Tincture Recipes #1

To make tinctures you need quart size canning jars, herbs of your choice, at least an 80 proof alcohol (vodka works well) or other form of liquid depending on the type of tincture you are making, labels so you and others can identify what is in your jar, measuring cups both dry and liquid, measuring spoons.

Step 1: Measure your liquid and pour it into the jar.

Step 2: Measure and add your herb.

Step 3: Seal your jar and label jar so you and others know what it is.

Step 4: Shake jar well.

Step 5: Store in dark place for 2-4 weeks depending on your tincture and shake daily.

For bottling your tinctures you will need rubber band, cheesecloth, a small funnel, large measuring cup (4 cup one is best), dark colored bottles with droppers or lids (I use 4 oz and 8 oz. mostly), sticker labels. If you would like to add charms to your bottles you would need the charms and ribbon or jute twine works also.

Step 1: Have your bottles ready. Most tinctures will fill 4-6 bottles.

Step 2: Cut a piece of cheesecloth large enough to fold in half and still cover the top of your jar.

Step 3: Take the lid of the quart jar and place the cheesecloth on top. Hold in place with medium size  rubber band.

Step 4 : Take a large rubber band and wrap around mouth of jar 2-3 times so the cheesecloth is secure.

Step 5: Tip jar upside down or sideways over a large measuring cup until all the liquid drains. You may have to stop a few times and tap the herbs off the cheesecloth and back to the bottom of the jar.

Step 6: Put a small funnel in one of the bottles. Pour your tincture slowly in the bottles until nearly full.

Step 7: Put lid or dropper lid on bottle and label tincture so you know what it is. It is good to add the dosage and/or usage of the tincture as well as any warnings.

Some herbs can worsen certain diseases or illnesses a person may have. Never give any oral herbal tincture to a child under the age of 18 and consult your doctor before taking any kind of herb. Use with caution and care.

Rosemary Tincture
Use: To relieve common colds and to ward off infections.
3/4 cup Rosemary
3 cups Vodka
Let brew 2 weeks and shake daily.

Dosage: 1/2 eyedropper full every 2 hours for 2 days. Then twice daily for 2 weeks.

Warnings: Larger doses of Rosemary can cause miscarriage so pregnant women should avoid taking Rosemary and also nursing mothers should not take Rosemary. Persons with Diabetes should not take Rosemary because it may alter blood sugar levels and may interfere with any medications taken for Diabetes. Persons with high blood pressure, ulcers, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis should not take Rosemary.

White Willow Bark Tincture
Use: Pain Reliever like aspirin. Used for back and joint pain mostly.

3 cups Vodka
3/4 cup White Willow Bark
Let brew 2 weeks and shake daily.

Dosage: Add 1 teaspoon to a cup of juice or tea. Take 2-3 times a day for pain relief.

Warnings: White Willow Bark is just like aspirin and has the same side affects. It should not be taken by those who are allergic to aspirin. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid taking White Willow Bark. Not intended for children under the age of 18.


St. John's Wort/Witch Hazel Tincture
Use: Wound wash for minor scrapes and cuts.

3 cups Witch Hazel
3 TBSP. St. John's Wort
Let brew for 4 weeks and shake daily.

Application: Moisten clean rag or paper towel with wound wash and gently cleanse wound.

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children. Not made for consumption.

These are just a few recipes I have so far. I will have to add more later on. Be careful when using all herbs. Do your research and learn everything there is to know about the herbs you are using. Always consult a physician before consuming any herbal product.