liter size) with a lid
• Consumable alcohol such as vodka or rum – at least 80 proof
• Selected plants

How to make a solution

First, choose which herbs you plan to use. These are some of my favorite tincture blends. You can also digest a single herb, such as peppermint or astragalus.

How to use herbal tinctures

Once you have your tincture, what do you do with it? If you are using the simple method of making a tincture, then the general amount for adults is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. I usually give children 1/4 to 1/3 of the adult dose.

If you are using more precise methods of preparing the solution, then the dose depends on the drug used and the person taking it. This is something you'll need to consult with an herbalist for your particular situation (or dig through reliable sources).

You can also use the tinctures topically as a liniment (such as for sore muscles). When my kids were little I used to put a few drops on them digestion solution in the abdomen to help with gas and colic. They are absorbed into the skin and can provide many of the same health benefits. Although it can be very drying as it is alcohol!

Who can use a solution?

Unlike OTC medications, herbal medicine is not designed to be one size fits all. In general, tinctures can be safe for all ages, even during pregnancy and breastfeeding. That said, it depends on the herb being used, how much someone is using it, and what they are using it for.

Mild herbs like blackberry, ginger, and lemon balm have a much wider safety net than herbs like anemone, which can be toxic in high doses. Mostly safe bitters like dandelion help stimulate digestion, while elderberry supports the immune system. Be sure to research a drug you want to use in advance to make sure it's safe for you (or your kids).

I've included some recipes below with common herbs that are great 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 get the ingredients

Your backyard! In fact, you can use plants from your garden or even backyard “weeds” to make tinctures. I have also purchased herbs from reputable online sources such as Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals. If you are looking for plant food, be sure to identify them correctly before use. Here it is how to dry your herbs

Alcohol is fairly easy to find at any grocery or liquor store. Organic alcohol can be harder to find, but there are some good sources online. You can get organic alcohol here.

Then all you need is a glass jar (like a Mason jar) and a glass bottle to store your finished tincture.

What type of alcohol is best for tinctures?

Wheat alcohol is the usual option, but you can also find grain-free options like potato vodka. For most tinctures, I use 80-proof alcohol, like pure vodka. High-proof alcohol (such as Everclear 190-proof) is also very useful.

Fresh herbs have a higher water content and can break down more quickly into a lower 80-proof alcohol. Since 190 proof alcohol is 95% alcohol by volume, you can also mix it with distilled water in different ratios to get a specific percentage of alcohol. Certain herbs or plant parts are best extracted with different percentages of alcohol. 190-proof straight alcohol works great for extracting volatile oils and resins.

Although for the sake of simplicity I have provided instructions on how to use the simple or popular method!

Have you ever made your own herbal tinctures? What are your favorites? Share below!