Folk tinctures are a simple, time-honored method of extracting the medicinal properties of herbs using alcohol. This method is popular among herbalists because it’s easy to do at home and requires minimal equipment. Folk tinctures are a great way to preserve the potency of herbs and create long-lasting remedies for various ailments. This is the method most herbalists start out trying, and it’s a great one for learning and gaining confidence. There are other tincturing methods, but today I’m going to focus on alcohol based tinctures. This is the type of tinctures The Potting Shed offers and there are a few reasons why:

Preservation: Tinctures have a long shelf life, often lasting several years. Potency: Alcohol extracts the active constituents from herbs more effectively than water alone.

Convenience: Tinctures are easy to take and can be carried with you for on-the-go use. To get started, you’ll need:

Fresh or dried herbs. 80-100 proof vodka or another high-proof alcohol. I prefer to use 100 proof for the majority of herbs, especially fresh herbs, or tinctures using seeds or roots. A clean mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Ball brand canning jars are always my go-to. Cheesecloth, cotton cloth or a fine mesh strainer Amber bottles for storing the finished tincture. Labels and a marker for dating your tinctures Rubber band Funnel Now for the fun part!! Select an herb known for its medicinal properties. Some popular choices include echinacea, elderberry, chamomile. Ensure your herbs are fresh or properly dried for the best results.

Chop the herbs finely to increase the surface area and improve extraction.
Place the herbs in the glass jar, filling it about 2/3 with fresh herbs or 1/2 full with dried herbs.

Pour the alcohol over the herbs, filling the jar to the very top. Ensure all the herbs are submerged to prevent mold growth. You can stir the mixture a little with a chopstick or butter knife to get the bubbles out faster

Lay a piece of parchment over the opening to the jar, this prevents rust or corrosion from the alcohol. Secure the lid tightly on the jar. Shake it gently to mix the herbs and alcohol.
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to help with the extraction process.

After 6-8 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the herbs. Pour the tincture into dark glass bottles using a funnel.

Label the bottles with the name of the herb, the type of alcohol used, and the date. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place.

Not all herbs are good for tincturing. For example herbs high in mucilage, like Marshmallow root, will not tincture well. Mucilage is a slimy substance that is incredibly healing, but does not extract well into alcohol and needs a cold water extraction method. Some herbs, like St. John’s Wort, are best tinctured fresh as some of their most healing properties dissipate once dried.

It’s always important to do your research and find out what would be the best way to extract, use, and store your herbal tinctures.

My husband David and I have been herbalists for many years. Over time we have completely incorporated herbs into every aspect of our lives. In 2024 we took a step forward in our herbalism lifestyle and decided to bring the herbs to the people. We opened an online store called The Potting Shed. We grow, harvest and produce over 100 products and have an online store from which we are able to ship our herbal tinctures all over the United States. Herbs help support the body’s own natural response to want to heal and very often herbs help the body do just that. We always encourage everyone to do their own research and find out what plants will work for your particular wellness goals. Always make sure you consult with your medical doctor to make sure that any plants you might be considering are right for you. If you would like to see our offerings you can find us online at thepottingshed.rocks.