How to Make a Sage Colored Tincture

Fresh sage will impart its color to your tincture.

Herbal tinctures have a variety of uses, from food flavoring to alternative medicine. A tincture is an infusion of herbs usually made with 100-proof alcohol such as vodka. Tinctures are taken by dropping the herbs under the tongue. You can use fresh or dried sage to impart the color of the herb into the tincture. Other herbs like fresh or dried basil, rosemary or thyme can also make a tincture with a color similar to sage.

Things You'll Need

• 100-proof Vodka
• 4 oz. sage
• Blender
• Glass jar
• Measuring cup
• Glass bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Cheesecloth
• Bottle with dropper
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Place the sage in the pitcher of the blender. It should fill the pitcher approximately halfway.

2. Pour vodka into the blender until it covers the herbs.

3. Place the lid on the blender and blend the ingredients for one minute.

4. Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar. Place the lid on the jar and add another 1/8 to 1/4 cup of vodka.

5. Allow the jar to sit for 30 days. Shake it three to four times a day. Let the herbs settle before straining the tincture.

6. Lay a large piece of cheesecloth over a glass bowl. Pour the tincture into the cheesecloth. Allow the liquid to run through, then squeeze the remaining liquid out of the cheesecloth. Be careful not to get any of the herbs into your tincture.

7. Pour the tincture into a dropper bottle. Use a funnel in the mouth of the bottle to avoid spilling.

Tips & Warnings

• Store your herb jar and tincture in a cool, dry place. Tinctures are effective for up to two years if stored properly.

• Some herbalists suggest picking the sage, making and straining tinctures during full moons.

References

• KC Web: Make Your Own Herbal Tinctures from Any Loose Herb; Mary Satchell
• "Organic Lifestyle Magazine"; How to Make a Tincture; Bryan Shillington
• H.E.A.L. Marketplace: Instructions for Making Herbal Tinctures
• "Herb Companion Magazine"; Homemade Medicine; Jennifer Rabin; September/October 2004
• Learning Herbs; How to Make Tinctures with Skullcap; Kimberly Gallagher
• Foodmatters: How to Make Your Own Herbal Medicine Tincture (VIDEO)

Resources

• Herb Lore: Tinctures