2d • General discussion
Tinctures what are they
Alright, gather round the metaphorical kitchen counter. We’re talking herbal tinctures, aka “how humans figured out how to trap plant goodness in a jar and call it medicine.”
Just plants, patience, and a little alcohol doing the heavy lifting.
So… what is a herbal tincture anyway?
A tincture is basically herbs soaking in alcohol long enough to give up their secrets.
The alcohol acts like that one friend who gets everyone talking at a party.
You end up with a strong, shelf-stable liquid extract that lasts years, not weeks like tea. This is why herbalists love tinctures and why your cabinet starts to look suspiciously like a bar.
What you need (nothing dramatic)
A clean glass jar with a lid
Mason jars are fine. No crystal required.
Herbs
Fresh herbs (chopped)
Or dried herbs (even easier, less water)
Alcohol
Vodka is the crowd favorite.
Brandy works.
Everclear if you’re feeling bold and respectful of math.
A label Because “mystery brown liquid” is not helpful later.
Time. Not much effort. Just time.
How to make it (the no-nonsense version)
Step 1: Fill the jar
If using fresh herbs: loosely fill the jar about ¾ full.
If using dried herbs: fill about ½ full.
Do not pack it like you’re stuffing a suitcase.
Step 2: Add alcohol
Pour alcohol over the herbs until they are completely covered, plus about an inch on top.
Herbs floating above the liquid = sad herbs.
Step 3: Seal it and wait
Put the lid on.
Shake it gently like you’re reassuring it.
Store in a dark cabinet.
Shake it once a day if you remember. If you forget, the herbs will forgive you.
Step 4: Wait some more
Let it sit 4–6 weeks.
Yes, weeks. This is herbalism, not instant coffee.
Step 5: Strain
Strain through cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a fine strainer.
Squeeze the herbs. They’ve given everything they had.
Pour the liquid into a clean bottle.
Step 6: Label it
Write:
Herb name
Alcohol used
Date
Future-you will thank present-you.
How people actually use tinctures
A few drops in water or tea
Under the tongue (strong taste warning)
Added to honey
Taken daily or as needed, depending on the herb
Small amounts. This is concentrated plant power, not a cocktail.
Warnings (because adults appreciate honesty)
Alcohol-based. If alcohol is a no-go for you, this may not be your method.
Some herbs interact with medications.
Some herbs are not meant for long-term daily use.
Pregnancy and serious medical conditions = talk to a professional human with credentials.
Herbalism is powerful. Respect it. No heroics.
Final truth bomb
A tincture is not magic.
It’s plants + chemistry + patience.
But it does work because humans have been doing this for thousands of years without Wi-Fi, so they were clearly onto something.
Welcome to herbalism.
You now own jars and opinions.
Lori
8
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Tinctures what are they
skool.com/herbalism-with-lori-4076
Pull up a chair. Let’s talk herbs.
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