Using Fresh Herbs to Make Herbal Tinctures

Herbal tinctures are very easy to make. All you need is a bottle of 100 proof vodka, mason jars or bottles that have been cleaned and also have a tight lid and finally your herbs.

You start by adding about 3/4 to 1/2 cup of fresh herbs to the bottom of your mason jar. Then add the vodka completely covering the herbs and as close to the top as you want it. Seal the jar tight and place in a windowsill or shelf. You must shake the jar at least once a day for no less than two weeks and up to six weeks.

After two to six weeks you can bottle your tincture. Use a strainer and strain all the fluid into a measuring cup or something that has a spout. Use a funnel and fill up your bottles with the liquid. Make sure you label the bottles with the type of tincture inside and the date you made it. You can use the left over herbs as compost in your garden.

The look of your tincture will vary depending on the type of herb you used. Rosemary makes a beautiful green tincture while St. John's Wort is a dark red color. If you mix herbs you'll usually get a dark brown color.

These tinctures will last at least two years store them in good bottles. I recommend using cobalt blue or amber colored glass dropper bottles. You can purchases these online for about 5o cents up to two dollars each depending on the size of the bottle. This is where I get mine.

If you are not sure what herbs to make into a tincture I have a few suggestions for you.

Myrrh can be used in a mouthwash, to stop toothaches plus it is antibacterial and helps relieve pain.

Sage has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be used as a cleanser, skin toner and with deodorant.

Yarrow is a good facial astringent and is very good for your skin.

Comfrey leaf helps to rejuvenate your skin and to moisturize which reduces wrinkles and fine lines.

The dosage for the tinctures will vary depending on the amount of herb you used and which herbs you used. The average dose is two to three drops on your tongue if taken internally or the skin on the affected area two to three times a day. Please remember to look up the exact dosage amount for each herb you plan on using.