How to Make an Herbal Tincture

Co-authored by Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 Approved

Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts that are made using alcohol and chopped herbs. The tincture is especially effective in drawing out the essential compounds of plants, especially those that are fibrous or woody, and from roots and resins.^{[1]
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Research source} Since this method ensures that the herbs and their nutrients can be preserved for a long time, it is often mentioned in herbal books and remedies as a preferred way of using herbs.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing the Tincture

1
Purchase quality alcohol. Alcohol is used as the base for tinctures.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Expert Interview. 5 October 2021.} The preferred type of alcohol for producing a tincture is vodka.^{[3]
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Research source} This is owing to its being colorless, odorless, and fairly flavorless. If you cannot obtain vodka, brandy, rum, or whiskey can be substituted. Whatever alcohol is chosen, it must be 80 proof (namely, 40% alcohol) to prevent mildewing of the plant material in the bottle.
- It is also possible to make a tincture from quality apple cider vinegar or glycerin.^{[4]
  X
  Research source} The alternatives may work better where the patient refuses alcohol.
2
Use a suitable container. The container for the tincture should be glass or ceramic. Avoid using metallic or plastic containers because these can react with the tincture or leach dangerous chemicals over time. Items such as a Mason jar, a glass bottle with an attached stopper, etc., are ideal for steeping a tincture. In addition, you will need to get some small dark glass tincture bottles for storing the tincture in once it has been made; these bottles should have a tight screw-on or tight clip-on lid to prevent air intrusion during storage but to allow for ease of use. Ensure that all containers are both washed clean and sterilized prior to use.

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3
Prepare the tincture. You can prepare a tincture by measurement or by sight; it really depends on your level of comfort with simply adding herbs and judging by eye, or whether you feel more comfortable adding them by measured weight. Also, you should know whether you want to add fresh, powdered, or dried herbs to the tincture.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Expert Interview. 5 October 2021.} Some suggestions for adding the herbs in the order of fresh, powdered, or dried are as follows:
- Add enough fresh chopped herbs to fill the glass container. Cover with alcohol.^{[6]
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  Research source}
- Add 4 ounces (113g) of powdered herb with 1 pint (473ml) of alcohol (or vinegar/glycerin).^{[7]
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  Research source}
- Add 7 ounces (198g) of dried herb material to 35 fluid ounces (1 liter) of alcohol (or vinegar/glycerin).
4
Using a butter knife, stir around the edge of the glass container to ensure that air bubbles are broken.
5
Seal the container. Place it into a cool, dark area; a cupboard shelf works best. The container should be stored there for 8 days to a month.^{[8]
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Research source}
- Shake the container regularly. Humbart Santillo recommends shaking it twice a day for 14 days,^{[9]
  X
  Research source} while James Wong recommends shaking it occasionally.^{[10]
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  Research source}
- Be sure to label the steeping tincture so that you know what it is and the date on which it was made. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Storing the Tincture

1
Strain the tincture. Once the steeping time is finished (either the tincture instructions you're following will inform you of this or you'll know already from experience but if not, about two weeks is a good steeping time), strain the tincture as follows:
- Place a muslin cloth across a sieve. Place a large bowl underneath to catch the strained liquid.
- Gently pour the steeped liquid through the muslin-lined sieve. The muslin will capture the plant material and the liquid will pass through into the bowl underneath.
- Press the herb material with a wooden or bamboo spoon to squeeze out some more liquid, and lastly, twist the muslin to extract any leftover liquid from the herbs.
2
Decant the liquid into a prepared tincture bottle. Use a small funnel for this step if you don't have a steady hand. Tighten the lid and date and label the tincture.
- If you're storing this for long-term without using until later, consider sealing the caps with wax.^{[11]
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  Research source}
3
Store and use. A tincture can have a shelf life of up to 5 years owing to the fact that alcohol is a preservative.^{[12]
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Research source} However, know the properties of the particular herbs you've used, and follow the guidance of the recipe from which you're making the tincture in terms of how long to keep the tincture for.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Expert Interview. 5 October 2021.}
- Follow the instructions relevant to your tincture for usage; consult a qualified, reputable herbalist or a health professional if you need more information and bear in mind that herbal treatments can be dangerous if you don't know the properties of the herb and its consequences.

Expert Q&A

Question

What herbs make good tinctures?

Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Erica Docimo is a California and National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Owner of Mind and Body Acupuncture, a holistic healthcare and lifestyle studio based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in Acupuncture, Herbal Prescriptions, and Eastern and Western Nutrition. Erica holds a Masters of Chinese Medicine from The Emperor’s College with a focus on Women’s Health. She also received training at The Academy of Orthopedic Acupuncture (AOA) to become certified in pain reflex-release technique and manual nerve blocking.

Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.

Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist

Expert Answer

That's not an easy thing to answer, as you should always choose your ingredients based on the effect you’re looking to achieve, perhaps an immune boost, liver support, or simply flavor - as with cocktail bitters.
Question

Can you make a tincture with water?

Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Erica Docimo is a California and National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Owner of Mind and Body Acupuncture, a holistic healthcare and lifestyle studio based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in Acupuncture, Herbal Prescriptions, and Eastern and Western Nutrition. Erica holds a Masters of Chinese Medicine from The Emperor’s College with a focus on Women’s Health. She also received training at The Academy of Orthopedic Acupuncture (AOA) to become certified in pain reflex-release technique and manual nerve blocking.

Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.

Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist

Expert Answer

Well, not in the traditional sense. Tinctures are a type of concentrated herbal extract that specifically use alcohol as the base, as opposed to vinegar, glycerine, or water.
Question

Will a higher alcohol content make a better tincture?

Zora Degrandpre, ND
Natural Health Doctor
Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.

Zora Degrandpre, ND

Natural Health Doctor

Expert Answer

In general, a higher alcohol content will make a better tincture. In my experience, most herbalists will use Everclear.

Warnings

High concentrations (about 40+%) are flammable so watch out if you are working near heat, or especially open flames.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 38 Not Helpful 3
Some herbal remedies that are fine for the general population can be harmful for specific members of the population, such as infants, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and persons with lowered immune systems or allergies. Know the properties of the herbs and the possible complications of the patient!

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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
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For dosing information consult the "Physician's Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines" or a reputable herbalist book. Again, if you don't know, consult your doctor or a qualified health professional before using.

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Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional before using any herbal treatment. If you don't know what you're doing, then don't do it; get expert advice.

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