Tinctures are super easy once you know what you want to put in them.
So, first get your recipe together of what you want to create.
Then, you will need:
- A dark colored tightly sealed bottle made of glass in a size of your choosing, like these.
- If you are making a tincture you will need to use 80 proof or more alcohol (drinking alcohol, like rum, vodka, scotch, whatever you fancy). Higher alcohol will pull out more of the plant’s medicinal qualities.
- You can make an extract this same way with vinegar if you prefer, but it will be weaker than the alcohol and won’t keep as long.
1. Fill your bottle or container about 1/2 way up with fresh herbs. For dried herbs, fill 1/3 to 1/2 full. Cover the herbs with the alcohol completely. Leave a little room at the top. The herbs will expand, whether they are fresh or dried.
2. Place in a dark, cool place. Extracts will need to be kept in the fridge.
3. Shake daily.
4. Let sit for 2 weeks – 6 weeks (longer is better).
5. Strain out the herbs, squeezing the liquid out, and the tincture is ready to use.
Store in a cool, dry place. Alcohol tinctures are good for up to 6 months. Vinegar extracts are good for about 3 months when stored in the refrigerator.
Super easy and rewarding.
I’ve included some links to great herbal tincture recipes for you to try.
Sore Throat Tincture