Crafting and Working with Herbal Tinctures
Tinctures are one of the most beloved and enduring forms of herbal medicine. These alcohol-based extracts preserve the plant’s constituents and spirit in a concentrated, portable, and shelf-stable form. Whether you're turning to tinctures for physical support, emotional resilience, or spiritual grounding, working with them can deepen your relationship with the herbs and the cycles you move through.
At its core, a tincture is simply a preparation made by soaking plant material in alcohol (or sometimes glycerin or vinegar) to extract the herb’s medicinal qualities. Over time, the alcohol pulls out a wide spectrum of chemical compounds—alkaloids, resins, volatile oils, and more—creating a potent liquid that can be taken by the drop or dropperful. Because tinctures are concentrated, only a small amount is needed to have an effect.
Tinctures are especially helpful when you want fast-acting support (think nervous system allies like motherwort or milky oats) or when you’re working with roots, barks, or resins that are harder to extract through water-based methods. They're also a wonderful way to carry your plant allies with you throughout the day—easy to keep in your bag or by your altar.
Making your own tincture can be a beautiful ritual, especially when timed with a lunar cycle or planetary alignment. Begin with dried or fresh herbs, placed in a clean glass jar. Cover with high-proof alcohol (usually 40–60% alcohol, such as vodka or brandy), label with the herb name and date, and store it in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake it gently when you think of it. Once it’s ready, strain out the plant material, bottle the liquid in amber dropper bottles, and store it somewhere cool and dark. Your tincture will keep for years.
You can take tinctures in a variety of ways—directly under the tongue for quicker absorption, diluted in a bit of water or tea, or added to ritual baths, sprays, or offerings. Dosage depends on the herb and your personal needs, ranging from a few drops to several dropperfuls per day. Always trust your body and the energetics of the plant, and start slow if you're unsure.
Working with tinctures is also an invitation to be intentional. Why are you reaching for this plant today? What are you asking for? How might this relationship grow over time? Each drop contains more than just chemistry—it holds memory, season, soil, sunlight, and story.
Let’s Open the Circle
Let’s hear from you—your practices, your questions, your stories. Here are some prompts to get us started:
Do you have a favorite tincture you use regularly? What has your experience with it been like?
Have you ever made your own tincture? What plant did you work with, and how did the process feel?
How do you prefer to take your tinctures—on the tongue, in tea, during ritual, or another way?
We’d love to see your tincture recipes, altar setups, questions, and reflections. This is a space to learn, experiment, and connect—with the plants, and with each other.