A Guide to Making Tinctures

(Article courtesy of Heritage Skills USA)

Herbal tinctures are concentrated extracts made by soaking herbs in a solvent, typically alcohol, to extract their active compounds. Tinctures are a popular method of herbal preparation due to their potency, ease of use, and long shelf life.

Here are some tips to help you learn about the process of making tinctures:

Maceration is the process of soaking plant material in a solvent for an extended period to extract the medicinal properties of the herb.

Pros:

• Potency: Tinctures are highly concentrated, allowing for small doses.
• Long Shelf Life: Properly made tinctures can last for years.
• Quick Absorption: Tinctures are absorbed quickly when taken sublingually (under the tongue).
• Convenience: Easy to transport and use, especially compared to teas or capsules.
• Versatility: Can be made with a variety of herbs, either fresh or dried.

Cons:

• Alcohol Content: The presence of alcohol may be unsuitable for children, pregnant women, or individuals sensitive to alcohol.
• Taste: Tinctures can have a strong, sometimes unpleasant taste.
• Cost: High-quality tinctures can be expensive to purchase or make.

The choice of solvent affects the potency, flavor, and shelf life of the tincture. Common solvents include:

• Alcohol: The most commonly used solvent, particularly ethanol, is effective at extracting a wide range of herbal constituents, including alkaloids, glycosides, resins, and essential oils.
• Glycerin: A non-alcoholic alternative, suitable for those who avoid alcohol. However, glycerin is less effective at extracting certain constituents.
• Vinegar: Often used in place of alcohol for those sensitive to it. Vinegar is less effective than alcohol but can still extract minerals and some acids.
• Water: Usually used as a secondary solvent to dilute the tincture, especially when making glycerites or vinegars.

When to Use Tinctures:

• Acute Conditions: Tinctures provide rapid relief in acute situations (e.g., anxiety, digestive issues).
• Chronic Conditions: Long-term use of tinctures can support chronic health conditions.
• Preventive Care: Tinctures can be used daily as a preventive measure (e.g., immune support).

How to Use Tinctures:

• Sublingually: Place the tincture under the tongue for rapid absorption.
• Diluted in Water: Mix with water, tea, or juice to mask the taste.
• Topically: Some tinctures can be applied to the skin for localized effects.

Ingredients:

• Fresh plant material
• High-proof alcohol (e.g., 95% ethanol)
• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• Cheesecloth or fine strainer
• Amber glass bottles for storage

Steps:

1. Prepare the Herb: Chop the fresh herb finely to increase surface area.
2. Fill the Jar: Place the chopped herb into the jar, filling it about halfway.
3. Add Alcohol: Pour the alcohol over the herb until it is completely covered, with about an inch of alcohol above the herb.
4. Seal and Store: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar daily for 2-6 weeks.
5. Strain the Tincture: After the maceration period, strain the tincture through cheesecloth into another container.
6. Bottle the Tincture: Pour the strained tincture into amber glass bottles and label them with the herb name, alcohol percentage, and date.

How to Make a Dry Plant Maceration

Ingredients:

• Dried plant material
• High-proof alcohol (e.g., 60-80% ethanol)
• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• Cheesecloth or fine strainer
• Amber glass bottles for storage

Steps:

1. Measure the Herb: Weigh the dried herb, as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones.
2. Fill the Jar: Place the dried herb in the jar, filling it about one-third to one-half.
3. Add Alcohol: Pour alcohol over the dried herb, ensuring it is fully submerged, with at least an inch of alcohol above the herb.
4. Seal and Store: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar daily for 4-8 weeks.
5. Strain and Bottle: After the maceration period, strain the tincture and bottle it as described in the fresh plant maceration method.

Weights, Measures, Ratios, and Alcohol Percentages

Ratios:

• Fresh Plant Material: Typically 1:2 (one part herb to two parts alcohol by weight).
• Dried Plant Material: Usually 1:5 (one part herb to five parts alcohol by weight).

Alcohol Percentages:

• 95% Alcohol: Ideal for high-resin plants and fresh herbs with high water content.
• 60-80% Alcohol: Suitable for most dried herbs and general use.
• 40% Alcohol: Used for more delicate herbs where high alcohol content might be too harsh.

Weights and Measures:

• Fresh Plant Material: Weigh the herb after chopping to get an accurate ratio.
• Dried Plant Material: Weigh the herb in its dry form, as it’s more concentrated.

Dosage varies depending on the herb and the individual’s needs. General guidelines:

• Acute Situations: 30-60 drops (1.5-3 mL) up to three times daily.
• Chronic Conditions: 10-30 drops (0.5-1.5 mL) two to three times daily.
• Preventive Care: 5-10 drops daily.

Always start with a lower dose to assess tolerance and effectiveness.

Percolation is a quicker method of tincture making, where the solvent is continuously passed through the herb, allowing for faster extraction.

Pros:

• Speed: Percolations can be completed in a few days, compared to weeks or months for macerations.
• Efficiency: Extracts herbal constituents more rapidly and thoroughly.
• Consistency: Results in a uniform tincture, with less variability in potency.

