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A shelf full of medicinal herbal remedies.

How to Make an Herbal Tincture

Learn how to make herbal tinctures right at home using alcohol or glycerine with this simple DIY guide.
3.50 from 2 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Steeping Time: 14 days
Total Time: 14 days 5 minutes
Author: Carolyn Thomas
Cost: varies

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Funnel
  • Food Scale
  • Glass Jar with airtight lid
  • Amber Dropper Bottles optional

Ingredients

  • 1 part herb of choice see list of options below
  • 5 parts vodka (80-proof or higher)

Instructions

  • Decide what kind of tincture you would like to make. You can use one herb or a mixture of herbs. It depends on the type of properties and medicinal purpose you want your tincture to have.
  • Powder herbs in a blender or food processor.
  • Place the powdered herbs into your glass jar. Add 5 parts vodka (by weight in grams) to 1 part herbs.
  • Place the airtight lid on the jar and give it a good shake.
  • Label the jar with the herbs used, the kind of alcohol, and the date made.
  • Put the jar in a room temperature, dark place for 1-2 weeks.
  • Check on your jar daily, giving it a good shake. Be sure the alcohol is still fully covering the herbs. If needed, you can add more alcohol.
  • After 1-2 weeks, strain the herbs with a tightly woven cloth (butter muslin, cotton cloth, or a clean cotton shirt), making sure to squeeze all the liquid from the herbs.
  • Using a funnel, pour the liquid into the optional amber tincture bottles for storage.
  • Store in a cool, dark place, such as a medicine cabinet or shelf in your pantry.

Notes

Here is a general list of common herbs used to make tinctures in no particular order. 
  • Lavender – Good for calming, easing anxiety, and helping with insomnia.
  • Yarrow – This is the best herb in the world for bleeding! It’s also great for respiratory health. 
  • Arnica – This is excellent at reducing inflammation. Use it to reduce pain and swelling from muscle aches/tension, bruises, bumps and even arthritis. 
  • Echinacea – Great for boosting your immune system or winter cold and flu prevention.
  • Hops – This is very helpful for soothing an upset stomach. But it also has antibacterial properties, making it good for infections in the gut.
  • Lemon Balm – Great for boosting the immune system, calming anxiety and stress, and promoting restful sleep. It also can be applied topically to kill the herpes virus (cold sores, shingles).
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