How to Make Herbal Tinctures

[9918560]

REPORT !!!

[brettymike]

Hi ,I just made a really good tumbler/rotator and heating machine in one.

It turns slowly 2x per minute constantly ,and is gently heated with a small heat lamp , - this should improve efficiency right?

[zediation]

Great video!

[SuperDelta000]

@mountainroseherbs Hi, are herbal tinctures stronger and better absorbed by the body than herbal tea's and capsules?. Which way would be best to take herbal medicines for optimal potency, bioavailibilty, etc... Thanks!?

[MultiNaturals]

is it necessary to leave it for 6 wks

[HappierHealthierYou]

This sure is alot fancy shmancy voodoo going here, we all know all you need to thrive is GMO bananas!

[63gstone]

Would 190 or 200 proof Everclear do well in this process or do you need the water?

[Bramble1976]

Wonderful vid, very very informative for a beginner like me :) Happy Xmas from New Zealand

[StarAnisse]

I'm drinking some ginger tea with a few drops of my homemade sage tincture. It is wonderful. and to know that I made it myself, make drinking it all the more satisfying.  I tried to order Valerian but Mountain Rose Herbs is all out right now. Thanks for all the great info.

[kingdavidzora]

Hello. How much alcohol would I need to use to make the most potent tincture out of 100 grams of pine pollen powder? I use it to workout for its androgenic benefits. I would really appreciate your help.

[foziaaanwarr]

I order nettle order from your website but i dont know how to use it. do i have to make tea to drink or use directly to scalp? looking forward to hear from you.. thanks

[ladicius]

would this work for making a pine pollen tincture, or is it a different process with a more powdery substance?

[myheartknew]

I've had tinctures that are made with vegetable glycerin (or half alcohol / half glygerin) and are meant to be sweeter and easier to take. Is it the same process, but substituting the alcohol with glycerin, or does something else need to be done to make glycerin-based tinctures?

[haklarja1]

Is it only the root of this plant that has all the benefits? Or does the leaves/flowers contain the same properties?

[mountainroseherbs]

@haklarja1 The root of the Valerian plant is the most medicinal and should be used to make your tincture.

[Rainy6969]

Can I tincture Lion's Ear and if so, fresh or dried?

[Kidwithcloset]

Is it possible to make tinture out of Essiac Tea?

[mountainroseherbs]

@Kidwithcloset I've never tried that, but I don't see why not. You may want to use the percolation tincturing method if the tea is powdered. Hope this helps!

[cintronbrandon]

looking into getting a tincture press, i wonder how much they are

[cintronbrandon]

great info buddy

[Arwrologist]

I would say it has a strong smell....but I would also say, to me, it has no taste. Strange?

[hootdgful]

@Arwrologist I tell people it smells intense, but it's flavor is less than assertive, for a medicinal.

[Arwrologist]

@hootdgful True..True! BTW, I recently bought a Cap-M-Quick capsule filler...50 @a time. Yes, I had been loading them 1 @ a time for years, but I have loads of time. I use a wood dowl to press the powdered Valerian in and make them as tightly packed as I can. The reason for this is the capsule ALWAYS gets stuck in my throat & I felt it was from having too much air inside. This cured the problem somewhat, but some still get stuck. My family doesn't have this problem. Any ideas?

[talonrox]

WOW! 10 minutes to say:

Fill a jar half way with the herb, the other half with vodka, wait six weeks and strain into a jar. DUH!

[MissReige]

@talonrox Looks like you know how to do it now! Mission accomplished.

[alphadexxa]

how do you dose this?

[basilea53]

good instructional video, many thanks.

I've been buying my herbs for many years from mountainroseherbs..com. Good quality and good service, I highly recommend them.

[MultiNaturals]

Can i buy the valerian root in health food stores.And do i leave the mixture for 6 wks on the shelf or in the cabinet in a dark place.Is the tincture used only for sleep issues.Thanks

[miamiarnisgroup]

can you make the tincture from a fresh plant or should it be dried first?

[mountainroseherbs]

@miamiarnisgroup You can tincture fresh plants as well as dried. The procedure is a bit different depending on the plant itself and the plant parts used.

