Plant Medicine: Making A Tincture
How to Make a Tincture at Home with Herbs: Fresh vs. Dried
Herbal tinctures are powerful plant extracts that have been used for centuries to support health and wellness. Making your own tinctures at home is a simple and rewarding process, allowing you to customize blends to fit your specific needs. One of the key decisions when crafting a tincture is choosing between fresh and dried herbs, as well as selecting the right base—alcohol or glycerin—to extract the plant’s beneficial compounds. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of tincture-making and explore how these choices impact the final product.
Understanding the Difference: Fresh vs. Dried Herbs
The choice between fresh and dried herbs plays a crucial role in the potency and composition of your tincture. Here’s how they compare:
Fresh Herbs:
Retain higher moisture content, which can dilute the extract slightly.
Contain more volatile oils, making them ideal for plants with delicate aromatic compounds (e.g., lemon balm or peppermint).
Require a higher ratio of plant material to solvent to account for water content.
Work best with a higher-proof alcohol (at least 75-95%) to prevent spoilage.
Dried Herbs:
Have a concentrated composition since water content has been removed.
Often result in a more potent tincture due to their higher ratio of active constituents.
Are easier to store and measure consistently.
Can be extracted effectively with lower-proof alcohol (40-60%).
Both options are effective, but fresh herbs require careful attention to moisture levels, while dried herbs provide a more controlled extraction.
Choosing Your Solvent: Alcohol vs. Glycerin
The solvent, or menstruum, is what extracts and preserves the medicinal properties of the herbs. The two most common choices are alcohol and glycerin, each with its own benefits.
Alcohol-Based Tinctures
Alcohol (typically ethanol, such as vodka, brandy, or grain alcohol) is the most effective solvent for extracting a wide range of plant compounds.
Best for: Alkaloids, flavonoids, resins, and essential oils.
Shelf life: Can last 5+ years when stored in a cool, dark place.
Recommended alcohol strength:
40-50% (80-100 proof) for dried herbs.
75-95% (150-190 proof) for fresh herbs or resinous plants.
Pros: Potent and long-lasting; excellent for full-spectrum extraction.
Cons: Not suitable for those avoiding alcohol (e.g., children, pregnant individuals, or those with alcohol sensitivities).
Glycerin-Based Tinctures (Glycerites)
Glycerin, a sweet, plant-based liquid, is a great alcohol-free alternative.
Best for: Extracting tannins, minerals, and some alkaloids.
Shelf life: Typically 1-2 years.
Recommended glycerin strength: Use food-grade vegetable glycerin mixed with distilled water in a 3:1 ratio (75% glycerin, 25% water).
Pros: Sweet-tasting; gentle and suitable for children or those avoiding alcohol.
Cons: Less effective at extracting certain medicinal compounds, such as resins and alkaloids.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Tincture
Ingredients & Supplies
Fresh or dried herbs (chopped or crushed)
Alcohol (vodka, brandy, or grain alcohol) or glycerin
A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Cheesecloth or a fine strainer
Dark glass dropper bottles for storage
Label and marker
Instructions
Prepare Your Herbs:
If using fresh herbs, chop them finely to increase surface area.
If using dried herbs, lightly crush them.
Fill the Jar:
Fill the jar about halfway with fresh herbs or one-third full with dried herbs.
Add Your Solvent:
Pour alcohol or glycerin over the herbs until completely covered, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
Seal and Shake:
Tightly seal the jar and shake it well.
Steeping Process:
Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily to ensure even extraction.
Strain and Bottle:
After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
Pour the liquid into dark glass dropper bottles and label with the herb name and date.
Storage:
Store alcohol-based tinctures in a cool, dark place for long-term use.
Keep glycerin-based tinctures refrigerated for best preservation.
Herbal Tincture Recipes: Lavender & Peppermint
Lavender Tincture for Mood & Mental Well-being
Lavender has been shown to impact the brain in a way similar to Prozac, without the side effects. It is highly effective for anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried lavender flowers (or 2 cups fresh lavender)
2 cups 80-proof vodka or brandy. or everclear
Instructions:
Place lavender flowers in a clean glass jar.
Pour alcohol over the lavender until fully submerged.
Seal tightly and shake well.
Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily.
Strain and transfer to dropper bottles.
Dosage: 30-60 drops in water or tea up to 3 times daily.
Peppermint Tincture for Digestive Health
Peppermint is excellent for digestive issues, including GERD, bloating, and cramping.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried peppermint leaves (or 2 cups fresh peppermint)
2 cups 80-proof vodka or brandy
Instructions:
Place peppermint leaves in a clean glass jar.
Pour alcohol over the peppermint until fully submerged.
Seal tightly and shake well.
Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily.
Strain and transfer to dropper bottles.
Dosage: 30-60 drops in water or tea up to 3 times daily.
How to Use Your Tincture
Tinctures can be taken directly under the tongue, diluted in water or tea, or added to recipes. Typical dosage ranges from 30-60 drops (about 1-2 droppers) up to three times a day, depending on the herb and individual needs.
Final Thoughts
Making tinctures at home is a rewarding way to harness the power of herbs and take control of your health. Whether you choose fresh or dried herbs, alcohol or glycerin, understanding these differences will help you create the most effective herbal extracts for your needs. Happy tincture-making!
Growing your own herbs can be fun and rewarding, however, if you need to order herbs in bulk, let us know and we can help you with that.
Comments