Herbal Tinctures: How to Make Your Own + Why You Need Them
It’s time we dive into another way to bring Plant Magic and wellness into your life. Let me introduce you to herbal tinctures, a powerful, easy-to-make remedy that packs a punch for your health. Whether you want to support your lymphatic system, manage stress, or support your cognition, tinctures are your go-to herbal solution. Plus, they’re SO easy to make at home!
Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts made by soaking herbs in a solvent, usually alcohol (but sometimes vinegar or glycerin, esp if you’re making one for a child). The process draws out the active ingredients of the herbs, making them suuuuuper potent and easy for your body to absorb. They’re perfect for everyday use, offering a long shelf life, ease of consumption (just a few drops under your tongue or added to a water shot), and a wide range of health benefits.
Oh and PUH-LEASE stay until the end where I’ll give you a breakdown of the tincture I just made, my favorite resource for premade herbal blends, and a discount code so you can start making your OWN herbal DIYs!
Tinctures vs. Teas
I LOVE an herbal tea! My dear Woowoo Besties, have you ever made a sun tea on the summer equinox?! A warm ginger and lemon tea with an ounce of Ningxia when you’re sick?! Iced tea that turns a beautiful red because it has ROSE PETALS in it?! Teas offer plenty of benefits. But for some quick hits of wellness, tinctures are next level:
Higher Potency: They’re concentrated, so a few drops give you a lot of herbal goodness with less volume. This means you're getting more of those active compounds!
Quick Absorption: Taken under your tongue (sublingual method), tinctures get absorbed straight into your bloodstream, which is faster than the digestion process required for teas.
Convenience: They’re easy to dose, take on the go, and perfect for busy babes. Just a quick dropperful and you're set!
Longer Shelf Life: Alcohol-based tinctures can last for months, unlike teas, which need to be consumed more quickly and often require refrigeration.
Broader Extraction: Alcohol extracts both water- and alcohol-soluble compounds, meaning tinctures may offer a more comprehensive herbal profile.
How to Make Your Own Herbal Tincture
You are PERFECTLY capable of making your own herbal medicine at home. Make this your next DIY!:
Prepare Your Herbs:
If you’re using dried herbs, lightly crush them to expose more surface area for extraction.
Measure your herbs according to the standard 1:5 ratio (1 part herb to 5 parts alcohol).
Add Alcohol:
Place your herbs in a clean, sterilized glass jar.
Pour in 80–100 proof vodka (or other alcohol) until the herbs are completely covered, with about an inch of extra liquid above them.
Seal and Label:
Seal the jar tightly and label it with the date and the herbs used for future reference.
Steep:
Store the jar in a cool, dark place.
Shake it gently every day or a few times a week to help with the extraction process (and speak positive things to it every day ok)
Strain and Bottle:
After 4–6 weeks (or up to 8 weeks), strain out the herbs using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Transfer the liquid tincture into an amber dropper bottle.
Use it Daily:
Generally, you can take 1-2 dropperfuls 3 times per day sublingually or in a glass of water. Start on the lower end to see how you respond. When in doubt, I always refer to ChatGPT (no shame) with a list of the herbs in my tincture and its purpose.
That’s it! You’ve just made a potent, long-lasting herbal tincture!
Why I Love Premade Herbal Blends for Tinctures
Now, if you’re new to the herbal game (like me!), making your own tinctures can feel a little overwhelming at first. That’s why I LOVE using premade herbal blends—especially ones like Michelle's Well blends. She does all the work for me, blending herbs with care and intention. No need to research what herbs pair best together (truly a science) or how much of each herb to use—Michelle has it all figured out for me!
Plus, Michelle prays over every batch she makes. Isn’t that the loveliest touch?
In the most recent tincture I made, I used Michelle’s Adaptogen Blend, which includes powerhouse herbs like:
Rhodiola Root: Helps combat stress, boost energy, and support balanced cortisol levels—perfect for adrenal fatigue and burnout recovery.
Schisandra Berry: Enhances mental clarity and endurance while building long-term stress resilience.
Gotu Kola: Supports memory and circulation while calming the nervous system—great for soothing adrenal overstimulation.
Ashwagandha Root: Regulates cortisol, calms anxiety, and promotes restful sleep—ideal for emotional exhaustion.
Eleuthero Root (Siberian Ginseng): Strengthens focus and immunity, helping the body adapt to stress.
Tulsi Basil (Holy Basil): Reduces anxiety, balances cortisol, and supports emotional well-being.
Seedless Rosehips: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, these support immune health and recovery.
Ginger Root: Improves circulation and digestion, adding warmth and stimulation.
Other Herbal Blends I Love for Tinctures
If you’re interested in other blends for tinctures, check out these favorites from Michelle:
Liver Cleanse: Detoxifying and supportive for liver health.
Heart Healer: Nourishing and supportive for emotional well-being.
Minerals Matter: Packed with minerals to nourish your body and restore balance.
Lymph Love: Supports lymphatic health and detoxification.
Want to Make Your Own Tincture?
If you’re ready to dive in and try making your own herbal tincture, I’ve got a treat for you! Michelle’s Well herbal blends are the easiest way to get started. They’re carefully curated for effectiveness, and she offers limited restocks, so NOW is the perfect time to grab yours before they sell out.
Ready to shop? Go here to purchase your own blends:
Michelle's Well Herbal Blends
✨ Use code SUZY for a discount on orders over $50! ✨
Happy tincture-making and here's to your health and well-being!
