How to Extract Herbs

Herbal extractions, or tinctures, are an excellent way to preserve the essences of herbs. Used mainly as a highly potent way to flavor food and as a source for alternative medicine ingredients, extractions can be considered an acceptable substitute for fresh herbs. If made and stored properly, an herbal extract can last years.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh herbs
• Vinegar or vodka
• Dark colored bottles with tight seals for storage
• Canning jar with tight seal
• Paper towels
• Large pot
• Cheesecloth
• Funnel

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your herbs. While it is best to use them fresh from the garden (and organically grown!), if purchased from a store, be sure to wash them well, ridding them of any pesticides or preservatives. Spread out on a paper towel and allow to dry thoroughly. They may appear wilted, but that is OK.

• 2

  Sterilize your glass jars, utensils and cheesecloth. Place items into a pot filled with water and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 20 minutes. Turn off burner and allow to cool before removing.

• 3

  Roughly chop your herbs. Place the herbs in the clear glass jar, packing tightly. Fill jar completely with vinegar or vodka and cap tightly. Turn upside down to preserve seal and store in cool darkened space for 3 to 4 weeks.

• 4

  Strain herbs through cheesecloth allowing liquid to drain into a sterilized glass or stainless steel dish. If necessary, repeat Step 3 with fresh herbs but using the same liquid. Some herbs are stronger than others, and the weaker ones may need more than one extraction in order to get a potent extract.

• 5

  Bottle the extract. Once you have completed the extraction process, pour the extract into a dark colored bottle using the funnel. Remember to sterilize anything that will be touching the extract. Seal the bottle tightly and label with date and type of herb. Store in a cabinet out of the sun. Use sparingly, 1 to 3 drops at a time.