by Karen Chamchuk

Created on: August 26, 2008   Last Updated: April 14, 2011

What are tinctures?  Tinctures are concentrated, often alcohol-based, liquid extracts made by combining fresh plant material or dried herbs and a liquid base such as vodka, brandy, distilled water, vegetable glycerin, or cider vinegar. Tinctures first became popular when pharmacists faced problems regarding the potency of herbs when they were stored and sold in the dried form.  Consumers were seeking a better product.

Reasons people make their own tinctures:

-Tinctures are more potent than regular dried herbs. Consequently, they last much longer.
-Unlike tinctures, dried herbs can get moldy or eaten by insects.
-Tinctures are quite effective in smaller doses, so they're easy to carry with you and convenient to take.
-Homemade tinctures are much less expensive than buying ready-made herbal products. It costs you the same amount to make about one litre of tincture as it does to buy a few ounces of tincture at the store.
-You maintain total control over the quality of the product you are making. Thus, you are ensured of the purity of the final product.
-You can make special combination formulas to suit your individual needs.
-Some herbalist say that you gain some health benefits from the actual process of making the tictures because some of the herb is inhaled and some is absorbed through your skin.  

Items you will need to get started:

-Fresh or dried herbs in powdered or cut form.
-80 to100 proof vodka or rum; the liquid should be about 25% alcohol. Note: NEVER use rubbing alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or wood alcohol.
-Wide-mouthed glass jars with tight-fitting lids such as mason jars.
-Unbleached muslin or cheesecloth.
-Labels and markers.

Instructions:
Note: It takes a minimum of two weeks to prepare a tincture. Many people prefer to let their tinctures develop for periods of up to six months. Before you begin, give some thought as to the potency you wish to create as well as the quantity you wish to make.

Step #1. Pick through the herbs to remove any damaged or dirty herbs. Do not wash the herbs.
Step #2. Place the amount of the herb you desire into the glass jar and slowly pour the alcohol until the herbs are completely covered. Note: You may have to add more alcohol over the next day or two as the herbs absorb and expand.
Step #3. Seal the jar tightly so that the liquid cannot evaporate.
Step #4. Label your tincture with the ingredients and date.
Step #5. Put the jar in a dark area or inside a paper bag for 6-8 weeks.
Step #6.

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