To make a tincture, a person must soak parts of an herb for several weeks in alcohol or vinegar. The soaking process extracts the active components of the herb or herbs. Alcohol is often the liquid of choice, as it can extract components, such as resins and alkaloids, that are not water-soluble.
How do you make a tincture?
How to Make Tinctures:
- Fill up glass jar with herb halfway.
- Add vodka so that level of the liquid is at least two inches above the herb. ...
- Place parchment paper between the lid and jar. ...
- Seal jar tightly.
- Label jar with date, percentage alcohol, herbs, and method used.
- Shake two times per day for one month.
What is the best alcohol to use for tinctures?
While vodka is usually the best choice, you can use brandy instead. Remember that regardless of the that alcohol is chosen, it has to be at least 80-proof (namely, 40 percent alcohol) to prevent any mildewing of the plant material in the bottle. 100-proof (50 percent alcohol) is better, if you can get your hands on it.
