Herbal Tinctures

Tinctures are one of the more popular forms of herbal products currently available in the market. Herbal tinctures are made by slowly extracting the finest herbs available over a four to six week period with the use of alcohol. If you want, you can create your own herbal tinctures too.

How to make Herbal Tinctures

To start making your own herbal tincture, you will need dried or fresh herbs in powdered or cut form. Aside from that, you will also need 80-100 proof vodka or rum to use as alcohol. Never use rubbing, isopropyl or wood alcohol when you’re making herbal tinctures. Also, keep wide-mouthed glass jars with lids handy along with some unbleached cheesecloth or muslin and markers for labeling.

A traditional means of preparing herbal tinctures is to start mixing it on the day of the new moon and let them sit at least 2 weeks until the full moon. You do not have to follow this but for a more natural drawing power, you can adopt this plan for your herbal tinctures.

The first step is to pour the amount of herb you desire into the glass jar along with the alcohol. Wait until the herbs are steeped in alcohol before adding an inch or two of additional liquid. Then seal the jar tightly to keep the alcohol from leaking or evaporating. Afterwards, keep the jar in a dark or shaded area or place it inside a paper bag. Shake the jar every day to speed up the extraction of the essential chemicals.

After 12 weeks, take the jar out and get it ready for bottling. Pour the herbal tincture through the cheesecloth into another jar or dark-colored tincture bottle. For a more concentrated mix, squeeze out the remaining liquids from the saturated herbs until there’s no more drip. Finally, close the storage container with a stopper or cap and use your marker to label the bottle.

But why make herbal tinctures?

Now that you know how to make your own herbal tinctures, you might find yourself asking why you should make tinctures. What makes herbal tinctures different from all other herbal products?

Well, for one, herbal tinctures are concentrated herbs. This means that they are more powerful and last longer than dried herbs. Plus, making your own herbal tinctures is a much economical way of treating disorders. You can make a quart of your own tincture for the price of a few ounces of tincture sold at many retail stores.

Another benefit of creating your own herbal tinctures is that you can control the quality of the product. Because you made it and you’re the one who’s going to use it, then of course you’re gong to make sure of its quality. You can use herbs that you gathered yourself or purchased through a reputable source.