Tinctures

A tincture is a herbal preparation in which the active ingredient is extracted with alcohol. Tinctures can be made in large volumes & stored for long periods of time. Tinctures can also be used in the quick preparations of infusions, creams & other herbal recipes.

Choose the type of alcohol that you want to use. Many use vodka due to it’s near tasteless flavor. The standard herbal tincture should have 1 fl oz of pure alcohol for every 3 oz water (about 25% alcohol).
Tinctures can be prepared using either dried or fresh herbs. Make sure to cut herbs into small pieces first.
If using dried herbs: put 8 oz of the herb & 1 1/2 pints of the water/alcohol mixture in a large, glass jar.
If using powdered herbs: put 1 oz herb to 5 oz water/alcohol mixture in glass jar.
If using fresh herbs: put 1 1/2 lbs of herb & 1 1/2 pints water/alcohol mixture in a large, glass jar.
Store jar in a cool dark place for at least 2 weeks, making sure you shake the jar once a day.
Filter mixture through cheesecloth, coffee filter or fine cloth, capturing tincture liquid in another container below.
Store tincture in a clean, dark glass container, out of the sun.
If stored properly, tinctures can be stored for 2 or more years.