How to Create an Herbal Tincture at Home: 2 DIY Methods

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Craft your own tincture from dried, powdered, or fresh herbs
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Herbal tinctures have been used around the world for centuries to treat various health conditions and even to flavor your favorite beverages. Best of all, they’re simple to make, and you can use whatever powdered, dried, or fresh herbs you want. In this article, we’ll walk you through 2 popular recipes for herbal tinctures—the folk method (a.k.a. maceration) and the percolation method. Not sure what herbs to add to your concoction? We’ll explore some of the most popular herbs used in tinctures and their health benefits. Keep reading for the details!

This article is based on an interview with our California and National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) licensed acupuncturist, and herbalist, Erica Docimo, owner of Mind and Body Acupuncture. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

  • To make an herbal tincture using the folk method, combine dried, powdered, or fresh chopped herbs in a jar with 80 proof alcohol and let it steep for 1 to 4 weeks.
  • After the tincture has steeped, strain it using a sieve and a piece of muslin . Keep your tincture stored in a dark, cool place for up to 5 years.
  • Make a tincture in about 24 hours using the percolation method: combine herbs with 80 proof alcohol in a percolation cone and let it steep overnight, then drain the percolator.
Section 1 of 4:

How to Make a Tincture Using the Folk Method

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  1. Fill a glass jar halfway with herbs and fill the rest with 80 proof alcohol. Whether your herbs are dried, fresh, or powdered, add them to a clean glass jar about halfway. Purchase 80 proof alcohol (40% alcohol) and fill the jar up to the top with the alcohol. [1]
    • Vodka is the recommended choice of alcohol, since it’s colorless, odorless, and generally tasteless. [2]
    • If you don’t want to use alcohol, try making a tincture from quality apple cider vinegar or glycerin. [3]
    • Avoid using metallic or plastic containers because these can react with the tincture or leach dangerous chemicals over time. Items such as a Mason jar, a glass bottle with an attached stopper, etc., are ideal for steeping a tincture.
  2. The herbs may cause air bubbles to form in the alcohol. Using a butter knife, stir around the edge of the glass container to ensure that any air bubbles are broken.
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  3. A cupboard shelf works best. Store the container there for one week to a month to let the tincture macerate , or steep. [4]
    • Be sure to label the steeping tincture so that you know what it is and the date on which it was made. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
  4. Use a sieve and a muslin cloth to strain the tincture. Once the steeping time is finished, strain the tincture by placing a muslin cloth across a sieve and putting a large bowl underneath the sieve. Gently pour the steeped tincture through the muslin-lined sieve. The muslin will capture the plant material and let the liquid pass through into the bowl underneath. [5] Press the herb material with a wooden or bamboo spoon to squeeze out some more liquid, and lastly, twist the muslin to extract any leftover liquid from the herbs.
    • A coffee filter or cheesecloth can be used in place of the muslin cloth.
  5. Use a small funnel for this step if you don't have a steady hand. Tighten the lid and date and label the tincture.
    • If you're storing this long-term without using until later, consider sealing the caps with wax. [6]
  6. A cupboard or cellar is an ideal spot. A tincture can have a shelf life of up to 5 years owing to the fact that alcohol is a preservative. [7]
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Make a Tincture Using the Percolation Method

