A tincture is a potent liquid extract of an herb, made by soaking plant material (such as leaves, flowers, seeds, or roots) in a solvent such as alcohol or vinegar to draw out the herb’s active compounds.
While cannabis tinctures are becoming popular, herbal tinctures have been used for centuries, offering a variety of health benefits. This article covers the different types of tinctures, their alcohol content, and instructions for making and using them.
Herbal tinctures and their uses
Herbal tinctures have been used for millennia, according to records from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Modern research confirms that many plants have medicinal properties.
Echinacea
Echinacea, native to North America, is known for boosting the immune system. Its antioxidant properties can prevent or shorten the common cold and may relieve allergy symptoms by suppressing histamine release. Echinacea extracts also have antibacterial properties that promote wound healing and prevent infection when applied topically.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a mint family member valued for its calming effects. It can improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, and enhance cognitive functions like memory and focus.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), used in Ayurveda, helps manage stress by regulating cortisol levels. It promotes calm, improves mental clarity and sleep quality, and boosts energy. Ashwagandha also has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce arthritis-related inflammation and joint pain, though more research is needed.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It stimulates immune cells to combat viral infections and reduces inflammation, protecting against chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer. Tulsi also helps improve insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels, aiding in the management of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Chamomile
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has various properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects, which may improve sleep quality. It also helps alleviate anxiety, depression, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
CBD/THC (Cannabis)
Cannabis tinctures offer a customizable way to benefit from cannabinoids.
- CBD tincture: Contains mostly cannabidiol, a nonpsychoactive compound beneficial for epilepsy, pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
- THC tincture: Contains delta-9 THC, which can manage chronic pain, promote sleep, stimulate appetite, and enhance mood.
- CBD/THC tincture: Combines CBD and THC for pain relief, anxiety and depression management, improved sleep, and nausea reduction.
Tincture Formulations with Alcohol
Alcohol is commonly used in tinctures as it effectively extracts plant compounds, extends shelf life, and stabilizes the tincture. The type of alcohol used varies:
- 80-90 proof vodka (40-50% alcohol): Standard for most tinctures.
- Half 80-proof vodka and half 190-proof grain alcohol (67.5-70% alcohol): Best for fresh herbs or high-moisture herbs.
- 190-proof grain alcohol (85-95% alcohol): Suitable for resins, gums, and barks.
Alcohol-Free Tinctures
Alternative solvents include:
- Glycerine: Effective for fresh herbs and safe for children and pregnant individuals.
- Vinegar: Popular for extracts with dried and fresh herbs.
- Honey: Used in oxymels, providing additional health benefits and a sweet taste.
How to Make Homemade Tinctures
Making your own tinctures allows for customization. Gather fresh or dried herbs, a solvent (alcohol, vinegar, honey, or glycerine), glass jars, and labels. The process includes:
- Preparing and chopping herbs.
- Filling the jar with herbs and covering them with the solvent.
- Sealing and storing the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-8 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Straining and bottling the tincture.
- Labeling and storing the tincture properly.
Shelf life varies:
- Alcohol-based: 3-5 years
- Glycerine-based: 1-2 years
- Honey-based: 6-12 months
- Vinegar-based: 6 months
Side Effects and Dosing
Herbal tinctures can cause side effects like allergic reactions, asthma, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, headaches, nausea, rapid heart rate, seizures, and potentially severe allergic reactions. They may interact with medications, so consult a healthcare provider before use.
Dosing varies widely due to different potencies, so follow label recommendations and consult a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use.
Benefits and Uses of Common Herbal Tinctures
Herbal tinctures have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries, and many modern studies have confirmed their health benefits. Here are some commonly used herbal tinctures and their potential benefits:
Echinacea
Echinacea is renowned for its immune-boosting effects. It helps prevent and reduce the duration of upper respiratory infections such as the common cold. Echinacea may also alleviate allergy symptoms by suppressing histamine release and has antibacterial properties that promote wound healing when applied topically.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is valued for its soothing effects on the nervous system. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance cognitive functions such as memory and focus.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress by regulating cortisol levels. It promotes calmness, mental clarity, and better sleep quality, and may reduce inflammation and joint pain.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi is used to boost the immune system, combat viral infections, and reduce inflammation. It helps manage blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Chamomile
Chamomile has various properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects. It can improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety and depression, and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
CBD/THC (Cannabis)
Cannabis tinctures offer therapeutic benefits from cannabinoids. CBD tinctures are effective for epilepsy, pain, inflammation, and anxiety without the psychoactive effects of THC. THC tinctures help with chronic pain, sleep, appetite stimulation, and mood enhancement. CBD/THC tinctures combine the benefits of both compounds for a range of therapeutic uses.
How to Select the Right Solvent for Your Tincture
Choosing the appropriate solvent for making tinctures depends on the type of herb and desired extract properties:
Alcohol-Based Solvents
Alcohol is the most common solvent for tinctures due to its efficiency in extracting beneficial plant compounds and its ability to preserve the tincture. The type of alcohol used can vary:
- 80-90 proof vodka (40-50% alcohol): Ideal for most dried herbs and fresh herbs with low water content.
- Half 80-proof vodka and half 190-proof grain alcohol (67.5-70% alcohol): Best for high-moisture herbs like lemon balm or when using plant roots, berries, or seeds.
- 190-proof grain alcohol (85-95% alcohol): Suitable for resins, gums, and barks.
Glycerine
Vegetable glycerine is a clear, sweet-tasting liquid used as a solvent in alcohol-free tinctures. It is especially effective with fresh herbs and safe for children and pregnant individuals.
Vinegar
Apple cider and white vinegar are popular alcohol-free solvents for both dried and fresh herbs. Vinegar-based tinctures are easy to make and provide a good alternative for those who avoid alcohol.
Honey
Honey can be used to make oxymels, a combination of honey and vinegar. This method is favored for its sweet taste and the additional health benefits provided by honey.
Making and Storing Herbal Tinctures: Best Practices
Creating herbal tinctures at home allows for customization and use of high-quality ingredients. Follow these best practices for making and storing your tinctures:
Materials Needed
- Fresh or dried herbs: Choose high-quality herbs from reputable sources.
- Solvent: Select from alcohol, vinegar, glycerine, or honey, based on your preferences and health needs.
- Glass jars: Use sterilized jars with tight-fitting lids, such as Mason jars.
- Labels: Clearly mark jars with the herb used, preparation date, and the date the tincture will be ready.
Preparation Steps
- Prepare the herbs: Wash fresh herbs and dry them completely. Chop or grind dried herbs.
- Fill the jar: Fill 75% of the jar with herbs.
- Add the solvent: Submerge the herbs completely in the solvent.
- Seal and store: Store the sealed jar in a cool, dark place for 2-8 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- Strain and bottle: After several weeks, strain the tincture into a clean glass bottle.
- Label and store: Label the bottle clearly and store it in a cool, dark place.
Shelf Life
- Alcohol-based tinctures: 3-5 years
- Glycerine-based tinctures: 1-2 years
- Honey-based tinctures: 6-12 months
- Vinegar-based tinctures: 6 months
By following these steps, you can ensure that your homemade tinctures are potent, safe, and effective. Always consult a healthcare provider before using herbal tinctures, especially if you are taking other medications or have health concerns.
Summary
Herbal tinctures are a natural way to access the health benefits of plants. They should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider due to potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
