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

Cut or grind the dried herb coarsely and weigh it.
Put it in the jar and pour in alcohol until everything is well covered.
Close the jar, label it with the name, ratio, alcohol percentage and date, and store it in the dark.
Shake daily and top up if herb rises above the liquid.
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
Europe · Herb · № 60
Garden angelica
Angelica archangelica
An aromatic bitter traditionally used for bloating, poor appetite and colds. Clinical evidence is limited.
Monastic and folk knowledge+2Folklore
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 591
Purple loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria
Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, antibiotic, antispasmodic, diuretic, induces sweating, tonic, soothing; for dysentery and bacterial diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's), strengthens kidneys and bladder, for the eyes.
Western herbal medicine
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 62
Greater burdock
Arctium lappa
In Europe the root was considered a 'blood-cleansing' herb for skin problems such as eczema and acne; the seed is used in Chinese medicine for sore throats. Clinical evidence is weak.
Western herbal medicine+5
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 87
Cowslip
Primula veris
The root contains saponins and is traditionally used to loosen phlegm in coughs; the flowers as a calming tea. There is some research on combination cough preparations.
Monastic and folk knowledge+1
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 139
Haritaki and triphala
Terminalia chebula
Haritaki is used in Ayurveda as a rejuvenating remedy and gentle laxative. Triphala, a blend of three fruits, is the best-known Ayurvedic formula for digestion. Clinical research is limited.
Ayurveda+3
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 82
Motherwort
Leonurus cardiaca
Traditionally used for stress-related palpitations, nervousness and menstrual complaints. Clinical research is scarce.
Western herbal medicine+1
Caution
Europe · Food · № 66
Oats
Avena sativa
Oat flakes provide beta-glucan, a fibre that according to approved health claims can help maintain normal cholesterol. Oatmeal is also used in baths for dry, itchy skin. Its traditional role as a nerve tonic is unproven.
Western herbal medicine+1
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 59
Marshmallow
Althaea officinalis
Root and leaf are rich in mucilage that forms a soothing layer; used for dry coughs, throat irritation and an irritated stomach. Evidence is modest.
Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 69
Shepherd's purse
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Traditionally used to slow bleeding, such as heavy periods or nosebleeds. Clinical evidence is very limited.
Western herbal medicine
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 564
Himalayan meadow rue
Thalictrum foliolosum
Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, mildly laxative, laxative, diuretic, fever-reducing; for chronic indigestion, recovery after illness, eye inflammation, jaundice, flatulence, colds (snuff), toothache, conjunctivitis and keratitis.
Ayurveda
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 393
Himalayan silver fir
Abies spectabilis
Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, stomachic, tonic, astringent, antispasmodic, expectorant; for cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung conditions and bladder catarrh; for an enlarged spleen.
Ayurveda
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 77
Hops
Humulus lupulus
The cones are traditionally used for restlessness and sleep problems, often with valerian. There are hints of a mild sedative effect, but evidence is limited.
Monastic and folk knowledge+2Folklore
Caution
South America · Herb · № 914
Huanarpo
Corynaea crassa
An unusual parasitic plant without chlorophyll that lives on the roots of trees and shrubs; only a club-shaped flower spike appears above ground. Little is known about its effect in people.
Curanderismo of northern Peru
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 78
Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
Traditionally used for coughs, colds and congestion. Clinical evidence is lacking.
Western herbal medicine+2Folklore
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 103
Vervain
Verbena officinalis
Traditionally used for nervousness, exhaustion and as a digestive bitter. Scientific evidence is largely lacking.
Greco-Roman medicine+3Folklore
Caution
North America · Herb · № 307
Indian tobacco
Lobelia inflata
Traditionally attributed effects: relaxing, expectorant, induces sweating, emetic, antispasmodic, anti-asthmatic.
Indigenous healing traditions of North America+4
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 427
Indian belladonna
Atropa acuminata
Traditionally attributed effects: narcotic, calming, diuretic, antispasmodic, dilates the pupils, pain-relieving; antidote in opium and mushroom poisoning, smoked for cramps, externally for rheumatism, nerve pain and lumbago.