[Doviewillow]

Thank you

[trobyto]

how do u use tinctures?

[grandplans]

this sounds good. I'm going to have to try this.

[tanmansu]

Hi

why do you have to strain it , cant you just consume the whole, thing !

your advise will be much appreciated.

also can one just consume the Valerian root fresh by adding to say something else whenever one need to .

regards

[WitchesForTheWin]

@tanmansu the herb will eventually rot in the wet tincture, so the tincture will last only about 1 year or less instead

[tulkuwithattitude93]

what is difference between vinegar based tinctures and alcohol based tinctures, you mention in a comment it would be very different? Is it the consistency, taste, effect?

[mountainroseherbs]

@tulkuwithattitude93 Vinegar and alcohol are solvents that draw out different plant compounds. Alcohol is a stronger solvent that totally dehydrates the plant material to pull out most or all of its compounds. Vinegar extracts will have a less medicinal effect.

[tomasbermea]

how good are glycerin tinctures? how long to steep them, how potent are they, and how long do they keep?

[mrsmeeshyweeshy]

Am I correct that you don't grind the roots in advance?

[mountainroseherbs]

@mrsmeeshyweeshy Plant material should be finely chopped before adding alcohol. You want to expose as much plant surface area as possible for the alcohol to contact and extract. Using powdered herbs is trickier and nearly impossible to strain. You can however use the percolation tincturing method instead. Great question! :)

[4thender]

to make tincture, can dmso be used instead of alcohal

[wizmurat]

Wouldn't we need a tincture press if we make tinctures from herbs that are dangerous if touched?

[mountainroseherbs]

@wizmurat We would not recommend tincturing herbs that are dangerous to the touch.

[BabyK71482]

Thank you for this. I'm sick of not being able to sleep so I'm going to try this. 

[mssalafiyyah]

Can you please show how to make a tincture using glycerine?

[halo491]

could i use 80 proof whiskey?

[wizmurat]

@halo491 Yeah, its fine!

[mountainroseherbs]

@halo491 Yes, for most herbs any alcohol at 40% or above will work nicely.

[xMaryGreenmanx]

Wonderful video! Thank you so much for the tutorial. I had taken a class in town a year or so ago but now I'd like to try it on my own since some of my garden herbs would be perfect for tinctures.

Speaking of, I have a quick question. If I wanted to use say, Catnip, would I be able to use the whole leaf without grinding it? Is this true for all plants or just some?

[mountainroseherbs]

@xMaryGreenmanx You can use the Catnip leaf, flowers, and stem. I always chop my herbs finely to expose more surface area for the extraction process. They don't need to be ground.

[mountainroseherbs]

@joesaccountwitstuff The tincture will already be very potent and strong enough to deliver the medicinal properties you want. The alcohol will extract the plant until the solvent becomes completely saturated. Trying to make the strongest tincture possible isn't the best appraoch to medicine making, since it won't be as pleasant to take and can be harsh depending on the herb. Also, exposing your tincture to air can make it go bad faster. Thanks for the great question! ~Erin

[ltcartwright1976]

How long should it sit if I seep the herbs in apple cider or white vinegar?

[mountainroseherbs]

@ltcartwright1976 You can make herb infused vinegars, though the resulting "extract" will be very different from an alcohol based tincture. I allow herbal vinegars to infuse in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks. Thanks for the great question! ~Erin

[matthew4892]

i would re-use that valerian in that cheesecloth and brew some valerian tea then throw the herbs away, just so you are certain you got the most out of your herbs

[curiosidadesextrano]

Thanks very much!

[mountainroseherbs]

@curiosidadesextrano Hello, 40% will work fine for most herbs. You might want something higher if you're tincturing fresh, leafy plant material with a high water content or very resinous herbs. Otherwise, the 40% should be sufficient. Many thanks! ~Erin

[curiosidadesextrano]

In Canada we can't get 100 proof vodka usually only 40 percent is normal...will this work or do you need to add something else? Thanks very much.

[thedirtydeltas]

THANK YOU this has to be one f the most useful instructional videos out there.

[NatureFaerieChick]

This was great thankyou!

