How to Make a Vinegar Herbal Tincture

Herbal tinctures are infusions of herbs that are highly concentrated. Alcohol is perhaps the most common medium for tinctures, but glycerin and vinegar may also be used. Vinegar may be the best choice for use with children or recovering alcoholics, or for anyone who prefers not to use alcohol in their herbal tinctures.

Things You'll Need

• Apple cider vinegar or plain white vinegar
• Herbs
• 1 pint wide-mouth mason jar with lid and ring
• Clean cotton cloth such as cheesecloth
• Strainer
• Glass or stainless steel bowl
• Funnel
• Dark-colored bottle with dropper

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Instructions

• 1

  Place 1 cup fresh herb, or 1/8 cup well-ground, dried herb in a pint canning jar.

• 2

  Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar or plain white vinegar and secure the lid with a ring.

• 3

  Label the jar with the date of preparation and herbal contents.

• 4

  Store out of direct sunlight for five weeks, shaking it every two days.

• 5

  Line a strainer with clean cotton cloth such as cheesecloth and strain the herb from the vinegar. Place a clean glass or stainless-steel bowl to catch the liquid under the strainer. Pour slowly. When the herb is strained, press the herb in the cloth to get the last of the liquid out.

• 6

  Dispose of the spent herb.

• 7

  Pour the strained liquid through a funnel into a dark-colored jar with a tight-fitting lid and dropper. The dropper will make it easier to measure the tincture.

• 8

  Label the jar with the name of the vinegar herbal tincture and the date it was prepared.