Homemade Herbal Remedies: How to Make a Tincture

Enlarge Image Image Gallery A tincture of St. John's Wort may help counter anxiety.

Making and using tinctures:

Tinctures, which are easy to take and readily absorbed by the body, are made most often from herbs steeped in alcohol or an alcohol-and-water mixture. Alcohol is efficient at extracting an herb’s active constituents and preserving them; tinctures can be stored for as long as two years, preferably in dark bottles and away from sunlight.

Tinctures are readily available for purchase at health-food stores and some drugstores and supermarkets. They may also be prepared at home using a grain alcohol of at least 80 proof, such as vodka. Do not use methyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol because both are toxic when used internally.

To make a tincture, use 4 oz. of finely chopped or ground herbs. Put them in a container that can be tightly sealed. Add 1 pint of 80 proof vodka or other grain alcohol and tightly seal the container. Store in a warm place for two weeks, and shake well each day. Then, pour the mixture through a wine press lined with a muslin bag, and press into a jug. Pour the strained liquid into dark, sterilized bottles.

Tinctures may be taken straight or added to a cup of hot water with a little honey or fruit juice, if desired. The standard dosage is 1 teaspoon of the tincture three times daily, but check with your health-care provider if you’re unsure about doses.