How to Make a Tincture From an Herb

Herbal tinctures are made by soaking dried or fresh herbs in some form of liquid whether it be alcohol, distilled water, vinegar or glycerol. Not only will you save money by making your own herbal tinctures, you can control the quality of the tincture, as well as making special herbal combinations. Concentrated herbal tinctures are more potent than dried herbs and have a longer shelf life. If you are interested in improving your health with herbal alternatives, tinctures offer an affordable and innovative method.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 pound of dried or fresh herbs
• Litre of rum or vodka, 80 to100 proof
• Wide-mouth glass jars with lids
• Unbleached muslin
• Markers and labels
• Small glass bottles with lids

Instructions

1. Put 2 tsp. of dried or fresh herbs into a glass jar. Pour in the rum or vodka, covering up the herbs. Add an additional two to three inches of the alcohol, depending on the size of the jar.

2. Seal the glass jar tightly so it will not leak. Place it in a dark area such as a closet or even a small paper bag. Shake the jar daily to disperse the herbs in the vodka or rum.

3. After two weeks, strain the mixture. Pour the mixture through a cheesecloth into a smaller glass jar. Squeeze the herbs to release any excess liquid into the small glass jar.

4. Seal the tincture in the small glass jar with a cap or lid. Label the jar with the appropriate herbal name.

Tips & Warnings

• Rum disguises the taste of herbs that are bitter. In place of the rum or vodka, you can substitute vinegar, distilled water or glycerol.

• Tinctures can be stored in a tightly sealed container for up to two years. Keep the tincture in a dark place.

• Avoid the use of rubbing, isopropyl or wood alcohol. Consumption of methyl alcohol can result in blindness, severe illness or death. Isopropyl alcohol can be converted within the body to acetone, a liver toxin.

References

• Herb Tincture