Cons:

• Complexity: Requires more equipment and precision in preparation.
• Potential for Error: Mistakes in setup can lead to incomplete extraction or weak tinctures.
• Not Suitable for All Herbs: Some herbs require the longer extraction time of maceration for full potency.

• Percolation: Best for when time is a factor, or when working with herbs that easily release their constituents.
• Maceration: Preferred for more resinous or tough plant materials, or when a traditional, slower extraction is desired.

• Soft Leaves and Flowers: Such as chamomile, peppermint, and lemon balm.
• Aromatic Herbs: Such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme.
• Tender Roots: Like valerian and echinacea (fresh root).

• Percolation Cone or Funnel: Specially designed to hold the herb and allow the solvent to drip through.
• Grinder: To finely grind the herb for maximum surface area.
• Filter Paper or Cotton: To line the funnel and prevent herb particles from clogging.
• Solvent: Usually high-proof alcohol, chosen based on the herb being used.
• Catchment Vessel: To collect the tincture as it drips from the funnel.

Steps for Percolation:

1. Prepare the Herb: Grind the herb finely.
2. Set Up the Funnel: Line the funnel with filter paper or cotton.
3. Pack the Herb: Gently pack the ground herb into the funnel.
4. Add Solvent: Slowly pour the solvent over the herb until it starts to drip out the bottom.
5. Continue Adding Solvent: Gradually add more solvent as the tincture drips into the catchment vessel, ensuring the herb remains saturated.
6. Collect and Bottle: Once the desired amount of tincture is collected, bottle it in amber glass bottles.

5 Herbal Tincture Recipes To Get Your Started

 

Purpose: Boosts the immune system, helps prevent and treat colds and flu.

Ingredients:

• 100g fresh Echinacea root (or 50g dried root)
• 200 mL 95% alcohol (for fresh root) or 250 mL 60% alcohol (for dried root)

Instructions:

1. Maceration: Chop the fresh Echinacea root (or measure the dried root). Place it in a glass jar and cover with alcohol. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and bottle.
2. Percolation: Finely grind the root. Set up your percolation equipment, line with filter paper, and pack the ground root in the funnel. Pour alcohol slowly over the herb, collecting the tincture as it drips out. Bottle and store.

Dosage: Take 30-60 drops up to three times daily during cold and flu season.

Purpose: Promotes relaxation and helps with insomnia and anxiety.

Ingredients:

• 50g dried chamomile flowers
• 250 mL 40% alcohol

Instructions:

1. Maceration: Place the dried chamomile flowers in a jar and cover with alcohol. Seal and store in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and bottle.
2. Percolation: Finely grind the dried flowers. Pack them into the percolation funnel lined with filter paper. Pour alcohol slowly over the flowers, allowing the tincture to drip into a container. Bottle and store.

Dosage: Take 20-40 drops in the evening or when feeling anxious.

Purpose: Eases nausea, improves digestion, and helps with motion sickness.

Ingredients:

• 50g fresh ginger root (or 25g dried ginger root)
• 200 mL 60% alcohol (for fresh ginger) or 250 mL 40% alcohol (for dried ginger)

Instructions:

1. Maceration: Slice the fresh ginger root (or measure the dried ginger). Place in a jar and cover with alcohol. Seal and store for 3-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and bottle.
2. Percolation: Finely chop or grind the ginger. Pack the ginger into the percolation funnel and pour alcohol over it. Collect the tincture as it drips, then bottle and store.

Dosage: Take 10-30 drops before or after meals to aid digestion.

Purpose: Reduces stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation.

Ingredients:

• 100g fresh lemon balm leaves (or 50g dried leaves)
• 200 mL 80% alcohol (for fresh leaves) or 250 mL 40% alcohol (for dried leaves)

Instructions:

1. Maceration: Chop the fresh lemon balm leaves (or measure the dried leaves). Place them in a jar and cover with alcohol. Seal and store for 2-4 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and bottle.
2. Percolation: Finely grind the lemon balm leaves and pack them into the percolation funnel. Slowly pour alcohol over the leaves, collecting the tincture as it drips. Bottle and store.

Dosage: Take 20-40 drops as needed for stress relief.

Purpose: Supports liver function and detoxification.

Ingredients:

• 50g dried milk thistle seeds
• 250 mL 60% alcohol

Instructions:

1. Maceration: Crush the dried milk thistle seeds and place them in a jar. Cover with alcohol, seal, and store for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and bottle.
2. Percolation: Finely grind the seeds and pack them into the percolation funnel. Pour alcohol over the seeds slowly, collecting the tincture as it drips. Bottle and store.

Dosage: Take 30-60 drops up to three times daily to support liver health.

These tinctures are potent and should be used with caution. Always start with a lower dose to assess tolerance and consult with a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

By understanding both maceration and percolation methods, you can choose the best approach for your herbal tincture needs. Whether you’re making a long-lasting maceration or a quick percolation, the result will be a potent, effective herbal remedy tailored to your specific needs.