[YoursTruelyMe2]

I used 190 proof thinking I was going to get a better tincture. Boy was I wrong. I thought I knew what I was doing and took a whole pipette and put it under my tongue. I almost hit the floor it was so nasty. Guess I would have listened to this video, 100 proof I go.

[treasures306]

Thanks so much for the video that so clearly details how to make a herbal tincture with Valerian root. Excellent information and instructions.

[chandlerbeckhoff]

u use the used herbs to malk the philosophical salt

[nico27004]

is it ok to use powder organic herbs as well as cut?

[Swansen03]

hmm, i thought that you were suppose to let the alcohol evaporate? or is that just a different method?

[mountainroseherbs]

@Swansen03 You might be thinking of herbal liniments, which are topical herbal applications that you spray onto skin and then allow to evaporate. Tinctures, on the other hand, are made with drinking alcohol (vodka, pure grain, rum, brandy, etc.) to extract the medicinal properties in herbs. Taking herbs this way allows those properties to be absorbed quickly by the bloodstream. Hope this helps! ~ Erin

[MrDavb09]

can you put like 2 or 3 herbs in same tincture?? such as skullcap, valerian root, etc.??

[mountainroseherbs]

@MrDavb09 I like to make individual herbal tinctures and then blend them after they are finished extracting. This allows you to have more control over the formulation. Plus, leafy material and roots, or fresh and dried, may extract better under different conditions like lower or higher alcohol percentages. Thanks so much for the great question! ~Erin

[UberEliteDemonGodKid]

the master herbalist / the Barefoot Herbalist says you need to use 190 proof alcohol you can find him at curezone com look for the ask barefoot forum you need to use wood grain alcohol 190 proof

[UberEliteDemonGodKid]

the master herbalist / the Barefoot Herbalist says you need to use 190 proof alcohol you can find him at curezone com look for the ask barefoot forum

[sum41guru]

I Was Wondering If You Could Use A Coffee Press Instead Of An Actual Tincture Press?

I Know It Sounds Ghetto But I Have Like 3 (xmas Gifts) And I Thought I Could Put Them To Good Use.

[mountainroseherbs]

@sum41guru I've never tried that, but it's worth a shot. I don't have a press, so I always use cloth and hand squeeze the liquid from my herbs. Let us know how it works out! ~ Erin

[Brasacrasta]

Can i put many herbs in the same tincture?  does it conserve effectiveness?

[mountainroseherbs]

@Brasacrasta I like to make individual herbal tinctures and then blend them after they are finished extracting. This allows you to have more control over the formulation. Plus, leafy material and roots, or fresh and dried, may extract better under different conditions like lower or higher alcohol percentages. Thanks so much for the great question! ~Erin

[Brasacrasta]

@mountainroseherbs

I agree but the only problem is that i don't have enough herbs amount to manke many individual tinctures (leftovers of Brazil trip). So i was thinking to put them toghether for reach a good quantity. The herbs are all dried and all barks or roots so i think they the same procedure. Thank's for the answer

[mountainroseherbs]

@Brasacrasta You can always use smaller jars to make the proper amount of tincture for the amount of herbal materials you have or use smaller jars and pure grain alcohol to make more potent drop dosage tinctures that can be blended with 40% tinctures for a nice formula. Just a few more ideas to ponder. :) ~ Erin

[Janus108]

What's an ERB? Do you mean HERB?

[CUBETechie]

Can i vaporize the tincutere in my aromed vaporizer?

[rowantk2]

Hi, question....How do you work out the stregnth and dosage with making your own tinctures?

[hunthicks]

What are the little seed pods in the opening picture in your videos?

[mountainroseherbs]

@hunthicks Cardamom pods! Beautiful, aren't they? ~ Erin

[tubmansolution]

@tiatdivad yes... just make sure you put enough alcohol or vinegar or any other liquid in it

[donna954]

Whats the difference between a tinctures and distillates?? If there is one can you plz do a tutorial??

[mountainroseherbs]

@donna954 Tinctures are herbal extracts made with drinking alcohol like vodka, pure grain, rum, brandy, etc. You simply soak the herbs in alcohol and later strain. Distillates are completely different and are made through the distillation process using a still. If you Google "distillation", you should be able to gain a good grasp on the process. Thanks so much for the great question! ~ Erin

[WelderRDT]

@mountainroseherbs Is Everclear good to use for this tincture?

