How To Make A Herbal Tincture

Are fresh or dried herbs better for tinctures?

Neither is automatically better. Fresh and dried herbs have different moisture contents and may require different preparation methods.

Dried herbs contain much less water and are convenient to measure and store. Fresh plant material naturally contains more moisture, which needs to be considered when determining the appropriate alcohol concentration and herb-to-liquid ratio.

If you’re new to tincture-making, a well-researched recipe using a single dried herb can be a straightforward place to start.

How long should an herbal tincture steep?

The appropriate extraction time depends on the herb, plant part, extraction method, and recipe being followed. Traditional home tincture-making methods commonly involve allowing the herbs to steep for several weeks, but there isn’t one universal steeping time that’s appropriate for every tincture.

Keep your jar properly labeled during the extraction period and follow the instructions for the particular tincture you’re preparing.

What type of alcohol is used to make herbal tinctures?

Vodka is commonly used for homemade tinctures because it has a relatively neutral flavor and its alcohol concentration is clearly identified. However, one alcohol strength isn’t necessarily appropriate for every herb.

The appropriate alcohol concentration can depend on the herb, plant part, whether the material is fresh or dried, and the constituents being extracted. Beginners should follow a reliable formula for the specific herb rather than assuming the same type and strength of alcohol should be used for every tincture.

Can you make an herbal tincture without alcohol?

Alcohol-free herbal extracts can be made using liquids such as vegetable glycerin or vinegar. A preparation made primarily with vegetable glycerin is commonly called a glycerite, while vinegar can also be used as an extraction medium for certain herbal preparations.

These liquids don’t extract plant constituents in exactly the same way as alcohol, and their preparation and storage requirements may differ. Rather than simply replacing alcohol with the same amount of glycerin or vinegar, use a recipe specifically designed for the herb and extraction liquid you’ve chosen.

Why are tinctures stored in amber glass bottles?

Amber glass helps reduce the amount of light reaching the tincture. Finished tinctures are commonly transferred into clean amber bottles with tightly fitting caps or droppers and stored away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture.

Dark bottles aren’t a substitute for proper storage, however. Your tinctures should still be kept in an appropriate cool, dark storage location.

How should I label a homemade herbal tincture?

Proper labeling is an important part of making herbal preparations at home. Don’t rely on the appearance of a tincture or your memory to identify it later.

Consider including:

• Common name of the herb
• Botanical name
• Plant part used
• Whether the herb was fresh or dried
• Extraction liquid and relevant alcohol information
• Date the tincture was started
• Date the tincture was strained and bottled

If you make multiple tinctures, consistent labeling makes it much easier to keep your herbal preparations organized.

How long do homemade herbal tinctures last?

There isn’t one guaranteed shelf life for every homemade tincture. Storage life can vary depending on the ingredients, alcohol concentration, preparation method, sanitation, and storage conditions.

Store finished tinctures in clean, tightly closed bottles away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and moisture. Periodically check your preparations for unexpected changes in appearance, odor, container integrity, or signs of contamination.

When you’re unsure about the safety or quality of a homemade preparation, it’s better to discard it rather than taste it to determine whether it is still usable.

How much herbal tincture should I use?

There isn’t a universal serving amount for herbal tinctures. The appropriate amount can vary significantly depending on the herb, plant part, concentration, extraction method, product, and individual using it.

For commercially prepared tinctures, follow the manufacturer’s directions and precautions. For homemade tinctures, carefully research the specific herb you’re using and seek guidance from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional when necessary.

Extra caution is appropriate if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medications, managing a medical condition, or considering an herbal preparation for a child.

Can I combine several herbs in one tincture?

Multiple herbs can be included in some tincture formulas, but beginners may find it easier to start with single-herb tinctures. Working with one herb at a time allows you to learn about its botanical identity, plant part, preparation requirements, and safety considerations before experimenting with more complicated formulas.

Different herbs may also have different extraction requirements, so simply combining several herbs isn’t always the best approach.

Where can I buy herbs for making tinctures?

Dried herbs are available from specialty botanical suppliers. Look for a supplier that clearly identifies its herbs and provides useful information about the plant, plant part, sourcing, and quality.

Starwest Botanicals carries a large selection of dried herbs, roots, leaves, flowers, and other botanicals that can be used when learning about homemade herbal preparations.