Making Herbal Medicine: A Guide to Tinctures

Making medicine at home is becoming a lost art. Once considered common knowledge, crafting herbal remedies has largely disappeared with the rise of pharmaceuticals. However, as people become more aware of the harm synthetic chemicals can do to our bodies, there’s a growing interest in returning to these natural methods.

For several years now, I’ve been making medicine for my family. Not only does it give me great satisfaction to know exactly what goes into the remedies we use, but it also feels empowering to be less reliant on mass-produced products. I’m confident that what I create is both safe and beneficial for my loved ones.

In this post, I’ll share a brief overview of how to make herbal tinctures. While this isn’t an exhaustive guide (there are other extraction methods like vinegar and glycerin), we’ll focus specifically on alcohol-based extracts—commonly known as tinctures.

What Are Tinctures?

Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts made by soaking herbs in alcohol. The alcohol acts as a solvent, drawing out the beneficial compounds from the plant material and preserving them.

There are two main methods for making tinctures:

1. Maceration
   This is the simplest and most beginner-friendly method. The herbs are soaked in alcohol for several weeks, allowing the medicinal properties to infuse naturally. While it takes more time, maceration doesn’t require specialized equipment or techniques. This is how I make my tinctures and it is what I’ll talk about here.
2. Percolation
   Percolation is a faster method but requires more precision and knowledge. The process involves dripping alcohol through a column of herbs, extracting the compounds more efficiently. It’s a great option for those with experience or who want to make tinctures quickly.

Why Make Your Own Medicine?

Crafting your own herbal remedies is about more than just saving money—it’s about taking control of your family’s health. You can ensure the quality of the ingredients, avoid harmful additives, and reconnect with the traditional wisdom of using plants for healing.

In future posts, I’ll dive deeper into the details of each method and share some of my favorite recipes. But for now, I hope this inspires you to explore the world of herbal medicine and try making your own tinctures!

How to Make an Alcohol Tincture: A Beginner’s Guide

Crafting your own herbal tincture is easier than you might think! Whether you’re using dried or fresh herbs, the process is simple and rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

What You’ll Need

• Herbs: Fresh or dried, depending on what you have. (Start with what you find in your backyard or find them at iHerb)
• Alcohol: Use high-proof vodka, brandy, or another clear alcohol (at least 80 proof).
• A jar: A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• A label: To track what’s inside and when you made it.

Choosing Between Fresh and Dried Herbs

• Fresh herbs: Contain more water, so use a higher-proof alcohol (100 proof or more) to prevent spoilage.
• Dried herbs: Less moisture means 80-proof alcohol works just fine.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Herbs
   • Fresh herbs: Rinse and chop them to release their juices. Fill your jar loosely with the herbs.
   • Dried herbs: Crumble or cut them into smaller pieces and fill your jar about halfway.
2. Add Alcohol
   Pour the alcohol over the herbs until they are fully submerged. This prevents spoilage and ensures proper extraction. Leave a little space at the top of the jar.
3. Seal and Shake
   Close the jar tightly and give it a good shake.
4. Steep
   Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks. Shake it daily to help the alcohol extract the medicinal compounds.
5. Strain and Store
   Once the tincture is ready, strain it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or dropper bottle. Discard the herbs.
6. Label Your Tincture
   Write the herb name, alcohol type, and the date on your label. Store your tincture in a cool, dark place—it should last for several years!

Dosage Tips

Tinctures are potent, so start small—typically 1–2 dropperfuls (about 20–40 drops) in water or tea. Always research the herb you’re using to ensure safe dosages.

Making tinctures is a wonderful way to connect with the healing power of plants. With just a little effort, you can create natural remedies that benefit your whole family! Here is a great immune boosting remedy!

Comment:

Have you ever made your own herbal remedies? Share your experiences in the comments!