How To Make an Herbal Tincture

Tinctures are made with alcohol which extracts and concentrates properties from the plants. Tinctures are fairly concentrated and the alcohol allows them to work quickly so a little goes a long way. Alcohol also destroys much of the nutritional value in the plants so tinctures are used medicinally. If you're wanting a nourishing effect, extract the plant properties with water or vinegar.

A tincture prepared from white willow bark and ethanol

Just about any kind alcohol can be used to make a tincture. I prefer 100 proof vodka. Any lower proof and it will not work as well. Your higher proofs, like Everclear, can damage your liver and kidneys if used often.

Before making and using a tincture, I advise you research your plant fully so you have a good understanding of it's value and any ill effects it may have.

Making Tinctures with Dry Roots:

• Root tinctures like dandelion and ginseng can be made with dried roots:
• Fill a small Jar (1 pint) loosely with your dried root.
• Fill the jar the rest of the way up with 100 proof Vodka
• Cap tightly and store for at least 6 weeks before using. Shake once a week.
  
• To use, funnel the tincture into an Amber Glass Bottles, 4oz with Dropper. 

~I do not recommend making tinctures from dried plants. To many of their properties are lost during the drying process. If the plants are not available to you, you are better off buying the tinctures.~

Making Tinctures with Fresh Roots and Plants:

• Fill a small Jar (1 pint) to the top loosely with fresh herbs or roots.
• Add 100 proof Vodka until it reaches the top of the herbs.
• Cap tightly and store for at least 6 weeks before using Shake once a week.
• To use, funnel the tincture into an Amber Glass Bottles, 4oz with Dropper. 

Even if you start making your tinctures now it is going to be awhile before you can use them. You can start using your tinctures in six weeks at the earliest but I like mine to sit a good six months. Tinctures stored in a cool dark place can be stored for many years so don't worry about it going bad. While nothing beats a homemade tincture, (especially if using fresh plants) you can also buy tinctures to use in your herbal medicine kits. 

A few tinctures I have on hand are.
Dandelion Root for detoxing and a diuretic, Echinacea to boost the immune system, Ginseng for energy, Skullcap for pain relief and headache,  St Johns Wort for depression, stress relief and muscle relaxer, Wormwood to fight parasites and food poisoning and Yarrow to fight bacterial infections and bug bites.
(check back as I add posts that will describe the herbal benefits of each in detail)

Recommended Reading

• A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs: Of Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guides)
• A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and central North America (Peterson Field Guides)
• The Forager's Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants
• Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family
• The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook: A Home Manual