Skip to content
Herbs & Cultures

From plant to use

Tincture

Steeping herbs in alcohol for a concentrated extract that keeps for years.

Herbs prepared this way (208)
Level
Intermediate
Ratio
Traditionally 1 part dried herb to 5 parts liquid (weight to volume), for example 20 g in 100 ml of 40–60% alcohol.
Time
Steep for 2–6 weeks in a dark place; shake briefly every day.
Shelf life
Several years, stored dark and cool.

A tincture is an extract in alcohol, often mixed with water. Alcohol dissolves compounds that dissolve poorly in water and also preserves, so a tincture keeps for years. Tinctures are typical of European herbalism and are used in small amounts, usually diluted in water.

Suited to

Dried roots, bark, berries, resins and leaves. Fresh herbs work too, with stronger alcohol.

Step by step

  1. Cut or grind the dried herb coarsely and weigh it.
  2. Put it in the jar and pour in alcohol until everything is well covered.
  3. Close the jar, label it with the name, ratio, alcohol percentage and date, and store it in the dark.
  4. Shake daily and top up if herb rises above the liquid.
  5. After a few weeks, strain, press the herb out well and bottle the tincture in dark bottles.

Tips

  • Fresh herbs contain a lot of water. Use alcohol of 60% or more so the tincture does not go mouldy.
  • Always write down the ratio and alcohol percentage: together they determine the strength.

Registry

Herbs prepared this way

Herbs on this site whose description mentions this preparation. That does not mean every herb is safe to prepare yourself: read the safety information for each one.

  • Caution

    Asia · Food · № 272

    Apricot

    Prunus armeniaca

    Traditionally attributed effects: cough-suppressing, astringent, antibacterial, pain-relieving, diuretic, anti-inflammatory; wild cherry suppresses cough.

    Chinese medical traditions+2
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 277

    Bistort

    Bistorta officinalis (syn. Polygonum bistorta)

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, stops diarrhoea and bleeding, anticatarrhal.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 57

    Agrimony

    Agrimonia eupatoria

    An astringent, tannin-rich herb traditionally used for diarrhoea, sore throats and minor wounds. Good human research is lacking.

    Western herbal medicine+2
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 79

    Elecampane

    Inula helenium

    The root is traditionally used for productive coughs and bronchitis; it is rich in inulin. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Greco-Roman medicine+4
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 4

    Aloe vera

    Aloe vera

    The gel from the leaf is used externally to soothe the skin and for minor burns. Research on wound healing gives mixed results; the gel is no substitute for wound care.

    Kallawaya healing knowledge+6Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 63

    Wormwood

    Artemisia absinthium

    One of the most bitter herbs; traditionally used to stimulate appetite and digestion and against intestinal worms. Clinical evidence is limited.

    Greco-Roman medicine+5
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 158

    American skullcap

    Scutellaria lateriflora (en S. baicalensis)

    Used in Western herbalism for nervousness, tension and sleep problems. A few small studies suggest a mild calming effect.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 628

    North American wild ginger

    Asarum caudatum, A. canadense en verwante soorten

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind-cold, opens a blocked nose, warms the lung in cough with clear phlegm and expels cold and dampness in menstrual pain and other pain.

    Haudenosaunee medicine+4
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 593

    Skunk cabbage

    Lysichiton americanus

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the nerves, stimulating, antispasmodic, induces sweating, expectorant; opens the lungs and reduces cough and bronchial spasms (acute asthma), ointment against ringworm, relieves muscle and joint pain.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+2
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 414

    King of bitters

    Andrographis paniculata

    Traditionally attributed effects: stomachic, tonic, fever-reducing, cleansing, expels worms, promotes bile; for flatulence, lack of appetite, intestinal complaints in children, diarrhoea, dysentery, sluggish liver, nerve pain, recovery after fever.

    Ayurveda+2
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 450

    Apple of Sodom

    Calotropis procera

    Traditionally attributed effects: root bark for dysentery and elephantiasis; leaves for intermittent fever; milky sap irritant and laxative; flowers for colds, cough, asthma and indigestion.

    Local African healing traditions+2
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 296

    Globe artichoke

    Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

    Traditionally attributed effects: liver tonic and restorative, promotes bile.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    South America · Herb · № 901

    Ayahuasca

    Banisteriopsis caapi

    A giant liana up to thirty metres long. The stem contains harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine, which inhibit the enzyme MAO. This makes the DMT from plants such as chacruna active by mouth. The drink brings visions, and usually vomiting and diarrhoea, which the tradition regards as cleansing.

    Herbal knowledge of the Amazon+3
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 36

    Asian ginseng

    Panax ginseng (ook P. quinquefolius)

    Research consists mostly of small, short studies; there is little evidence of health effects.

