Q&A for How to Make an Herbal Tincture

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What herbs make good tinctures?
    Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
    Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
    Erica Docimo is a California and National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Owner of Mind and Body Acupuncture, a holistic healthcare and lifestyle studio based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in Acupuncture, Herbal Prescriptions, and Eastern and Western Nutrition. Erica holds a Masters of Chinese Medicine from The Emperor’s College with a focus on Women’s Health. She also received training at The Academy of Orthopedic Acupuncture (AOA) to become certified in pain reflex-release technique and manual nerve blocking.
    Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
    Expert Answer
    That's not an easy thing to answer, as you should always choose your ingredients based on the effect you’re looking to achieve, perhaps an immune boost, liver support, or simply flavor - as with cocktail bitters.
  • Question
    Can you make a tincture with water?
    Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
    Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
    Erica Docimo is a California and National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Owner of Mind and Body Acupuncture, a holistic healthcare and lifestyle studio based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in Acupuncture, Herbal Prescriptions, and Eastern and Western Nutrition. Erica holds a Masters of Chinese Medicine from The Emperor’s College with a focus on Women’s Health. She also received training at The Academy of Orthopedic Acupuncture (AOA) to become certified in pain reflex-release technique and manual nerve blocking.
    Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
    Expert Answer
    Well, not in the traditional sense. Tinctures are a type of concentrated herbal extract that specifically use alcohol as the base, as opposed to vinegar, glycerine, or water.
  • Question
    Will a higher alcohol content make a better tincture?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer
    In general, a higher alcohol content will make a better tincture. In my experience, most herbalists will use Everclear.
  • Question
    Can I use the old bud to make another batch?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer
    No. The yield from the old bud is probably going to be so low that it would be useless.
  • Question
    Can you use chocolate vodka?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer
    That would not be recommended. You would be adding ingredients such as the chocolate flavoring, which would dilute the herb.
  • Question
    Should the herbs be chopped? Is it advisable to placed chopped herbs in a blender with alcohol and puree? Would this not maximize the extraction of compounds?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer
    The traditional herbalist would likely avoid using a blender. It wouldn't necessarily maximize the extraction, but it is an easier and faster approach. Try it and see how well it works for you!
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article