Tincture Recipes (A Beginner’s Guide to Making Herbal Tinctures at Home)

Herbal tinctures are a simple and effective way to use plants for wellness.

With just a few ingredients and some basic tools, you can make your own tinctures at home to help with things like digestion, stress, sleep, or changes in the seasons.

Unlike teas or capsules, tinctures are concentrated and easy to take, even on busy days.

In this article, I’ll show you what you need to know to get started (from picking your herbs and alcohol to making, storing, and using your own blends).

You'll also find beginner-friendly recipes for common needs like sleep, mood, and immunity, so you can start making your own remedies with confidence.

What is a Tincture and Why Make Your Own?

A tincture is a liquid extract made by soaking herbs in alcohol over a period of time.

This process draws out the active compounds from the plant material, resulting in a concentrated solution that’s easy to store and use.

You typically take tinctures by placing a small amount under your tongue or adding it to a drink like water or tea.

Because they’re concentrated and fast-absorbing, tinctures offer a convenient way to take herbs without needing to brew teas or swallow capsules.

One of the main advantages of tinctures is their long shelf life. Alcohol acts as a natural preservative, allowing tinctures to stay effective for years when stored properly.

They also allow for flexible dosing, so you can adjust how much you take depending on your needs or sensitivity to the herb.

Making your own tinctures at home gives you control over the quality and sourcing of the herbs, the type of alcohol used, and the strength of the final product.

You can tailor your tinctures to suit your specific health goals, whether you want something calming, energizing, immune-boosting, or digestion-supporting.

When you prepare your own, you know exactly what's going into each bottle (no hidden additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients).

It’s also often more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you grow your own herbs or buy them in bulk.

If you're new to working with herbs, tincture-making is a simple and approachable starting point.

It doesn’t require any complex equipment, and once you understand the process, it becomes an easy and satisfying way to create your own herbal remedies at home.

Simple Herbal Tincture Recipes for Beginners

If you're just getting started with tinctures, it helps to have a few reliable recipes you can try right away. These blends use well-known herbs that are widely available and known for their gentle yet effective properties.

Each recipe is made with dried herbs unless noted otherwise, and they’re meant to support common wellness needs like energy, stress, mood, and seasonal health.

You’ll find recipes here for cleansing, hormone support, sleep, and even respiratory comfort. Each blend is measured by “parts” rather than exact weights or volumes.

This method allows you to scale the recipe up or down easily, depending on how much you want to make.

For example, one part could mean one tablespoon or one cup, as long as you stay consistent throughout the recipe.

You can use these as-is or customize them once you become more comfortable with herbal actions and combinations.

For detailed instructions on how to turn these blends into finished tinctures, continue to the next section where you’ll learn exactly how to choose herbs, combine them with alcohol, and complete the tincture-making process from start to finish.

Cleansing Tincture

• 2 parts nettle leaf
• 1 part dandelion leaf
• 1 part lemon balm leaf

PMS Tincture

• 3 parts red raspberry leaf
• 1 part stinging nettle leaf
• 2 parts peppermint leaf
• 1 part ginger root

Sleep Tincture

• 1 part chamomile flowers
• 1 part lavender flowers

Stress Tincture

• 2 parts dandelion root
• 2 parts ginseng
• 1 part astragalus root
• ½ part cardamom seeds

Mood Boost Tincture

• 2 parts lemon balm leaf
• 1 part passionflower
• 1 part ginger root

Breathe Well Tincture

• 1 part ginger root
• 1 part marshmallow root
• 1 part licorice root

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tinctures

Making your own tinctures isn’t complicated, but doing it the right way means paying attention to details like herb quality, alcohol strength, and soaking time. Once you get the hang of it, the process becomes second nature.

