Tinctures and glycerites are concentrated herbal extracts designed for long-term storage and convenient daily use. Tinctures use alcohol, while glycerites use vegetable glycerin, making them a good alcohol-free alternative. Properly stored, tinctures can last 2-5 years or longer, and some herbalists believe potency may deepen with age.

Suggested Use: Take ½-1 teaspoon per dose, 1-3 times daily, either under the tongue or diluted in tea or water.
Storage: Store finished extracts in a clean, dark glass bottle (such as amber or cobalt blue) in a cool, dark place.

Alcohol Tincture
Alcohol tinctures are highly shelf-stable and effective for extracting a wide range of herbal constituents.

Ingredients

• High-proof alcohol (vodka, rum, brandy, or grain alcohol at 40% alcohol / 80 proof or higher)
• Herbs (fresh or dried)

Herb-to-Jar Guidelines
How full to pack the jar depends on the herb type:

• Dried leaves or flowers: Fill jar ½ full
• Fresh leaves or flowers: Fill jar ¾ full
• Dried roots, berries, or bark: Fill jar ¼ full
• Fresh roots, berries, or bark: Fill jar ½ full
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the herbs by chopping, grinding, or lightly crumbling the plant material.
2. Place herbs in a clean, wide-mouth glass jar according to the guidelines above.
3. Pour alcohol over the herbs until fully submerged by at least 1 inch, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
   • Optional: Some herbalists dilute high-proof alcohol with water depending on the herb and desired extraction. A common preparation is 2 cups water to 1 quart alcohol, though straight alcohol is often used for dried herbs.
4. Seal tightly and shake well.
5. Store in a cool, dark place for about 6-8 weeks, shaking a few times per week.
6. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
7. Transfer to a dark glass bottle and label clearly.

Storage: Generally lasts 2-5 years or longer when stored properly.

Glycerites (Alcohol-Free Extract)
Glycerites use vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol and are naturally sweet, making them especially popular for children or those avoiding alcohol.

Ingredients

• Vegetable glycerin
• Water
• Herbs (dried preferred)

Instructions

1. Use dried herbs whenever possible. If using fresh herbs, allow them to wilt slightly first to reduce moisture content.
2. Chop, grind, or crumble the herbs.
3. Prepare a 3:1 glycerin mixture (75% vegetable glycerin, 25% water).
4. Fill a clean glass jar:
   • Fresh herbs: Fill nearly full
   • Dried herbs: Fill about ½ full
5. Pour the glycerin mixture over the herbs until fully submerged.
6. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking a few times per week.
7. Strain thoroughly, squeezing out excess liquid, and transfer to a dark glass bottle.

Storage: Glycerites generally last 1-2 years when stored properly.