Bloom into Wellness: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Flower Tinctures

What is a Tincture?

A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract made by steeping plant material in a solvent such as alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin. Tinctures are a convenient way to use medicinal plants, as they are easy to store, have a long shelf life, and can be easily dosed. They are super easy to make and very helpful to have around the house. 

Choosing Your Flowers

The first step in making a flower tincture is to choose the right flowers. It’s important to use fresh or dried flowers that are in good condition and have not been exposed to pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Some flowers that are commonly used in tinctures include chamomile, calendula, lavender, and echinacea.

Preparing the Flowers

Once you’ve chosen your flowers, you’ll need to prepare them for the tincture. If you’re using fresh flowers, rinse them thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel. If you’re using dried flowers, you can skip the rinsing step.

Next, chop or crush the flowers to release their essential oils and other beneficial compounds. You can use a mortar and pestle, a food processor, or simply chop the flowers with a knife.

Making the Tincture

To make the tincture, you’ll need a high-proof alcohol such as vodka or Everclear, I normally use Everclear. The alcohol will extract the beneficial compounds from the flowers and preserve them for future use.

Here’s how to make a basic flower tincture:

1. Place the chopped or crushed flowers in a clean glass jar.
2. Pour the alcohol over the flowers, making sure to cover them completely.
3. Seal the jar tightly with a lid.
4. Label the jar with the date and the name of the flowers.
5. Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking it gently every few days to help extract the beneficial compounds.
6. After 4 to 6 weeks, strain the tincture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle.
7. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place.

Using Your Tincture

To use your flower tincture, simply add a few drops to a glass of water, tea, or juice. You can also apply the tincture topically to your skin or use it to make homemade skincare products.

It’s important to note that tinctures are a concentrated form of herbal medicine, so it’s important to follow dosing instructions carefully and to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. At Beyond, we have a lot of experience with tinctures and have a complete herbal pharmacy including both tinctures and dry herbs. Needless to say, we would love to answer any questions that you may have during the process or when using your tincture.