Drying Herbs at Home: A Simple Guide
Written By Brittany Puncochar,
Gardens & Giving Grove Manager
Drying Herbs at Home: A Simple Guide
Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts made by soaking herbs in alcohol or another solvent. They're a great way to capture the medicinal and therapeutic properties of herbs for long-term use. Here's a simple guide to making tinctures using dried herbs.
What You’ll Need
Dried herbs: Choose herbs based on their intended use (e.g., peppermint for digestion, lavender for relaxation, or oregano for immune support).
High-proof alcohol: Vodka (80-100 proof) or brandy works well. For alcohol-free tinctures, use apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin.
Glass jar with a tight lid: A mason jar or similar container is ideal.
Dark dropper bottles: For storing the finished tincture.
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer: For filtering the liquid.
Label and pen: To record the herb, date, and alcohol type.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Prepare the Herbs
Measure the dried herbs. A good starting ratio is 1 part dried herb to 5 parts alcohol by weight (e.g., 1 ounce of herbs to 5 ounces of alcohol).
Crush or chop the dried herbs to increase surface area for extraction.
2. Combine Herbs and Alcohol
Place the herbs in the glass jar, filling it about one-third full.
Pour alcohol over the herbs, ensuring they are fully submerged. This prevents mold and maximizes extraction.
3. Seal and Label
Tightly seal the jar with its lid.
Label it with the herb name, alcohol type, and date.
4. Steeping Period
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day to mix and release trapped air bubbles.
Longer steeping allows for a stronger tincture.
5. Strain the Tincture
After steeping, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
Squeeze the herbs to extract as much liquid as possible.
6. Bottle and Store
Pour the strained tincture into dark dropper bottles to protect it from light.
Label the bottles with the herb name, date, and recommended dosage.
Store in a cool, dark place. Properly made tinctures can last several years.
How to Use Tinctures
Dosage: Typical doses range from 20-30 drops (1-2 dropperfuls) diluted in water, tea, or juice. Adjust based on the herb and your needs.
Frequency: Take 1-3 times daily as needed.
Tips for Success
Use high-quality dried herbs for the best results.
Avoid using alcohol with strong flavors unless it complements the herb.
Research the herb’s properties to ensure safe and appropriate use.
Making tinctures at home is a practical way to harness the power of herbs for natural health remedies. With just a little effort, you’ll have a versatile, long-lasting herbal toolkit at your fingertips!
