Complete Gardening
Have you ever wondered how you could bottle the healing power of plants and use them in your daily life? Herbalism has been doing just that for centuries, and tinctures are one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to tap into nature’s wisdom.
These liquid extracts capture the very essence of herbs, making it easy to incorporate their benefits into your wellness routine. Learning to make tinctures is easier than you might think – and incredibly satisfying!
In this post, we’ll walk you through 24 DIY herbal tinctures that are not only easy to make but are tailored to support your health in powerful ways. Ready to dive in?
What Is a Tincture?
A tincture is an extract made by soaking herbs in alcohol (or sometimes vinegar or glycerin). The alcohol acts as a solvent, pulling out the active compounds from the herb and preserving them.
Once strained, the tincture can be stored for up to two years, making it a convenient way to have herbal remedies on hand.
The standard tincture ratio is typically 1 part dried herb to 5 parts alcohol, or 1 part fresh herb to 2 parts alcohol. You’ll need a clean jar, high-proof alcohol (like vodka or brandy), and your chosen herb to get started.
How to Make a Basic Herbal Tincture
1. Choose Your Herb: Select an herb with the properties you’re seeking. You can use fresh or dried herbs.
2. Prepare the Jar: Fill a clean glass jar with the herb (1/2 full for dried herbs or 3/4 full for fresh herbs).
3. Add Alcohol: Pour alcohol over the herbs until they are fully submerged.
4. Seal and Store: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake it daily to help the infusion process.
5. Strain: After 4-6 weeks, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Transfer the tincture into a clean, labeled dropper bottle.
1. Echinacea Tincture – Immune Booster
Echinacea is famous for its immune-boosting properties. This tincture is perfect for warding off colds and infections, making it a must-have during flu season.
- Herb: Echinacea root or flower
- Use: Take at the first sign of illness to shorten the duration of colds or flu.
2. Chamomile Tincture – Calming and Sleep Aid
Chamomile is well-known for its calming effects, making it a great tincture for stress relief or a natural sleep aid.
- Herb: Chamomile flowers
- Use: Take before bed to promote relaxation and ease anxiety.
3. Valerian Root Tincture – Sleep Aid
Valerian is a powerful herb for supporting sleep and easing insomnia. It’s perfect for those nights when you can’t seem to fall asleep.
- Herb: Valerian root
- Use: Take 30 minutes before bed to help with sleep.
4. Ginger Tincture – Digestive Aid
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and digestive stimulant. This tincture can help soothe nausea, indigestion, and morning sickness.
- Herb: Fresh ginger root
- Use: Take a few drops after meals to aid digestion or alleviate nausea.
5. Elderberry Tincture – Cold and Flu Relief
Elderberry is packed with antioxidants and is a go-to remedy for cold and flu prevention.
- Herb: Elderberries
- Use: Take daily during flu season to boost immunity.
6. Peppermint Tincture – Digestive and Headache Relief
Peppermint is excellent for digestive issues and can also help alleviate headaches and migraines.
- Herb: Peppermint leaves
- Use: Take to relieve stomach upset or tension headaches.
7. Lemon Balm Tincture – Anxiety and Stress Relief
Lemon balm has calming properties and is a gentle herb for reducing anxiety, stress, and promoting sleep.
- Herb: Lemon balm leaves
- Use: Take during stressful moments or before bed to help calm the mind.
8. Ashwagandha Tincture – Adaptogen for Stress
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps your body manage stress. It’s ideal for supporting the nervous system and overall energy levels.
- Herb: Ashwagandha root
- Use: Take daily to support stress management and energy balance.
9. Milk Thistle Tincture – Liver Support
Milk thistle is a renowned herb for liver detoxification and protection. This tincture is ideal for supporting liver health.
- Herb: Milk thistle seeds
- Use: Take to promote liver detox and protect against liver damage.
10. Calendula Tincture – Skin Health
Calendula is a skin-soothing herb that promotes healing and reduces inflammation. This tincture can be used topically or internally.
- Herb: Calendula flowers
- Use: Take internally for immune support, or apply diluted to the skin for wounds and irritations.
11. Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tincture – Adaptogen for Stress and Immunity
Holy basil is another adaptogen, known for its ability to reduce stress and support the immune system.
- Herb: Holy basil leaves
- Use: Take daily to help balance stress levels and support immunity.
12. Yarrow Tincture – Wound Healing and Fever Reducer
Yarrow is a powerful herb for wound healing and reducing fevers. It’s also useful for balancing the menstrual cycle.
- Herb: Yarrow flowers and leaves
- Use: Take during fevers or apply topically to wounds for faster healing.
13. St. John’s Wort Tincture – Mood Enhancer
St. John’s Wort is commonly used for its antidepressant properties. It’s a great mood stabilizer for mild depression.
- Herb: St. John’s Wort flowers
- Use: Take to ease mild depression and promote emotional well-being.
14. Dandelion Root Tincture – Digestive and Liver Support
Dandelion root is a wonderful herb for supporting digestion and liver detoxification.
- Herb: Dandelion root
- Use: Take daily to support liver health and digestion.
15. Rosemary Tincture – Memory and Cognitive Support
Rosemary is known for improving memory and focus, making this tincture great for mental clarity.
- Herb: Rosemary leaves
- Use: Take when needing a mental boost or increased focus.
16. Cayenne Pepper Tincture – Circulation and Pain Relief
Cayenne pepper stimulates circulation and can be used for pain relief, particularly for sore muscles and arthritis.
- Herb: Cayenne peppers
- Use: Take internally to boost circulation or apply topically for pain relief.
17. Oregano Tincture – Antibacterial and Immune Support
Oregano is a potent antimicrobial herb, making it excellent for fighting off infections.
- Herb: Oregano leaves
- Use: Take at the first sign of an infection to boost immunity.
18. Lavender Tincture – Relaxation and Stress Relief
Lavender is known for its calming and relaxing properties, helping with anxiety and stress.
- Herb: Lavender flowers
- Use: Take before bed to help with relaxation and stress relief.
19. Licorice Root Tincture – Respiratory and Digestive Health
Licorice root is excellent for soothing the respiratory and digestive systems.
- Herb: Licorice root
- Use: Take for sore throats, coughs, or digestive issues like heartburn.
20. Turmeric Tincture – Anti-Inflammatory
Turmeric is famous for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects, helping with joint pain and inflammation.
- Herb: Turmeric root
- Use: Take daily to reduce inflammation and support joint health.
21. Catnip Tincture – Sleep Aid and Digestive Support
Catnip is a mild sedative, making it perfect for supporting sleep and relieving digestive upset.
- Herb: Catnip leaves
- Use: Take before bed for a calming effect or for digestive discomfort.
22. Nettle Tincture – Allergy and Inflammation Relief
Nettle is great for relieving allergy symptoms and reducing inflammation.
- Herb: Nettle leaves
- Use: Take during allergy season to reduce symptoms.
23. Plantain Tincture – Wound Healing and Detox
Plantain is a powerful herb for wound healing and detoxifying the body.
- Herb: Plantain leaves
- Use: Apply topically to wounds or take internally to support detoxification.
24. Red Clover Tincture – Hormonal Balance
Red clover supports hormone balance, especially during menopause or for those with menstrual issues.
- Herb: Red clover flowers
- Use: Take daily