    Chinese medical traditions+3
  • Caution

    Europe · Other · № 597

    Usnea

    Usnea barbata

    Traditionally attributed effects: antimicrobial, antifungal, immunomodulating, soothing, laxative, nourishing; against streptococci (sore throat), staphylococci, cellulitis and infected wounds, antiviral (HPV), yeast infections.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 574

    Balsam poplar

    Populus balsamifera

    Traditionally attributed effects: buds: stimulating, tonic, diuretic, soothing, expectorant; bark: expectorant, laxative; for skin problems (eczema, psoriasis), dry cough, constipation, kidney/bladder support, rheumatism and gout.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+3
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 573

    Balsam fir

    Abies balsamea

    Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, antiseptic, pain-relieving; for respiratory infections, cough and sore throat, cystitis and enteritis, aid to quitting smoking; externally for burns, wounds, haemorrhoids, muscle pain.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+3
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 134

    Bamboo

    Phyllostachys nigra

    In Chinese medicine bamboo shavings (zhu ru) and bamboo sap are used for coughs with yellow phlegm, nausea and restlessness. Ayurveda uses silica-rich bamboo manna. Clinical research is scarce.

    Ayurveda+2
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 8

    Basil

    Ocimum basilicum

    Traditionally used as an aromatic food plant and in herbal preparations.

    Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 276

    Bearberry

    Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

    Traditionally attributed effects: urinary antiseptic, astringent.

    Western herbal medicine
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 67

    Borage

    Borago officinalis

    The seed oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid, has been studied for eczema and joint inflammation with mixed results. The leaf was traditionally used to reduce fever and as a tonic.

    Western herbal medicine+2
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 419

    Areca nut

    Areca catechu

    Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, astringent, expels tapeworm, laxative, carminative, aphrodisiac; against roundworms and tapeworms, strengthens the gums, for urinary complaints, heartburn during pregnancy, lumbago.

    Ayurveda+2
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 93

    Betony

    Betonica officinalis (syn. Stachys officinalis)

    Traditionally used for tension headaches and nervousness. Modern clinical research is lacking.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 64

    Mugwort

    Artemisia vulgaris

    Traditionally used as a digestive bitter and to bring on delayed periods. Clinical evidence is largely lacking.

    Anglo-Saxon medicine+4Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Herb · № 513

    Henbane

    Hyoscyamus niger

    Traditionally attributed effects: intoxicating, narcotic, pain-relieving, calming, antispasmodic, dilates the pupils.

    Greco-Roman medicine+3
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 123

    Bitter orange

    Citrus × aurantium

    The dried unripe fruit (zhi shi) and peel are used in Chinese medicine for bloating and sluggish digestion. NCCIH warns that weight-loss products containing bitter orange (synephrine) pose risks to the heart and blood pressure.

    Chinese medical traditions+2
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 281

    Blue flag

    Iris versicolor

    Traditionally attributed effects: anti-inflammatory, diuretic, stimulating, laxative.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+3
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 372

    Bloodroot

    Sanguinaria canadensis

    Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, emetic, expectorant, restorative; part of escharotic treatment for cervical dysplasia, warms lungs/stomach/uterus, promotes coughing up.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 151

    Boneset

    Eupatorium perfoliatum

    Traditionally used for fever and flu with aching muscles; the name refers to 'break-bone fever'. There is hardly any modern clinical research.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 306

    Smooth hydrangea

    Hydrangea arborescens

    Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, laxative, stimulates the kidneys.

    Indigenous healing traditions of North America+3
  • Caution

    Asia · Herb · № 557

    Nux vomica

    Strychnos nux-vomica

    Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens the nerves, stomachic, tonic, aphrodisiac, stimulates the spinal cord, breathing and heart.

    Ayurveda+1
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 255

    Blackberry

    Rubus fruticosus

    Traditionally attributed effects: astringent; for damp stomach and bowel complaints, diarrhoea, mucus; syrup or liqueur against sore throat.

    Western herbal medicine+1Folklore
  • Caution

    Europe · Food · № 48

    Stinging nettle

    Urtica dioica

    A food and fiber plant with a long tradition in folk medicine. Medical claims are not established.

    Monastic and folk knowledge+3Folklore
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 631

    Brewer's angelica

    Angelica breweri, A. arguta, A. hendersonii

    Traditionally attributed effects: expels wind, dampness and cold in stiff, painful joints, opens the surface in wind-cold and moves qi and blood in pain.

    Chinese medical traditions+1
  • Caution

    Africa · Herb · № 26

    Buchu

    Agathosma betulina

    Fragrant leaves used as a flavoring and in folk medicine; clinical evidence for treatment is lacking.

    Local African healing traditions+3
  • Caution

    North America · Herb · № 630

    California figwort

    Scrophularia californica, S. lanceolata

    Traditionally attributed effects: cools heat in the blood and nourishes yin, drains damp heat and disperses swellings.

    Chinese medical traditions+1