Winter has melted away and the first day of spring is on the horizon! The season brings new beginnings and can be a great time to ramp up your wellness business. Consider adding some spring wellness tinctures to your repertoire that support immune health for a fresh and strong start to spring.
What Are Tinctures?
Tinctures are the concentrated liquid form of herbs, packed with benefits and versatility. They can be made from any plant part – roots, leaves, flowers, or seeds. While an herb's beneficial compound can be extracted using alcohol, vinegar, or vegetable glycerin, ethyl alcohol found in vodka is the most effective and commonly used solvent.
Tinctures are important for maximizing an herb’s potential because water will only retrieve some of the herb's medicinal properties. They are easy to dispense and can often be stored for extended periods of time. You can enjoy them by adding a few drops to a glass of water, tea, or other beverage (as the recipe directs). Tinctures can also be used topically for calming wounds, in the bath, or as a household disinfectant. Learn more about How to Make A Successful Herbal Tincture (DIY).
Tincture Education at ACHS
Before preparing or consuming tinctures, seeking education and information from an accredited source is vital. American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) offers a full range of Herbal Medicine programs, including certificates, diplomas, and degree plans to help you learn more about the benefits and uses of herbal tinctures. These programs will give you the skills to recognize and work with a wide range of herbs, formulate herbal remedies, address wellness challenges, and promote whole-body health.
Dean of Herbal Medicine, Dr. Judith Thompson, explains what makes ACHS stand out in the field of herbal medicine education. "At ACHS, we don’t just read about herbs. Our students literally get their hands on the plants and make their own herbal remedies. From seed to your medicine cabinet, ACHS helps you learn how to make your own herbal medicines and teaches you how to use them safely and effectively."
ACHS also offers access to a wide range of certified organic and sustainably sourced botanicals through our Apothecary Shoppe. Our experts personally evaluate every herb through taste, touch, and smell to ensure the best botanicals are offered. Explore the Apothecary Shoppe today to purchase high-quality ingredients for your tinctures.
3 Immune Boosting Tincture Recipes for a Healthy Spring
Immune Health Echinacea Tincture
Echinacea is an ideal herb for promoting healthy immunity and supporting the body during seasons when the body's defenses need an extra boost.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Echinacea Echinacea angustifolia
- 1 pint Alcohol such as vodka (or apple cider vinegar)
Instructions: Mix the Couch Grass with alcohol or apple cider vinegar in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, such as a canning or preserving jar.
Keep the tincture in a tightly closed jar in a warm spot (but not in the sun) for approximately two weeks. Shake the tincture two to three times every day.
After two weeks*, strain the tincture through pharmaceutical filter paper, a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or muslin. You may need to strain your tincture two or even three times to remove all herb solids. Leaving solids in your tincture may lead to mold and spoilage.
Store your tincture in a dark bottle or cupboard.
Half a pint of tincture should equal the potency of one ounce of the fresh herb, so approximately one teaspoon will equal the strength of one cup of infusion.
The dose is small, approximately 20 to 40 drops three times a day, although this varies with each herb. Dilute in approximately one-quarter cup of water to take.
Elder Flower Fever Fighter Tincture
eElder flower is known to promote a healthy, normal immune system, especially during the chilly seasons.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Elder flowers Sambucus nigra
- 1 ounce Peppermint leaf Mentha ×piperita
- 1 ounce Yarrow leaves and flowers Achillea millefolium
- 1 pint Alcohol such as vodka or brandy
Instructions: Mix herbs with alcohol or cider vinegar in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, such as a canning or preserving jar. Keep the tincture in a tightly closed jar in a warm spot (but not in the sun) for approximately two weeks. Shake the tincture two to three times every day.
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*After two weeks, strain the tincture through pharmaceutical filter paper, a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or muslin. You may need to strain your tincture two or even three times to remove all herb solids. Leaving solids in your tincture may lead to mold and spoilage.
This is a useful diaphoretic remedy for bringing down high temperatures. Use 10 to 20 drops in water or pure juice three to four times daily for adults.
Fortifying Garlic Tincture
Garlic is often celebrated for its culinary uses, but this remarkable herb also contains nutrients that support a healthy immune system and a healthy diet.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Garlic Cloves (peeled and minced or chopped) Allium sativum
- Equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water (enough to cover garlic)
- 1 pint Vegetable glycerin
- 3 pounds Honey
Instructions: Place the garlic into a wide-mouth jar and cover it with vinegar and water. Close tightly and shake well together. Place in a cool place for four days, shaking thoroughly one to two times daily.
Add the glycerin, shake, and return to the cool place for another day. Strain through muslin and squeeze garlic. Add honey and stir until mixed. Seal the jar and keep refrigerated. Use one teaspoon to one tablespoon three to four times a day.
*Note that the consensus is that the minimum time to extract herbs into a tincture is two weeks, and the maximum time is three months. Extraction time also depends on the plant material and the percentage of alcohol needed. Most above-ground plant parts only need about 40% alcohol and will extract very quickly. Tougher roots and rhizomes typically need a higher percentage of alcohol and a longer time to extract.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always use herbs and essential oils with caution and keep out of reach of children. Use particular caution when pregnant or nursing. Always check contraindications and think safety first! The statements herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
