Making Herbal Tinctures

Making your own herbal tintures is super easy and can be much more affordable than buying commercially produced ones an ounce at a time if you are taking specific herbs for your health on a regular basis. It is also a great way to become more familiar with the specific uses and benefits of different herbs.

First, find yourself some clean one quart canning jars with tightly fitting lids and decide what herbs you will be working with. A trained herbalist or natural health practicioner is a good resource for advice on which may be best for your condition. It is best to make each batch from a single herb so that the propertites of each herb can be fully extracted. If you prefer a mixed blend the individual tinctures can be combined at the end.

The standard ratio of herb to alcohol is 4 ounces crushed or powdered herb to one pint of vodka. Any high proof alcohol like gin or rum can be used instead, however.

The benefit of using alcohol as a base for tinctures is that it has a long shelf life and your finished product will last for several years in a cool, dark place. If alcohol is a concern for you there are other options you can use like vinegar or vegtable glycerine, both of which will not last as long as alcohol but are perfectly acceptable.

Now for the fun part!

Mix the herb with the alcohol or other liquid in the quart jar and tightly cap. Every morning and every evening give the jar a good shake. After two weeks it will be ready to be strained through fine cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a new jar. Many herbalists believe that the best time to make a tincture is during the time from the new or dark moon till the full moon as it is thought to have a drawing effect on the herbs being used.

Store the tincture in a cool, dark place. You may also pour it into one ounce dropper bottles as needed for convienience. The dosage you would take depends on the type of herb and the age and condition of the person using it. A typical dose ranges from a few drops to two teaspoons. If you are unsure it is always best to do your homework and thoroughly research the herbs or to check with an expert first.