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  1. Use a mortar and pestle, or grind your herbs in your coffee grinder (just be sure there’s no coffee residue in it). Avoid overgrinding the herb: you want it to compact and cake if you press it between your fingers, but you don’t want it to be dense. If it compacts too densely, you’ve overground it; if it’s too crumbly, it’s not ground enough. [9]
    • The percolation method is more involved and requires specific equipment that the folk method (or maceration method) doesn’t, but it takes much less time to complete—only about 24-48 hours.
    • If you’re using a coffee grinder to grind your herbs, pulse your grinder 2 or 3 times for a second or so each time; this will likely be enough to ensure your herbs are ground to the right consistency.
  2. Place the ground herbs in a bowl and use a dropper to add 10–25 millilitres (0.34–0.85  fl oz) of 40 proof alcohol to the herbs. Mix the herbs with a spoon until it’s the texture of damp sand. Then cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and allow it to sit for an hour.
    • Vodka is the recommended alcohol to use: it’s colorless and scentless and near flavorless. [10]
    • If you don’t wish to use alcohol, you may use apple cider vinegar or glycerin. [11]
  3. While your moistened herbs are sitting, set up your 50 millilitres (1.7  fl oz) percolator and position a jar or bottle beneath the percolator’s funnel or neck. Add a clean, dry cotton ball to the percolator so that it’s sitting directly over top of the funnel. Use a small cup or a dropper to dampen the cotton ball with just a few mL of alcohol so that it will seal to the bottom of the percolator, over the funnel. [12]
  4. Gently shovel all of your herbs out of the bowl and into the percolator. Go slowly, and tamp the herbs as you go using your stirrer or the end of a wooden spoon. [13]
    • Pack the herbs down into the percolator, but be sure not to pack them so densely that the alcohol can’t flow through.
  5. Slowly add your alcohol to the percolator and watch as it drenches the herbs as well as the cotton plug. Once the alcohol has drenched the herbs, tighten the valve so that none of the alcohol drips into your bottle or jar. [14]
    • The alcohol will take more or less time to dampen your herbs depending on what herbs you’re using and how packed they are.
    • Be sure to leave the valve open as you pour the alcohol in. If the valve is closed, the air coming in from the top of the percolator may cause rivulets to form through the herbs as they soak; an opening in both the top and bottom ensures the herbs will be soaked evenly and form no rivulets.
  6. Set a lid or other covering over top of the percolator and leave the tincture alone for a full day. During this time, the herbs will steep in the alcohol to form the tincture.
  7. Once your tincture has sat and steeped for 24 hours, open the valve on the percolator to let the alcohol drip. Open the valve so that it drips about once every 2 or 3 seconds into your jar or bottle. Let it drip until there’s no more alcohol coming out—this may take a few hours. [15]
    • Go slow opening your valve, and adjust it until you get to the speed you’re looking for.
  8. Depending on the herbs you’ve used, your tincture may expire sooner, but most tinctures will be good for up to about 5 years as long as they’re sealed and kept in a cool, dark place. [16] Consider keeping your tincture in a basement or cupboard.
    • Be sure to label your tincture with the ingredients and the date so you know when it was made and what’s inside.
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Section 3 of 4:

Why use tinctures?

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  1. Different herbs carry different natural healing properties, and a tincture is an easy and effective means of reaping all of an herb’s benefits.
    • Tinctures are simple to make, and they’re also simple to take: they can be administered straight from the dropper, or you can add them to a cup of tea or sparkling water, if the taste of the tincture is too bitter to ingest on its own. [17]
    • Just make sure to consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbs you’re unfamiliar with. Not every herb is safe to ingest, and the amount you’ll need of a tincture depends on the type of herb and what you’re using it for.
    • Also keep in mind that while certain herbs have been known to treat certain conditions, the same herbs may carry unwanted side effects. [18]
  2. Unless you’re using rare, expensive herbs to make your tinctures, they’re usually pretty simple and inexpensive to make, making them a more accessible form of care than traditional medicine. In fact, studies indicate around 80% of the world’s population rely on tinctures for some aspect of their healthcare. [19]
    • Tinctures also tend to have a long shelf life. As long as they're securely sealed and stored in a dark, cool space, they may last up to 5 years.
    • Tinctures are often for wellness, but they may also be used to flavor teas and cocktails.
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Section 4 of 4:

What herbs should I put in my tincture?

