Tincture Making 101

This Saturday was tincture making day. So I thought I would post on how it is done, and a few of my annual favorites.
There are several different methods of extraction, but tincturing is one of my favorites. Tincture making is a process of extracting the medicinal components of herbs into an alcohol base, for use in easier and more accurate dosing. Tinctures can be made as a simple (which is only one herb) or a formula (which is two or more herbs). I like to do simples, because I use the same herb for many different formulas, but as a beginner you can just choose the formula you need and make one batch for your herbal medicine chest. I usually put together several formulas of the ones I know I use often. You want to purchase your herbs from a reputable source, dried herbs loose their potency after one year, so make sure your source uses fresh herbs seasonally. I purchase mine from www.mountainroseherbs.com. I have used them for years because their herbs are always fresh with vibrant color and smells. Their shipping can be high, so if you only need one or a few herbs, go in with others on the order or purchase them from a local source, like a whole foods market.
Next you want to have your recipe in front of you so that you know which herbs to use and in what part. Lets say your recipe calls for 2 parts echinacea, 1 part goldenseal and 1 part slippery elm. Your parts can be anything you like just make sure you use the method. Example: you make 1 part equal 1/2 cup. then your formula would look like this; 1 cup echinacea, 1/2 cup goldenseal, 1/2 cup slippery elm. Or you can use weight(my favorite method, it is most accurate). When you are dealing in weight, you will find that roots and barks are heavier, so you use less and dried herbs and flowers are lighter so you will have more, which is why weight is more accurate method for medicine making.
After you mix your formula then you will take your 90 proof alcohol (I like to use the cheapest vodka)and pour over the top so that all the herbs are submerged with 1 inch of alcohol covering the top. As the herbs expand, top off with alcohol always keeping them with one inch over the top.
You will then label with what the herb is and the date of making. Shake daily for one week, then keep in dark, cool place like a cubard, shaking few times a week for 3 more weeks. You may start to use them after two weeks, but don't decant until 4 weeks has passed.
To decant your tincture, get a bowl and a pair of cheep pantyhose and cut off the bottom 12". You will then fit it over the top of your jar and pour contents into it over the bowl. Then squeeze all the tincture out of the herb and dispose of used herb into the compost. Get a clean jar or wine bottle, or what not, and pour the tincture into it. Label with name and date and put away for later use! Very simple, yet effective.

Here are a couple of the formulas I like to have around at all times: Immune boost
2 parts elderberries
1 part rose hips
1 part shitake mushrooms
1 part astragulus root


This formula is an immune enhancer. You can take this on a daily basis for life. It has no drug interactions and can be used for young and old alike.

Another is: Calming Formula
1 part catnip
1 part chamomile flowers
1 part skulcap

This is used for calming the nerves and helping to promote good restful sleep. It is also helpful in high blood pressure due to stress. Children do well with this one.

Another is: Think well formula
1 part gota kola
1 part gingko biloba
1/4 part ginseng root

This one helps the mom or student(or anyone) who needs a mental boost. Helps clear the mind for better thinking, as well as boosting energy levels. May add St. john's wort if depression is an issue, but do not take if you are already taking antidepressants, it counteracts.

Another is: Cough formula
1 part comfrey root
1 part slippery elm
1 part fenugreek seeds
1 part thyme

This one is useful in coughs of many types. Helps to move mucus, break up congestion, it is a fungicide for the lungs and a demulcent, or coats the mucus membranes. Helpful if sore throat is present.

Another is: cold and flu fighter
1 part linden leaf
1 part yarrow flowers
1 part elder flowers
1 part peppermint leaf
1/2 part licorice

*1/4 part valarian root can be added in case of flu, it helps with sleep, which helps with recovery!

Another is: tummy tamer
1 part chamomile flowers
1 part fennel seed
1 part dandelion root

This one helps with indigestion, gas, and acid reflux. I like to put it in a little sprite for a yummy-tasting, fast acting concoction. Can also be added to ginger ale.

Lastly, because of the seasonal change we are currently undergoing, I will mention: Spring tonic
1 part yellow dock root
1 part burdock root
1 part nettles
1 part dandelion root and leaf

Helps to clear out the winter stagnation and get the liver and kidneys flowing again. Take this one in March for an easier change.

Every home should also be stocked with this simple: Echinacea Augustifolia root(tincture 1:6 parts herb:alcohol).

As I continue to post you will build up quite a home medicine chest. In order to better learn how to use these and in what quantities, I suggest purchasing a couple of books. My favorites are: Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Thomas Bartrum, and Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech. These will get you started and give you great bathroom reading as you learn the different plants and how to use them.

Learning herbal medicine is an art that was used by people before the more modern Heroic medicine came into the picture. We can relearn this ancient art and take care of the preventative work at home, for a fraction of the cost of going to the doctor. That also keeps the Doctors free to deal with what we can't take care of, and maybe help bring health care prices down. So tell your Friends and family how to use the herbs as well and lets do our part to make a better world.