How To Make An Herbal Tincture

Herbal medicine making to me is an extension of food prep. We take plants and turn them into medicine that rivals any prescription drug on the market. There is an herb for everything and they’ve been used since the beginning of time for healing and enriching lives. 

Making an herbal tincture is simple and very rewarding. Learn how just a few herbs are used to treat common ailments and you’ll eliminate the “need” for most, if not all over-the-counter meds. My family has been conventional medicine-free for about ten years except for a case of bacterial pneumonia that required antibiotics. 

Dry or fresh herbs can be used. Today, I made an Echinacea tincture. I use this for warding off colds or shortening duration. You can use any of your favorite herbs in a tincture, even kitchen herbs like thyme and oregano.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Herb of choice (dry or fresh)
• Vodka (if using dry herbs), Everclear (100-proof alcohol, if using fresh herbs)
• Pint jar with tight-fitting lid
• Cheesecloth
• Strainer
• Dropper Bottle
• Funnel

TO MAKE TINCTURE:

1. Fill jar about 1/2 way for fresh herbs, pack almost full for fresh.
2. Add vodka (for dried herbs) or Everclear (for fresh herbs) up to the lip of the jar. Leave 1-inch of headspace and place lid tightly on jar. Shake well. 
3. Label the jar and put in a cool place. I don’t keep it in the dark but you can store it wherever you have room.
4. Let sit for 6 weeks, shaking jar regularly.
5. Strain herbs through a cheesecloth-lined strainer and pour into dropper bottles using a funnel. 

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​ The above is my method. All herbalists have their own way of doing things. I’m sure you will too! That’s the beauty of herbs. You don’t have to be exact when making tinctures.

Dosage will vary depending on what herbs you used. I suggest the following books for help on your herbal journey:

1. Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use
2. Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health: 175 Teas, Tonics, Oils, Salves, Tinctures, and Other Natural Remedies for the Entire Family
3. Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health  

To your health!
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Enjoy!