Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
Blueberries are jam-packed with antioxidants and mood-boosting compounds. Learn how to make a blueberry tincture to preserve and quickly access this plant’s medical benefits.
Tinctures are a wonderful way to preserve the beneficial plant compounds in organic materials like flowers, berries, and mushrooms. The process is simple and involves steeping plant materials in alcohol for about two months and then straining off the liquid. The liquid is then bottled and consumed when needed.
Blueberries are a good plant to tincture because they contain so many medical benefits. By tincturing the berries, you are preserving and able to access those benefits long after the fresh fruit has expired.
What is blueberry tincture good for?
Mood support – Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C and flavonoids, which have been linked to improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression. Blueberries also contain high levels of anthocyanins, which have been shown to enhance the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate our moods and promotes feelings of well-being.
Full of antioxidants – Blueberries are packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins. These help to neutralise harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory powerhouse – Compounds found in blueberries have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body. They can also help to reduce the risk of inflammatory conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Boost your brain function – Some studies have suggested that the antioxidants in blueberries may support improved memory and overall function of our brain.
Support heart health – Blueberries contain compounds that are beneficial for heart health, such as flavonoids. These compounds help lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), and improve overall heart health.
Support healthy eyes – The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin found in blueberries benefit eye health and may help reduce the risk of age-related eyesight degeneration.
Help to maintain blood sugar – Blueberries have a relatively low glycemic index and contain compounds that may help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.
Support your gut health – Blueberries contain dietary fiber, which is important to overall digestive health (and to keeping your regular!).
Strengthen your immune system – The vitamins and antioxidants in blueberries can help strengthen the overall immune system which makes the body more resilient to infections and illnesses.
Is blueberry extract the same as eating blueberries?
Blueberry tincture (which is made with alcohol) and blueberry extract (which is made using vinegar, honey, or water) have similar benefits to eating blueberries but not the same. Fresh blueberries will have more fibre because you’re consuming the entire berry. Consuming blueberry tincture or extract on the other hand will give you quicker access to higher levels of the beneficial compounds in the berries.
How to make blueberry tincture
Tools
An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass jar with a piece of parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Muddler – or something to crush the blueberries (you can also simply chop them in quarters with a knife)
A small amber glass dropper bottle – I use these ones.
A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
A small funnel
Supplies
Fresh, frozen, or dehydrated blueberries
80 proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. I buy this bulk raw apple cider vinegar.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Fully steralise your glass jar and lid, as well as the bottle you plan to store your tincture in.
Wash and dry your blueberries. Ensure you only use completely fresh blueberries with no soft spots or mold.
If you’re using fresh blueberries, add them to a glass jar and use a muddler to mash them down. For dehydrated or frozen berries, simply add them to the jar. Your jar should be about ½ full if using fresh berries and ⅓ full if using dehydrated berries.
Cover the berries completely in the alcohol. Put the lid on the jar and shake it vigorously to ensure the alcohol covers the berries completely.
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to keep the berries submerged in alcohol.
After at least 6 weeks, strain off the berries.
Use a small funnel to add the remaining liquid to your dropper bottle. Make sure to date and label the tincture so you remember what it is!
Pro tip: It’s important to make sure that all of the plant material is strained out of the tincture before bottling it. If there is plant material left, the tincture will spoil more quickly.
How much blueberry tincture should I take?
I like to take ½ a dropper (about 30 drops) twice a day. You can also take a full dropper once a day.
How to use blueberry tincture?
Directly under the tongue – add about 30 drops of the tincture under your tongue for the quickest absorption of the beneficial compounds.
In tea – add ½ a dropper full of the tincture to a cup of your favourite tea. I like it with green and mint tea.
In hot water with lemon – add ½ a dropper full to a cup of hot water with lemon.
In your favourite drink – add a few drops to your favourite cocktail to add a hint of blueberry.
Over ice cream – add ½ a dropper full over your favourite ice cream.
What does blueberry tincture taste like?
The blueberry tincture has a sweet and slightly bitter natural blueberry flavor.
How long does blueberry tincture last?
Tinctures have a long shelf life and this tincture should last 1-2 years. For best results, store in a cool, dark place.
I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, do your own research and speak to your doctor or paediatricians.
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How To Make A Simple Blueberry Tincture
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fully steralise your glass jar and lid, as well as the bottle you plan to store your tincture in.
- Wash and dry your blueberries. Ensure you only use completely fresh blueberries with no soft spots or mold.
- If you’re using fresh blueberries, add them to a glass jar and use a muddler to mash them down. For dehydrated or frozen berries, simply add them to the jar. Your jar should be about ½ full if using fresh berries and ⅓ full if using dehydrated berries.
- Cover the berries completely in the alcohol. Put the lid on the jar and shake it vigorously to ensure the alcohol covers the berries completely.
- Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to keep the berries submerged in alcohol.
- After at least 6 weeks, strain off the berries.
- Use a small funnel to add the remaining liquid to your dropper bottle. Make sure to date and label the tincture so you remember what it is!
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