Tools and Materials You Need to Make Herbal Tinctures

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to gather before you get started:

• Glass Jar or Container
• Dried or Fresh Herbs
• Alcohol (Vodka, Rum, Brandy, or Vegetable Glycerin)
• Strainer, Cheesecloth, or Coffee Filter
• Measuring Tools (Spoons, Cups, or Kitchen Scale)
• Funnel
• Storage Bottles (Dark Glass, with Droppers or Spray Tops)
• Labels
• Gloves (Optional)

Steps:

1. Choosing the Right Herbs

Start with the herbs you need based on your intended use (whether it’s stress relief, digestive support, or immune boosting).

You can use fresh or dried herbs. Fresh herbs are often preferred when available, especially if you grow them yourself or source them from a trusted local grower.

For dried herbs, stick to reputable suppliers like Mountain Rose Herbs or Frontier Co-op. Their products are high-quality, organic, and typically include helpful details on how the herb is best used.

2. Selecting Alcohol for Extraction

Alcohol is used because it draws out a wide range of plant compounds and preserves them for years. Most people use 80-proof vodka for its neutral taste and balanced strength.

Brandy and rum can also work, especially if you prefer a sweeter profile.

For tougher herbs like roots or for those with high moisture content, some herbalists use 190-proof grain alcohol or mix it half-and-half with vodka to strike a balance between strength and flavor.

3. Preparing Your Herbs for Tincturing

Before combining your herbs with alcohol, chop or grind them to expose more surface area. This helps with extraction.

If you’re using fresh herbs, loosely fill your jar about two-thirds of the way. For dried herbs, fill the jar halfway.

If you’re working with dense parts like roots or dried berries, filling about one-third to halfway is usually enough. Always leave room at the top and avoid packing the herbs tightly.

4. Combining Herbs and Alcohol

Use a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (pint-sized wide-mouth jars work well).

Place the herbs in the jar, then pour alcohol over them until the herbs are completely submerged, with about an inch of alcohol above the top of the plant material.

This helps prevent mold during maceration. If the lid is metal, place a layer of parchment or plastic between the lid and jar to prevent rusting.

5. Maceration: Letting the Mixture Soak

Once sealed, store the jar in a dark, cool cupboard. Let it sit for at least four to six weeks. Some people leave it as long as eight weeks.

Shake the jar every couple of days, especially during the first week. If you notice that the herbs are no longer fully covered, add more alcohol of the same kind.

Keeping the herbs submerged is key to preventing spoilage.

6. Straining and Bottling Your Tincture

After the soaking period, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or muslin placed over a fine mesh strainer. Pour the liquid into a clean container or directly into amber glass dropper bottles.

You can squeeze the soaked herbs in the cloth to extract as much liquid as possible. Some people allow the tincture to settle overnight and strain it again the next day for extra clarity.

7. Labeling and Storage Tips

Always label your tincture with the herbs used, the type and percentage of alcohol, and the date it was made. Store your bottles in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Alcohol-based tinctures last for years (often five years or more when stored properly) so labeling helps you keep track over time.

How to Use Tinctures Correctly

Once your tincture is ready, knowing how to take it safely and effectively is just as important as the making process.

Since tinctures are concentrated, even small amounts can have a noticeable effect. Learning the proper way to dose and take them will help you get the benefits you’re looking for without overdoing it.

How Much to Take and When

Tincture dosage isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on several things, including the herbs used, your body’s sensitivity, and what you’re trying to support.

A general adult guideline is about 30 to 60 drops, taken two to three times a day. This usually translates to one to two full squeezes of a standard dropper.

However, it’s best to start with less (such as half a dropperful) and see how your body responds before increasing the amount.

Some herbs are more stimulating or relaxing than others, so always observe how you react after taking a dose.

The best time to take a tincture can also vary. Some blends, like those for energy or digestion, are better in the morning or before meals.

Others, like calming or sleep tinctures, are more effective in the evening or shortly before bed. With regular use, you’ll begin to recognize the timing that works best for your needs.

Ways to Take Your Tincture

There are two common ways to take tinctures. One is placing the drops directly under your tongue.

This method allows the active compounds to absorb quickly into your bloodstream through the tissues in your mouth.

