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Tinctures are one of the most recognizable herbal preparations. They have been made and used for centuries because they are a versatile, practical, long-lasting way to preserve your herb harvest with no electricity required. Learn what a tincture is and how to store it here.
The folk method of tincture preparation is the most common method for home herbalists and gardeners. How can you utilize this method?
In this article, we'll cover the following:
This article focuses on an herbal preparation. See the Using Herbs article for more information about using herbs. And see the Herbal Preparations Overview and the other articles in the Read More section at the bottom of the article for other ideas for ways to preserve your herb harvest.
This article discusses how to make a tincture using the folk method. Learn about the other method of tincture preparation, the mathematical method, here.
Let's get right into it!
What Is the Folk Method?
The folk method is the most common method for home use. It is great for home herbalists, gardeners, and their families and friends. It is also the most historically common method.
This method uses approximations rather than exact measurements. For example, in Step 2 below, we use terms like "mostly full" and "about halfway" to describe the amount of herb. It is not necessary to measure precisely for home use.
This allows for quicker, easier tincture preparation with less overwhelm. It also means that multiple tinctures can be started quickly when you have a large harvest.
Still, following the estimates below allows for the best shelf life and constituent extraction. These estimates also allow room for dried herbs to expand in the liquid, which is especially necessary for roots. So it is best to stay within the ballpark of these "measurements" when adding your herb.
Learn about the more precisely-measured mathematical method here.
As mentioned in the What is a Tincture? article, I do a hybrid of the 2 methods for most of my home tinctures, although it is closer to folk than mathematical. I look at the tincture ratio for the plant I am using, and I use that to inform my general proportions of herb and solvent and my alcohol proof selection.
Now that we're clear on what the method is, let's get out the jars! Read on to learn how to make a tincture using the folk method.
How to Make a Tincture Using the Folk Method
The folk method may not be as precise as the mathematical method, but it still uses measurements and specific steps. You can prepare a tincture using this method with the following steps:
Step 1: Pick Your Jar
Select the jar that your tincture will steep in. I typically use a quart-size mason jar, but you may need a larger or smaller jar, depending on the amount of herb and whether you are tincturing it fresh or dried.
The jar should be airtight, but a canning seal is not needed.
Step 2: Add Herbs to Jar
Break or chop your herbs into small pieces. The idea is to have more of the herb's surface area exposed to the alcohol. This will result in more of the herb's constituents (its beneficial qualities) being absorbed and preserved.
Place the herbs in the jar. The amount depends on the type of plant part, the specific plant, and whether the herb is fresh or dried.
For most fresh herbs, fill the jar mostly full of herbs. Leave at least an inch of space at the top of the jar.
For dried above-ground parts such as dried flowers, leaves, and stems, fill the jar about halfway with herbs.
For dried roots, inner bark, and other thick pieces, fill the jar about 1/4 to 1/3 full of herbs.
Step 3: Add Alcohol to Jar
Next, add the alcohol to the jar. The alcohol should nearly reach the top of the jar. It is best to use a solvent that is at least 40% alcohol (at least 80 proof). It is best not to use flavored alcohols since additives can interfere with herb infusion. Otherwise, the type does not matter. Some commonly used liquors are vodka, brandy, rum, and gin.
Many herbs will float upward while you are doing this, so be sure that the herbs are covered by the alcohol by at least an inch. This ensures that no herb pieces are exposed to air while steeping, which could cause them to mold. Stirring and pushing down the herbs can help with this.
Close the lid on the jar. Again, a canning seal is not necessary, but be sure to twist the lid on all the way.
Step 4: Steep
Allow the herbs to sit in the jar for 4-6 weeks. Longer is fine too, but this is the standard timeframe. This is technically called macerating, but steeping is a more common term.
Every 1-2 days, move the jar around. You can turn it upside-down, gently shake it, roll it between your hands, and/or any other motion that moves the herbs around within the mixture. The jar should remain completely closed during this process.
This regular movement allows more of the herbs' surface area to touch the alcohol. It also makes the tincture much less likely to mold on the off chance that a piece of herb was sticking up and got exposed to air at some point.
After the movement, make sure no herb pieces are sticking up out of the alcohol and return it to its storage place.
Store the steeping tincture in a cool, dry, dark place that is out of direct sunlight.
Step 5: Strain
After 4-6 weeks have passed, prepare the jar that you will strain your tincture into. Make sure it is fully clean and on a level surface.
Place a mini-strainer on top of the jar. I use (and love!) this one. Place a cheesecloth or similar fabric on top of the strainer.
Remove the lid from your steeping tincture's jar. Pour the mixture through the cheesecloth and mini-strainer into the other jar. You may need to pour a small amount at a time (rather than 1 long pour) since the cheesecloth usually absorbs a tiny amount of the liquid as you are pouring.
And enjoy! You just made a tincture using the folk method.
For tips on how to use and store your tincture, check out our What is a Tincture? article here.
Read More
Some herbs used for tinctures have other uses in herbal and culinary preparations. Read more in the simple uses articles for some commonly tinctured herbs:
- Simple Uses for Feverfew
- Simple Uses for Motherwort
- Simple Uses for Catnip
- Simple Uses for the Toothache Plant
- Simple Uses for Echinacea
And check out these related articles:
- How to Make a Tincture: Mathematical Method
- What is a Tincture?
- Tincture Basics
- How to Make a Hot Herbal Infusion
- How to Make an Herbal Decoction
- How to Make an Herbal Syrup