All About Tinctures: A Beginner’s Guide

There’s something so satisfying about making your own herbal remedies at home. Whether it’s an infused oil, a homemade salve, or a nourishing tea, there’s a deep connection that comes with working with plants. One of the easiest and most effective ways to extract the benefits of herbs is through tinctures. These little bottles of concentrated plant goodness have been used for centuries, and they’re surprisingly simple to make!

If you’ve been curious about tinctures but don’t know where to start, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from what tinctures are and how they work to making your very first batch at home.

What Is a Tincture?

A tincture is a highly concentrated herbal extract made by soaking plant material in a liquid solvent—usually alcohol, but sometimes glycerin or vinegar. Over time, the liquid pulls out the active medicinal compounds from the plant, preserving them in a form that has a long shelf life and is easy to use.

Tinctures are one of the most potent ways to take herbal medicine because they allow the body to absorb the beneficial properties of herbs quickly and efficiently. Plus, they’re convenient! A few drops in water or tea, and you’ve got an instant herbal remedy.

Why Use Tinctures?

Tinctures are a wonderful addition to your natural wellness routine because they:

✔ Are highly concentrated – A little goes a long way!

✔ Have a long shelf life – Properly stored tinctures can last for years.

✔ Are easy to take – Just a few drops under the tongue or in a drink.

✔ Bypass digestion – Alcohol-based tinctures absorb quickly into the bloodstream.

✔ Allow for precise dosing – Dropper bottles make it easy to control how much you take.

Depending on the herbs you use, tinctures can support immune health, digestion, relaxation, sleep, and so much more.

How to Make a Simple Herbal Tincture

Making a tincture at home is much easier than you might think. Here’s a basic method to get you started.

What You’ll Need:

Dried or fresh herbs (like chamomile, echinacea, elderberry, or lemon balm)
80-100 proof alcohol (vodka or brandy work well) or glycerin for an alcohol-free option
A glass jar with a lid
A dark glass dropper bottle (for storing the finished tincture)
Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
A label for your jar

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare Your Herbs – If using fresh herbs, chop them finely. If using dried herbs, lightly crush them to release their natural oils.
Fill the Jar – Fill your jar halfway with dried herbs (or about ¾ full if using fresh herbs).
Add Your Liquid – Pour alcohol (or glycerin for a non-alcoholic tincture) over the herbs, ensuring they are completely covered by at least an inch of liquid.
Seal & Store – Cap the jar tightly and place it in a dark, cool cabinet. Give it a gentle shake every day or so.
Wait & Strain – Let the tincture sit for 4-6 weeks to allow the liquid to fully extract the herbal properties. When ready, strain out the herbs using cheesecloth and transfer the tincture to a clean dropper bottle.
Label & Store – Clearly label your bottle with the herb name and date, and store it in a cool, dark place.

How to Use a Tincture

Tinctures are potent, so you typically only need a few drops at a time. You can take them:

Directly under the tongue for fast absorption
Diluted in water, tea, or juice
In a homemade herbal cocktail or mocktail (if using alcohol-based tinctures)

Always start with a small amount (like ¼ to ½ teaspoon) and adjust as needed. If you’re unsure, consult a qualified herbalist or practitioner.

Common Herbs Used in Tinctures

Each herb brings unique benefits, so you can customize your tinctures based on your needs: 🌿 Elderberry – Immune support

🌿 Chamomile – Relaxation and sleep aid

🌿 Lemon Balm – Stress relief and digestion

🌿 Echinacea – Cold and flu support

🌿 Peppermint – Digestive aid

🌿 Valerian Root – Natural sleep support

Final Thoughts

Making tinctures is a simple yet powerful way to incorporate herbal medicine into daily life. Whether you’re looking for immune support, stress relief, or better sleep, there’s a tincture for that! Plus, once you get the hang of it, you can start experimenting with blends that work best for your family’s needs.

If you’re new to tinctures, I’d love to hear—what herb would you like to try first? Drop a comment below or share your thoughts on Instagram! And if you found this helpful, be sure to pin it for later or share it with a friend who might love making their own tinctures too. 🌿✨

💡 Looking for high-quality herbs and supplies? Check out my favorite sources for organic herbs and tincture-making essentials by clicking the Azure Standard Link HERE and enter the code ShelbyGukeisen1. Check out the Earthley Wellness link as well if you aren’t ready to start making your own.

The Gentle Harvest