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  1. Some studies suggest a tincture made with propolis—a substance produced by bees—may be beneficial for people with skin disorders or allergies. It may also help to heal acne. [20]
    • Benzoin may also help certain skin disorders, but it’s not safe to ingest benzoin. [21] Instead, add a few drops of a benzoin tincture to a rash or wound.
  2. You may have noticed chamomile tea makes you drowsy, but studies also show chamomile is effective at alleviating anxiety and depression and reducing inflammation. Make a tincture with chamomile to promote calm and comfort. [22]
  3. Cannabis has been proven to help treat pain, seizures, and nausea, as well as to help alleviate anxiety. Just be careful making a cannabis tincture: it’s not legal everywhere, and the FDA has only approved 3 cannabis components for medical purposes—dronabinol, nabilone, and cannabidiol (a.k.a. CBD). [23]
  4. Curcurmin, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, can be found in the herb turmeric. Studies indicate tinctures made from turmeric may help alleviate joint pain. [24]
  5. If you’re pregnant or just feeling a little seasick, a ginger tincture could help you out. Ginger has been proven to alleviate nausea in pregnant women, and plenty of people swear by its efficacy at reducing motion sickness. [25]
  6. Echinacea has been suggested to be beneficial at raising your immune system. Add it to a tincture for potential health benefits—but know that evidence supporting echinacea’s efficacy is scant. [26]
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Expert Q&A

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  • 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.
    Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • 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.
    Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • 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.
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer
    In general, a higher alcohol content will make a better tincture. In my experience, most herbalists will use Everclear.
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      Things You'll Need

      The Folk Method

      • A Mason jar or another wide mouth jar with a lid
      • Unbleached muslin cloth
      • Label/marker
      • 80 proof vodka or other suitable alcohol (enough to fill your jar)
      • Fresh or dried herb product, powdered or cut and sifted (enough to fill your jar halfway)

      The Percolation Method

      • A 50 millilitres (1.7  fl oz) percolator (or a wine bottle with the base cut off)
      • 40 grams (1.4 oz)
      • 200 millilitres (6.8  fl oz) of 80 proof alcohol

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      References

      1. ↑ Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.. Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist. Expert Interview. 5 October 2021.
      2. ↑ James Wong, Grow Your Own Drugs , p. 34, (2009), ISBN 978-1-60652-119-9
      3. ↑ Humbart Santillo, Natural Healing with Herbs , p. 39, (1987), ISBN 0-934252-08-4
      4. ↑ James Wong, Grow Your Own Drugs , p. 34, (2009), ISBN 978-1-60652-119-9
      5. ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/2017/07/25/how-to-make-a-tincture-herbal-medicine/
      6. ↑ Humbart Santillo, Natural Healing with Herbs , p. 39, (1987), ISBN 0-934252-08-4
      7. ↑ James Wong, Grow Your Own Drugs , p. 34, (2009), ISBN 978-1-60652-119-9
      8. ↑ Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.. Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist. Expert Interview. 5 October 2021.
      9. ↑ https://homesteading.com/herbal-tinctures/
      1. ↑ James Wong, Grow Your Own Drugs , p. 34, (2009), ISBN 978-1-60652-119-9
      2. ↑ Humbart Santillo, Natural Healing with Herbs , p. 39, (1987), ISBN 0-934252-08-4
      3. ↑ https://homesteading.com/herbal-tinctures/
      4. ↑ https://homesteading.com/herbal-tinctures/
      5. ↑ https://homesteading.com/herbal-tinctures/
      6. ↑ https://homesteading.com/herbal-tinctures/
      7. ↑ Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.. Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist. Expert Interview. 5 October 2021.
      8. ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/2017/07/25/how-to-make-a-tincture-herbal-medicine/
      9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/herbal-treatment-for-anxiety/faq-20057945
      10. ↑ https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2013.00177
      11. ↑ https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2017/1259510/
      12. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/
      13. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
      14. ↑ https://nccih.nih.gov/health/marijuana
      15. ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1756-185X.13069
      16. ↑ https://doi.org/10.1016/S0029-7844(00)01228-X
      17. ↑ https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub3/full

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