How to make a Basic Herbal Tincture

I found this video to be very good. Not only does he provided details on the preparation of the tincture but some of the pitfalls in the strength of herbs.

I think we need to be discussing these pitfalls further, maybe in another post as the information is so very important.

All right, what’s a tincture?
You’ll be glad you asked. It’s an herbal preparation in which certain parts of a plant, including essential oils and minerals, are extracted into a alcohol

High-proof alcohols typically make the best solvents. However, organic apple cider vinegar and vegetable glycerin are also used on occasion (generally for children’s preparations).

Tinctures are taken orally, often deposited directly beneath the tongue, and a single dose (two droppers full) produces the same effect as a cup of herbal tea. But tinctures are concentrated and absorbed by the body more easily than tea, thanks in large part, to the alcohol.

Tinctures boast a variety of nutritional and medicinal benefits. They are used for a wide range of conditions, including anemia, anxiety, digestive issues, PMS, insomnia and low libido.

Gathering your ingredients
Making your own herbal tinctures is simple. But first, you’ll need to round up the following supplies:

80-proof alcohol (or greater): Recommendations include brandy and vodka. I prefer Vodka as there is no taste.
Fresh or dried herbs (e.g., chamomile, ginger, peppermint): It’s essential to know which plant(s) you’re using. When in doubt, purchase herbs from a reputable retailer rather than foraging for them.
Pint-sized jar with tight-fitting lid, make sure it’s sterilised and dry.
Small bottles made of amber or cobalt glass: These will be used to store tinctures and should contain a lid with dropper. (Pipette)
Strainer
Fine muslin or cheesecloth
Glass bowl or measuring cup with spout
Small funnel
And now it’s tincture time!
The first step in making a tincture is adding the herbs to the jar. If your herbs are fresh, give them a good rinse first, it’s best to chop them up or crush them with a mortar and pestle first.

Fill about three-quarters of the jar with (loosely packed) fresh herbs, or half the jar with dried herbs.

Next, fill the jar with the alcohol, stopping at the beginning of the lid ring.

The herbs should be completely submerged by the alcohol (exposure to air can introduce bacteria and mold) and move around freely when shaken.

Generally, the fresh herb-to-alcohol ratio should be 1:2, and the dried herb-to-alcohol ratio should be 1:4 or 1: 5, but be sure to follow the “recipe” for the herb you are tincturing.

Screw on the lid, label the jar and store it in a cool, dry, dark place.

Shake your mixture once daily for the first week, then allow it to steep undisturbed for an additional five weeks.

After six weeks have passed, line the strainer with a few layers of cheesecloth or muslin and hold it over your measuring cup or bowl. Pour your tincture over the cloth, pressing down gently on the herbs to remove any extra liquid.

Finally, you’ll use your funnel to transfer your tincture into your small glass bottles.
Label each bottle with the herb type and date and store them out of direct sunlight.

Next we need to learn about dosages. As tinctures are potent, some need to be taken in small amounts.

I’ve added some links to purchase the bottles from Amazon, I find getting my bottles from here just so handy especially when I need roller ball bottles for perfumes and lip balms.