It’s fast, but the alcohol taste can be strong. If that’s an issue, you can dilute the tincture in a small glass of water, herbal tea, or even juice. This still delivers the benefits but makes the flavor milder and easier to tolerate.

You don’t need to take tinctures with food, but if you have a sensitive stomach or are using a blend with strong herbs, pairing them with a small snack or meal may help reduce discomfort.

Being Mindful About Alcohol Content

Even though the amount of alcohol in a single tincture dose is small—usually less than a teaspoon—it’s still something to be aware of.

If you're avoiding alcohol for medical or personal reasons, or if you're serving tinctures to others, especially children, you’ll need to look into alcohol-free alternatives.

These include glycerin-based extracts or tea infusions that provide some of the same benefits without the alcohol.

Who Should Avoid Tinctures and When to Be Cautious

Tinctures can be helpful, but they’re not suitable for everyone. Knowing when to avoid or limit their use can prevent unwanted side effects and interactions.

People Who Shouldn’t Use Alcohol-Based Tinctures

Anyone with a history of alcohol abuse, liver conditions, or alcohol sensitivity should avoid tinctures made with alcohol.

Even in small amounts, alcohol can stress the liver or trigger symptoms in people with certain health conditions. In these cases, a non-alcoholic herbal preparation like a tea, syrup, or glycerite is a safer option.

Children should not be given alcohol-based tinctures. The alcohol content, even in diluted form, is not appropriate for young bodies.

Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should also stay away from tinctures unless they’ve spoken with a qualified healthcare provider.

Some herbs can affect hormone levels or be unsafe during pregnancy, even in small doses.

Watch for Herb-Medication Interactions

Certain herbs can interfere with medications or medical conditions. For example, echinacea can overstimulate the immune system in people with autoimmune disorders.

Licorice root can raise blood pressure, and St. John’s Wort can interfere with birth control or antidepressants.

If you take prescription medications or have ongoing health concerns, it's important to research each herb thoroughly and consult a trusted herbalist or doctor before using tinctures regularly.

Start with simple recipes, use quality herbs, and create your own tinctures for a natural, personalized wellness routine.

You’ve learned what tinctures are, why they’re useful, and how to make them from start to finish.

You now know how to choose the right herbs, understand alcohol strengths, and follow a soaking and straining process that helps you get the most out of your plant material.

You also know how to take tinctures safely, when to be cautious, and how to store your blends for long-term use.

Start simple with the beginner-friendly recipes in this guide, and as your confidence grows, you can begin crafting your own herbal combinations based on your needs.

Always prioritize quality herbs, accurate labeling, and safe practices. With time and practice, tincture-making can become a reliable part of your everyday care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions people often ask. Hopefully, these quick answers help clear things up and point you in the right direction.

Can I use glycerin or vinegar instead of alcohol to make tinctures?

Yes, you can use glycerin or vinegar as alcohol-free alternatives. Glycerin extracts (called glycerites) are suitable for children and people avoiding alcohol, but they don’t preserve as long or extract as wide a range of compounds. Vinegar-based tinctures can also work but may have a stronger taste and shorter shelf life.

How do I know if my tincture has gone bad?

Properly made and stored alcohol-based tinctures can last 5 to 10 years or more. If you notice mold, cloudiness, foul smell, or floating particles not related to the herbs themselves, it may be contaminated and should be discarded.

Can I mix different herbs in one tincture?

Yes, you can combine herbs in one tincture blend, as long as they are compatible in both action and soaking time. Just make sure you understand the purpose and safety of each herb. Using the “parts” method helps you balance the formula based on your goals.

What’s the difference between a tincture and a tea or infusion?

A tea or infusion is water-based and made by steeping herbs in hot water for a short time. A tincture uses alcohol to extract and preserve the plant’s properties over several weeks. Tinctures are much more concentrated and have a longer shelf life than teas.

Do tinctures interact with medications or supplements?

Some herbs in tinctures can interact with medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, or blood pressure drugs. Always check for interactions before starting a new tincture, especially if you’re taking prescription medication or managing a health condition.