[meandfidel]

this was very informative I am going to make an aswagandha root tincture this very moment .

[Sanafor25]

Thank you very much for the video. I am totally new to the herb world. Just getting started.

I found all the herbs that I need at montain rose herbs. But ,can you please tell me where can I find those 16 oz jars. That jar looks very ideal for my herbal needs.

[sarahannabanana]

hello, i am interested in making a non alcoholic tincture out of vinegar and just wanted to know if there is a specific type of vinegar that would be better to use? i was planning on apple cider vinegar as it is whats in my kitchen:)

thanks

[mountainroseherbs]

@sarahannabanana Apple cider vinegar is a good choice! You can also use a neutral white vinegar to showcase the herb's flavor. Thanks! ~ Erin

[lmusho]

Can I use isopropyl alcohol instead of Vodka?

[mountainroseherbs]

@lmusho Only use isopropyl alcohol if you plan to use the tinctures externally as a a liniment. Isopropyl is toxic if taken internally. For tinctures that you want to ingest, you should use 80-100 proof vodka, brandy, rum, or vegetable glycerin if you want to avoid alcohol all together. I hope this helps! ~Erin

[ellimist6]

@mountainroseherbs Ive done some research on making tinctures online and Ive found that you can use apple cider vinger instead of alcohol, can you tell me if that is correct?

[Phillschic]

is there a herb that can cure my acne?

also, is there one that can regulate my PH levels?

[Survivalistish]

Hi, I have recently become interested in tinctures, but have not tried making any due to a few concerns. I have researched alkaloids and it seems as though alkaloids are the poisonous parts of plants. That being said, if one is extracting these alkaloids would they be toxic? I read that specifically pyrrolizidine alkaloids are harmful to the liver. I feel like I have to do a lot of research on herbs to figure out which are safe, but I am still not sure.

[mountainroseherbs]

@Survivalistish There are plants containing PA's that you may not want to use internally as a tincture, like Comfrey, Coltsfoot, and Butterbur. Many plants in the Boraginaceae and Asteraceae families commonly contain the alkaloids and should be avoided. Some companies are producing PA-free extracts of Comfrey if that's something you're interested in. Most tried-and-true medicinal herbs don't present this problem. Thanks for the great question! ~Erin

[SurfAlien2]

This video was very helpful. I can't wait to try it. I am thinking of doing a tincture for Catuaba. The one for the Valerian root took 6 weeks. Can you give me an idea how long it would take for Catuaba?

[onetweetygirl71]

Hello, i love the videos. i have a quick question. if you are useing dried herbs it is bascily 1 part dried herbs to 2 parts alcohol. is this correct. i would like to make them in smaller quanities and just wanted to check. Thank you again.

[graffsucks]

so its still got the alcohol in it?

[talleyho12]

ok your throwing some big words at me and because i dont understand them im gonna take it as disrespect.

[mekaziona]

Thank you:)

[canefan17]

How long do we let the tinctures sit? I've heard 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks.

I'm making stephania root, red root, eleutherococcus

[bleedingxxaurora]

Hello MRH,

I had two questions..

1) In a tincture intended for human consumption, what can one use instead of alcohol? (I am 18, and in the states)

2) I was hoping to have enough just for one tincture bottle, is there a way to concentrate the tincture? (Instead of having 3 bottles of one tincture, if I could make one tincture with the strength of 3)

Thanks for the informative vid :D

[mountainroseherbs]

@bleedingxxaurora Great questions! While alcohol is usually the best medium for herbal extractions, you can also use vinegar, vegetable glycerin, or simply make a strong tea or decoction with good results. Maybe someone in your family over 21 can help you purchase supplies. If not, there are no legal age restrictions for buying tinctures. Continued...

[graffsucks]

@mountainroseherbs dp the tinctures them selves have alcohol in them???

[mountainroseherbs]

@bleedingxxaurora For your 2nd question, your solvent can only extract a set amount of constituents from an herb. Think of your alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin as a sponge that can only hold so much liquid before it becomes completely saturated. Since a tincture is a concentrate, many times making a stronger tincture isn't necessarily better or more effective.

