Go Back
Print

Simple DIY Elderberry Tincture

Please note, this method is for dry herbs only. A seperate method is necessary when using fresh herbs. For more information on making fresh herb tinctures I recommend the book Making Plant Medicine by Richo Cech

Ingredients

  • Elderberries
  • Echinacea Leaf optional but highly recommended
  • Brandy or Vodka unflavored
  • Distilled water

Instructions

  1. Place equal parts dry echinacea & dry elderberries in a food processor. Pulse 3-4 times. You do not want to create a powder, simply expose more surfaces of the herb. This creates a better tincture as the properties of the herb are more easily extracted. NOTE* This is an optional step that you can skip if you are in a hurry. I recommend doing it if you can, it gives you more "bang for your buck".
  2. Fill a jar about 1/2 way full with the echinacea, & elderberry mixture. Be sure and label your jar! (see FREE printable below)
  3. Pour hot, but not boiling distilled water over the herbs until they are re-hydrated. You do not want  the herbs to float, you simply want to moisten all of the herbs.
  4. Pour Brandy or Vodka over herbs, making sure that the herbs are completely covered by the liquid. Wait 30 min- 1 hour, allowing the herbs to expand and drink up the liquid. If the herb has swollen above the surface of the liquid, add more alcohol. You want the herbs to be completely submerged. At this point the jar should be about 3/4 of the way full. If it more than 3/4 that is ok, just make sure and leave 1 inch headroom at the top.
  5. Put the lid on the jar and shake until everything is well mixed. Be sure to tighten the lid before shaking!

Recipe Notes

Store in a dry, cool area, like a cabinet, for  2-3 weeks. Gently shake the jar once daily. After 2-3 weeks, strain herbs off using a cheesecloth, and store your tincture in a clean dark colored, glass jar. Be sure and label your tincture! After 24-48 hours you may notice some residual herbs that have settled at the bottom of the jar. Strain the liquid again using cheesecloth or a coffee filter. You want a clean liquid, free of particles.