Ayurveda
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 469
Gold thread
Coptis teeta
Traditionally attributed effects: bitter tonic, fever-reducing; stimulates appetite, restores digestion, against flatulence, for jaundice, weakness, recovery after fever; eye ointment for conjunctivitis; in China against diabetes.
Ayurveda+1
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 566
Indian squill
Urginea indica
Traditionally attributed effects: in small doses expectorant, stimulates the heart, diuretic, decongestant, promotes menstruation; in large doses emetic and laxative.
Ayurveda+1
Caution
South America · Herb · № 918
Ishpingo
Nectandra spp. (en verwante laurierachtigen, o.a. Ocotea en Aiouea)
Trees of the laurel family with fragrant seeds and bark. Little is known about the substances in the seeds and their effect in people.
Curanderismo of northern Peru
Caution
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 309
Jamaican dogwood
Piscidia piscipula
Traditionally attributed effects: calming, pain-relieving.
Western herbal medicine
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 127
Japanese honeysuckle
Lonicera japonica en L. periclymenum
The flower buds (jin yin hua) are an important 'cooling' herb in Chinese medicine for fever, sore throats and colds. There is plenty of laboratory research but few good clinical studies.
Chinese medical traditions+3
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 130
Spikenard (jatamansi)
Nardostachys jatamansi
Used in Ayurveda as a calming remedy for insomnia and restlessness. There is mostly animal research; clinical evidence is lacking.
Ayurveda+4
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 81
Juniper
Juniperus communis
The berries are traditionally used as a diuretic, for digestive complaints and externally for joint pain. Clinical evidence is limited.
Western herbal medicine+5Folklore
Caution
Asia · Herb · № 402
Sweet flag
Acorus calamus
Traditionally attributed effects: carminative, tonic, stimulating; restores throat and voice (singers), improves concentration/clear thinking, for flatulence and heartburn.
Ayurveda+4
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 19
Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla (Duitse kamille)
Flowers are used in teas and topical or oral products. Reliable evidence is insufficient for most claimed conditions.
Monastic and folk knowledge+7Folklore
Caution
Asia · Food · № 38
Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum
A spice made from inner bark. Research on health effects is preliminary; cinnamon is not a treatment.
Ayurveda+8Folklore
Caution
North America · Herb · № 155
Pokeweed
Phytolacca americana
Formerly used for swollen glands, tonsillitis and rheumatism. Because of its toxicity it is not a safe herb; there is no evidence of benefits that outweigh the risks.
Indigenous healing traditions of North America+5
Caution
South America · Herb · № 33
Cat's claw
Uncaria tomentosa
There is no conclusive scientific evidence that cat's claw helps any health condition.
Herbal knowledge of the Amazon+2
Caution
Africa · Herb · № 116
Khella
Ammi visnaga
Contains khellin, a muscle relaxant that widens the airways and blood vessels. Khellin was the basis for modern drugs such as cromoglicate (for asthma) and amiodarone (for heart rhythm disorders).
Ancient Egyptian medicine+1
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 75
Cleavers
Galium aparine
Used in Western herbalism as a 'lymphatic' herb for swollen glands and skin conditions. Scientific evidence is lacking.
Monastic and folk knowledge+2
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 100
Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfara
One of the oldest cough herbs; the leaf contains soothing mucilage. Because of its toxic alkaloids it is now advised against.
Greco-Roman medicine+3
Caution
Africa · Food · № 12
Garlic
Allium sativum
A food with a long history of use. Supplement research suggests only limited effects and does not establish a treatment.
Ancient Egyptian medicine+7Folklore
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 92
Figwort
Scrophularia nodosa (en S. ningpoensis)
Used in Western herbalism for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and for swollen glands. There is no good clinical evidence.
Monastic and folk knowledge+2
Caution
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 583
Queen of the night
Selenicereus grandiflorus
Traditionally attributed effects: tonic, relaxing; strengthens the heart muscle and heart function (also in the elderly), relieves chest tightness and restricted breathing.
Western herbal medicine
Caution
Europe · Herb · № 271
Hemp agrimony
Eupatorium cannabinum
Traditionally attributed effects: hemp agrimony fever-reducing, diuretic, laxative, promotes bile, expectorant, stimulates the immune system; boneset induces sweating, antispasmodic; gravel root soothing diuretic, antirheumatic, promotes menstruation.
Western herbal medicine