How to Make a Homemade Tincture

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Before embarking upon any project, consult with a licensed professional.

What is a tincture?

A tincture uses alcohol or a combination of alcohol and water to extract the beneficial components of a herb. Some types of tinctures use commercial grade ethyl, but for the homemade tincture access to such an alcohol may not be an option. They are often used by homeopathic practitioners and those interested in alternative health methods. Various garden-variety herbs are used, as well as roots and certain types of bark.*

How to make it:

Be careful with the type of alcohol you use. Rubbing alcohol is not suitable for drinking and should not be used in the making of a homemade tincture. Methyl alcohol is also not safe for this purpose. The best type of non-commercial grade alcohol to use is a flavorless and odorless one, such as vodka. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, any non-flavored, high alcohol content vodka from a liquor store will do just fine.

The alcohol will need to be diluted before use. About 2 cups of the water should be added to about 1 quart of alcohol. You will also need containers with airtight lids, a 2 quart container, and opaque glass bottles. You can buy these at home or kitchen supply shops. Make sure to clean it out well with warm water and soap, and leave no residue behind.

Put the mixture in a separate, clean bottle. Take whatever herb you intend to use and put about a quarter of a pound, dried, of that into the airtight container. (You can also use fresh herbs, but will need more, about three-fourths of a pound.) After you've done that, take 2 cups of the liquid mixture, add that to the container, shut the lid, and shake it up. Put it in a dark, cool place for about two weeks, shaking it up every now and then. Once that time has passed, strain and store in the opaque bottles.

And there you have it. You can take up to 1 teaspoon of the tincture with warmed water or tea up to four times a day.

*Note that tinctures made from roots need a stronger alcohol mixture. Using the same process listed here will make the results very weak.