I hope this helps and happy medicine making to you!

~Erin

[sexykat426]

Great video, helped me so much! Thanks!!!

[0conundrum0]

I asked my state has over 100proof

[canefan17]

Buhner recommends (at times) a weak formula of....

1:5 60% alcohol, full dropper (1/3 teaspoon)

What does that mean ^^^

[canefan17]

What does compost your plant material when you finish, mean?

[longtreebeard]

can everclear 190 proof work to make tinctures....just asking not saying any names or anything but i have a friend who makes moonshine 190 proof can that work as well

[XxTwiztidxX697]

I don't want to say my insomnia is severe it's not quite moderate either... ^^ Valerian doesn't always help me but it gets the job done most the time.

[Mnmilitia]

I am making an echinecea tincture with 100 proof vodka. I am about 3 week in and there is a white substance secreting from the root. I have read little about it. I have only seen one site claiming this is natural and safe to consume. Is this true? What is this stuff? Thanks for your time!

[AcupunctureEdu]

Excellent, thank you!

[TheWiccanDuckie]

With the Folk method of filling the jar half way, does that work for any sized jar? because I have a lot of empty jars, but I don't know how big the jars are. Also, how do i learn about different herbs and what tinctures do what?? Thanks!

[frustrated181]

I'm not really sure....but what are tinctures used for?? and if i don't drink alcohol period is there something else i can use?

[YoursTruelyMe2]

I have read that Glycerol roducts made using innovative extraction technologies are showing great promise, some even rivaling alcohol tinctures on many points. Does anyone know if there is any truth in this? thankyou

[mountainroseherbs]

@YoursTruelyMe2

Hello,

Thanks for checking out our videos! Most plant constituents are alcohol soluble, making alcohol of 40% or more the ideal solvent for most herbs. However, some herbs extract well in glycerin too, it really just depends on the herb. If you are avoiding alcohol, you should definitely experiment with other solvents like glycerin, oils, and water to see what yields the best medicine for you.

Thank you for the great question!

Herbal cheers,

Erin

[LuminousPath13]

Can you use a simple mason jar or jam jar for tincturing? I have a bunch of those around the house.

[onblock7]

@LuminousPath13 I used a mason jar for mine I made today, works well for me and stores up in the cabinet (It is a pint too like in this video).

For those who don't want to use alcohol and want to use the tincture within a year Apple Cider Vinegar will work as well! It only stores for a year (Mainly in the fridge) but it will work as well. Alcohol is the best for getting the most out of the herb though.

[udsweetness]

I want to make a tincture with clove, black walnut, and wormwood.. I have clove and black walnut powder on hand.. is it possible to make a tincture using these? how much of each herb do you use to make it??

[rtrxggg]

@udsweetness with clove and blackwalnut you can make it as stong as you feel is needed but be careful with wormwood overdosing can lead to seisures

[skyvilla]

How is it stored? in the frig or in the cabinet?

[tubmansolution]

you did everything right except you blend the herb and alcohol in a blender to extract more of the medicinal properties out of it

[susanbunch1980]

Excellent video! Expert advice! You should upload your video to Ewisdomtv

[jamesmills51]

When using fresh herbs how long should they be in the solution?

[PerfectPaperDoll]

they have the very best, premium organic herbs! Great prices too.

[sweetbluemonkey]

stop being such a swagger jackker and hatin on the blacks u white trash

[Zippolighterclubusa]

ey can you use something else other than alcohol

[InsomniusPFA]

glyerine...look up menstruum...

[Jsb25704]

Is it possible to make tinctures using psychedelic herbs and extracts such as Salvia Divinorum (most common example) or would doing so diminish the psychoactive effects of the plant or would it increase it ?

I want a large variety of tinctures, including psychedelics for medicinal purposes. Plus, to have a collection of multiple tinctures could come in handy at any given time.

[MountainKingOslo]

BUT IS IT SAFE?

[MountainKingOslo]

Hi, Love your site!!!! i was wondering is it safe to mix Dandelion, Juniper Berry and Milk Thistle in a tincture?

