How to Make a Tincture at Home

Making a tincture at home is a simple and effective way to harness the healing properties of plants. All you need are some safe, usable plants and tincture alcohol. Here’s a straightforward guide:

Ingredients and Materials

Fresh or dried herbs (leaves, roots, bark, or berries)
Food-grade alcohol (50–95% ABV)
A glass jar
Parchment paper and a metal lid
Cheesecloth
Funnel

Steps to Create a Tincture

Choose Your Plant: Select herbs or plants that are safe for use. Be cautious and ensure you are using only parts that won’t cause harm.
Prepare Your Herbs:

For fresh leaves, fill the jar two-thirds to three-fourths full.
For dried leaves and roots, bark, or berries, fill the jar halfway.
For dried roots, bark, or berries, fill the jar one-fourth full.

Add Alcohol: Pour tincture alcohol over the herbs until they are fully submerged. This extracts the active compounds from the plant material.
Seal the Jar: Cover the jar with parchment paper before screwing on the metal lid to avoid any chemical reaction with the alcohol.
Wait: Let the jar sit in a cool, dark place for 1 to 4 weeks, shaking it occasionally.
Strain the Tincture: After the waiting period, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth placed over a funnel into a clean container. The strained liquid is your tincture.
If you are using high proof alcohol add the same volume of water.
Storage: Store the tincture in a cool, dark place. If properly bottled, it can last for years.

Where to Buy Tinctures

If making your tinctures isn’t appealing, they are widely available in health food stores and online. However, it’s important to consult a doctor before incorporating tinctures into your healthcare routine, as dosages and efficacy vary.

How to Use a Tincture

Tinctures are usually administered orally with a dropper. Dosage depends on factors like:

Concentration of the tincture
Your gender, age, and body size

Some tinctures are only for topical use, so always check the instructions. For safety, educate yourself on proper dosages before using any herbal remedy.

Popular Tinctures and Their Uses

Tincture of Arnica

Commonly used for inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, though it carries a risk of allergic reactions.

Tincture of Benzoin

Traditionally inhaled to relieve inflammation in the mouth and respiratory tract, but scientific backing is limited.

Tincture of Iodine

A proven antiseptic, it’s used to prevent infection on external wounds like cuts, burns, and scrapes.

Tincture of Propolis

Known for its potential antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral properties, though the evidence for boosting immunity is limited.

Tincture of Elderberry

Contains anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation.

Tincture of Turmeric

Rich in curcumin, which is believed to reduce inflammation, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis.

Tincture of Echinacea

Claimed to enhance immune function and help with colds, flu, infections, and wound healing, though more research is needed.

Tincture of Cannabis

Made from cannabidiol (CBD), it may aid in managing symptoms of cancer and mental health disorders. It’s important to note that only Epidiolex, a prescription oil, is TGA-approved for treating epilepsy. CBD does not produce a high, unlike THC. Epidyolex (cannabidiol) is approved as adjunctive therapy for seizures associated with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Final Thoughts

Tinctures have been used for centuries in herbal medicine. While some plants offer real health benefits, others may be ineffective or even harmful. Always seek medical advice before starting any herbal remedy to ensure it is safe and effective for you.