How to Make Herbal Tinctures

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By Ruth Ashton
eHow Contributing Writer

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Make Herbal Tinctures

Herbal tinctures are traditionally used as antiseptics and can be used both internally and externally. Alcohol, one of the main ingredients in herbal tinctures, extracts the active properties of the herbs and serves as a preservative. The most typical use for tinctures is for herbal gargles, douches, compresses, liniments, washes, and baths.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

3 1/2 cups (200g) dried herbs or 7 cups (400g) fresh herbs 3 1/3 cups vodka 1 1/6 cups filtered or bottled water 2 Amber or dark-colored glass jar or bottle with lid large enough to hold a little over 1 quart or liter Cheesecloth Label

Step 1

Place herbs in jar. If using fresh herbs, wash first, then place in jar.
Step 2

Mix vodka and water together. Pour liquid over herbs in jar. Cover with lid.
Step 3

Store jar with herbs and liquid in a dark place for two weeks. Shake jar every other day during this period.
Step 4

At the end of two weeks, strain the herb/liquid mixture through the cheesecloth and wring out all the liquid. Reserve the liquid and discard the plant matter.
Step 5

Pour liquid into a clean amber jar or bottle, seal with lid, and label with name and date. Store in dark, cool place. Tinctures will keep for 2-3 years.
Step 6

According to professional herbalist Non Shaw, the standard tincture dosage for adults is 1 tsp (5 ml) three times per day for chronic conditions and 1 tsp (5ml) six times a day for acute conditions. Dilute 1 part tincture with 4 parts water for gargles, douches, and compresses. Add 1 cup tincture to baths.

Tips & Warnings

Absolute cleanliness is important when making herbal preparations. Always sterilize bottles and lids before use by boiling them in water for 20 minutes or placing in a medium (350 degree) oven for 20 minutes. If a lid contains a paper liner, remove it before sterilizing.
Always store herbal preparations away from pets and children. The alcoholic content of herbal tinctures should be considered when driving or taking prescription medications. The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand herbal preparations. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with their healthcare practitioner for specific questions regarding herbal therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making treatment decisions.