[mountainroseherbs]

Hello,

I would recommend making 3 separate tinctures, rather than mixing the herbs together for the extraction. This will help you control the strength and dose of each herb.

Herbal cheers!

~Erin

[TheAnandaXX]

What is so bad about pennyroyal,camphor and ajowan oils ? i actually have ajowan seeds that i crush as an ingredient for a spice mix i eat : (

[RHONDA41070]

Well. here I am looking for instructions on how to make herbal tinctures....and lo & behold, I find a video created by the same awesome company that I purchase my amazing, organic herbs from!!!

Thank You for all you do Mountain Rose.

I've never smelled or tasted fresher, purer, more healing herbs than yours. The prices are incredible too.

You've got a big fan in Rhode Island!!!!!!

[HealthisFun]

Thanks for the grate video,but what if you cant drink alcohol,can I use vegetable glycerin, or should I just drop soak drops of the alcohol base tincture in some boiled water , to evaporate the alcohol or would I loose some of the proprieties this way. I read that for example PAU D ARCO can only be extracted with alcohol, and not simply boiling it in water is this true.

thank you

[evilcore66]

hi i smoke pot 4 anxiety but was wondering if this would be as effective. advice?

[Zippolighterclubusa]

not quite as effective but better because you dont have to smoke it

[Daztents]

i've read many places that grape vodka yields a more superior tincture. I plan on making an alternative sleeping/calming tincture with oats,hops, and california poppy. some people do react negatively to valerian, though it's been a lifesaver for me personally. skullcap works well with valerian too. Passionflower is great too. i love this stuff!

[sunpally]

Great video! I was wondering if the folk method of filling 1/2 the jar with herbs would work with whole mushrooms and roots? I plan to make a tincture of reishi and one of ginseng(that I'm buying at mountainroseherbs:). Would 1 ounce of ginseng be good enough for a pint size jar? and 4 ounces for reishi?

[sara46762]

can we use Isopr....alcohol?

[mountainroseherbs]

Hi Sara,

No, do not use isopropyl alcohol for herbal extractions that you will take internally. Isopropyl alcohol is poisonous and should only be used topically. Please be sure to use only vodka, diluted pure grain, or another drinking liquor with an alcohol content that is 40% or higher when making tinctures.

Thank you!

~Erin

[sara46762]

Thanks for your immediate reply. I am going to make an extraction of bridal wreath flowers. Can I put Isop...alcohol

for that. I wanna use it as a fragrance.

[MrWolverine777]

no that is rubbing alcohol it will make you go blind please dont

[Metatheist]

.........key?

[djmisplacedmarblesTV]

could you not make a 'tincture press' outta two pieces of smooth wood with bolts through each corner using wing nuts for tightening, that might work using cheese cloth , maybe ?

[djmisplacedmarblesTV]

I could use someone like you , I could really use the knowledge of a skilled herbalist to set me on the right path.. come round my house show us what and where to grow, make a comprehensive variety of tinctures etc , how to use them effectively ...

anyone do that ? get at me. am Uk and Eire based.

cheers.

[tacobellgurlie20]

thanks so much!! love this video

[YTfancol]

Wonderful and very instructive video. Thank you so much.

[AugustStardust]

this is the most informative video I've seen on making a tincture! Thank you very much, please make more!

[NubianGoddez]

excellent video thank you and kudos for those extra websites, mountain rose is my favorite site to order my herbs from and I will bookmark the other sites mentioned. keep coming with these great videos!!

[HARDtimesUSA]

I am going to start make my own tinctures. I am sicken tired of buying it from companies that don't MACERATE PROPERLY.

THANKS A MILLION,

I LOVE TO SHOP AT MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS.

I'VE A CUSTOMER SINCE LAST NOVEMBER 08.

LOVE ALL U GUYS

CONSERVATIVE ORDERING FROM OREGON STATE.

[besthomebusiness88]

thats awesome!! I want to learn more about it but I m deaf and it hard for me to understand what you talk or tip about on youtube.

[EberAnn]

That was very helpful and very easy to actually do. Thank you.

[nicedream815]

where can i get a complete list of "what is extracted by what"...like alkaloids in alcohol and saponins in water?