A Simple Guide to Making and Using Herbal Tinctures
Have you been curious about herbal tinctures but not sure where to start? Good news: you are reading the right blog! I will walk you through what tinctures are, how to make them at home, and how to use them effectively. I have also included a couple of beginner-friendly recipes to get you started.
What Are Tinctures?
A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract made by macerating (infusing/soaking) plant material in alcohol. The alcohol draws out the alcohol-soluble active compounds from the herbs, preserving their potency for later use. Tinctures are versatile—great for everything from supporting your immune system to helping you relax—and they are simple and shelf-stable; feel free to make extra for later.
Why Make Your Own?
Making tinctures allows you to control the ingredients, potency, and quantity. Making your own is often more affordable than buying pre-made tinctures.
Here are some key benefits:
Long shelf life
Easy to use
Portable and convenient
Customizable
What is (& Isn't) Extracted by Alcohol
Not everything is alcohol-soluble—sad, I know! But the good news is that alcohol also contains some water, which helps pull out water-soluble compounds along with the alcohol-soluble ones.
What Alcohol Extracts Well:
Aromatics – The fragrant, volatile compounds
Alkaloids – Compounds with medicinal properties
Flavonoids – Antioxidants
Glycosides – Often medicinal, found in plants like licorice
Resins – Sticky plant substances like myrrh and pine sap (best with high-proof alcohol)
Bitter Constituents – The compounds that give digestive bitters their punch
Tannins – Astringent compounds found in herbs like black walnut hulls and oak bark
What Alcohol Does Not Extract Well:
✘ Minerals – These are best extracted with water or vinegar
✘ Mucilage – The soothing, slippery compounds in marshmallow root and slippery elm
✘ Some Polysaccharides – Like the immune-boosting beta-glucans in mushrooms and astragalus (best extracted by decoctions)
What You Will Need to Make a Basic Tincture
Herbs: Fresh or dried, depending on what you have available to you
Alcohol: Vodka or brandy, at least 40% (80 proof alcohol), works best for extraction and preservation for most herbs
Jars: Use clean glass jars with a tight-fitting lid, such as Mason jars
Strainer: Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer for filtering out herbs
Amber Glass Dropper Bottles: For storing your finished tinctures
Labels – Always label your tinctures with the herb name, alcohol, and date
How to Make a Tincture: Step-by-Step Instructions
Choose Your Herb: Pick an herb based on its properties, and chop or bruise fresh herbs or lightly or finely chop dried herbs to help release their constituents
Fill the Jar: Use one of these approaches:
Folk Method: Fill a mason jar ½–¾ full with the herbs
dried roots and berries swell, so only fill ½ full
fresh or dried leaves and flowers can be filled up to ¾ full
Standardized Method: For consistency, weigh the herbs and measure the alcohol by volume. For a 1:2 ratio, weigh out the herbs by grams (or ounces) and then double that to measure the volume of alcohol in milliliters (or ounces if you weighed by ounces).
1:2 ratio for fresh herbs (1 part fresh herb by weight to 2 parts alcohol by volume)
1:5 ratio for dried herbs (1 part dried herb by weight to 5 parts alcohol by volume)
Add Alcohol: Pour enough alcohol over the herbs to fully cover them, leaving some headspace at the top
Use 80% (160 proof) or higher for resinous or aromatic herbs
40-60% (80-120 proof) is ideal for most leaves and flowers
Cover & Wait: Close the jar, label it with the date and ingredients, and periodically give it a gentle shake for the next 3-6 weeks
Strain & Bottle: After 3-6 weeks, strain out the plant material using cheesecloth or mesh strainer, then pour the infused alcohol into an amber glass dropper bottle
Label & Store: Write the name and date on your bottle, and store it in a cool, dark place
How to Use Tinctures
Tinctures are highly concentrated, so you only need a small amount. A typical dose is 30-60 drops (about 1-2 dropperfuls) taken 1-3 times per day. Start with a lower dose and adjust as needed.
Ways to take a tincture:
Under the tongue (sublingual) – This is the fastest absorption method
In water or tea – Dilutes the strong taste while still being effective
In juice or honey – Helps mask the flavor for those who prefer a milder taste
Use topically – apply directly to the skin as a liniment to ease aches & pains, and reduce bruising
Simple Tincture Recipes to Try
Willow Bark Tincture
Ingredients: White willow bark (Salix alba), 80%+ alcohol (e.g., Everclear)
Method: Folk method (fill jar halfway) or standardized (1:5 ratio)
Use: 1–3 dropperfuls every 4 hours as needed for aches, cramps, arthritis, or headaches
Note: Contains salicylates; use caution if on blood thinners
Nettle Tincture
Ingredients: Fresh stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) or purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum), 40–50% alcohol (e.g., vodka)
Method: Folk method (fill ¾ full) or standardized (1:2 ratio)
Use: A few drops to 1 dropperful, 1–3 times daily for inflammation or allergy relief
Calming Tincture
Ingredients: Equal parts dried lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), 40–50% alcohol
Method: Use the folk method (fill jar ¾ full with blended herbs) or make single-herb tinctures and combine equally
Use: 1–3 dropperfuls before bed for relaxation
Note: Swap chamomile for feverfew for tension headaches
Immune Support Tincture
Ingredients: Equal parts dried elderberries (Sambucus nigra), hibiscus (Hibiscus sbdariffa), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), rose hips (Rosa spp.), 40-60% alcohol
Method: Use the folk method (fill jar ½ full with blended herbs) or make single-herb tinctures and combine equally
Use: 1 dropperful daily, diluted in tea or mixed in honey, to support your immune system
Note: Consult a healthcare provider if pregnant, nursing, on medications, or managing a condition
Alcohol Alternatives
Prefer no alcohol? Use glycerin or apple cider vinegar instead. Shelf life will be shorter—about a year—so plan accordingly. Glycerites (herbs infused in glycerin) are sweeter and more palatable, making them a great choice for children. Acetums (herbal-infused vinegars) extract vitamins and minerals well. For an even tastier option, try an oxymel—a blend of herbal-infused vinegar and honey, which can also be infused with herbs.
Tips & Safety Considerations
Label your tinctures with the herb names, alcohol used, and the date for easy tracking
Consult a healthcare professional before using tinctures if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition
Final Thoughts
Making herbal tinctures is a rewarding process. Whether you are looking for immune support, digestive relief, or a calming remedy, tinctures offer an easy and effective way to incorporate herbs into your daily routine.
Have you tried making tinctures before? Have you tried tinctures before? Share your favorite herbs or recipes below—I would love to hear from you!
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