Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
Hibiscus flowers are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Learning how to make hibiscus tincture at home means that you can pull out this immune tonic whenever you feel under the weather.
Hibiscus flowers (specifically hibiscus sabdariffa) have a long history of being used to support the immune system by being made into hibiscus tea and tinctures. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and iron, which contribute to boosting immunity and promoting overall health. Other good tinctures for immunity are garlic tincture and mullein tincture.
Historically, hibiscus has been used in traditional medicine across various cultures, dating back centuries. Ancient Egyptians utilized hibiscus for its diuretic properties, aiding in kidney health and fluid balance. In Ayurvedic medicine, hibiscus was used to support digestion, alleviate respiratory issues, and even promote hair growth. Indigenous cultures in the Americas used hibiscus to address health issues ranging from fever to menstrual cramps.
Making your own herbal remedies and your own tinctures like hibiscus tincture is a simple way to build a more natural medicine cabinet for yourself and your family.
Health benefits of hibiscus
Antioxidant properties – Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants which are compounds such as caffeic acids that can help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. This reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to various chronic diseases.
Good source of vitamin C – Hibiscus is a great source of vitamin C. Consuming vitamin C supports the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells.
Rich in minerals, including iron – Hibiscus contains essential minerals such as iron, which the body needs to create red blood cells and carry oxygen throughout the body.
Potential to lower blood pressure – Studies suggest that hibiscus may help to improve blood flow and potentially reduce high blood pressure.
Support for heart health – Beyond its potential to lower blood pressure, hibiscus has been associated with improving heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Reduction of cholesterol levels – Hibiscus may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol.
Diuretic properties for kidney health and fluid balance – Hibiscus has diuretic properties, which means that it can help the body produce urine production and eliminate toxins.
Fresh or dried plant material
You can use either, but hibiscus tinctures are typically made using dried hibiscus flowers rather than fresh ones. Dried flowers are preferred because they have less water content, meaning the final tincture will last longer.
If you want to use fresh flowers, you can remove the petals from the flowers, rinse them thoroughly, and leave them to air dry. Make sure to avoid using flowers that have been exposed to herbicides or pesticides. The alcohol in tinctures will not remove these poisons from the flowers and they will be in your tincture.
When to harvest the flowers
Like other medicinal herbs, if you are harvesting fresh flowers, it’s best to do so in the morning, before the full sun comes out. When it becomes hot and the flowers get direct sunlight, the plant’s essential oils become less condensed, which will reduce the strength of your tincture. For this reason, I like to harvest medicinal plants in the early morning.
The folk method
I use the folk method to make tinctures. This means that I am not super specific about weighing the plant material and alcohol when I make tinctures. I add the flowers or herbs to a jar and submerge them in alcohol. If you’re making your tinctures to sell, you will want to weigh your ingredients to make sure the medicinal properties in each bottle are roughly equal.
How to make hibiscus tincture
Tools
An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use glass jars with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Small amber glass dropper bottle – I use these ones
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
A small funnel
Supplies
Dried hibiscus petals – Use organic herbs if you can find them (or grow them!). Here’s a source but it’s not organic.
80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. I use this bulk raw apple cider vinegar. If you’re using fresh hibiscus, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
The first step is to fully sanitise your glass jar and lid.
If you’re using fresh flowers, pick off the petals and rinse them to remove any visible dirt and debris. Let them air dry completely.
After the petals are dry, you can use a knife to chop them up into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area of the petal that is exposed to alcohol when the tincture is steeping.
Add the dried petals to a glass jar. Fill the jar about ⅓ of the way full, to leave room for the alcohol to be absorbed. If you’re using fresh petals, pack the jar tightly.
Submerge the petals in alcohol. You want everything to be completely covered.
Add a lid to the jar and shake it for 30 seconds to mix everything together.
Set the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks. Aim to shake the jar 3-4 times per week to ensure everything remains covered in alcohol.
After 6-8 weeks, use cheesecloth, a fine mesh strainer, or a coffee filter to strain off the tincture.
Make sure to remove the plant material from the liquid completely. If you don’t the tincture could go bad more quickly. I strain off my tinctures a few times to remove everything fully. If you used fresh petals, an easy way to do this is by using a coffee filter to catch any residual dirt.
Use a small funnel to pour the remaining liquid into an amber glass bottle. I like to use the bottles that come with a dropper because it makes using the tincture simpler but just use what you have.
Date and label the finished tincture so you remember what it is and when you made it.
The best way to help the tincture last a long time is to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
That’s it – enjoy!
How much hibiscus tincture to take?
I like to take 1 dropper full per day 2-3 times per day when I feel I need an extra boost or during cold or flu season. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.
How long does hibiscus tincture last?
Like many homemade alcohol tinctures, this tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.
How to use hibiscus tincture
Directly – The simplest method is to take the tincture by adding the dosage under your tongue. Hold it there for 30 seconds and then swallow. This method allows for easy absorption into the bloodstream.
Added to beverages – You can add hibiscus tincture to your favorite beverage such as tea, smoothies, or even a cocktail. This will dilute the flavour and adds nutrition to your drink.
Can I make this without alcohol
Yes – simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. Tinctures are typically made with alcohol and extracts are made with vinegar.
The main difference is that vinegar can be less effective at drawing out the medicinal properties from the flower or plant (meaning alcohol makes a stronger tincture) and it does not preserve the properties as long as alcohol. It’s best to consume vinegar-based extracts within one year.
I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication.
What to read next
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How To Make Mullein Tincture (Easy Medicinal Recipe)
Turmeric Tincture (A Great Natural Medicine)
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How To Make Hibiscus Tincture (Easy DIY Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- The first step is to fully sanitise your glass jar and lid.
- If you’re using fresh flowers, pick off the petals and rinse them to remove any visible dirt and debris. Let them air dry completely.
- After the petals are dry, you can use a knife to chop them up into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area of the petal that is exposed to alcohol when the tincture is steeping.
- Add the dried petals to a glass jar. Fill the jar about ⅓ of the way full, to leave room for the alcohol to be absorbed. If you’re using fresh petals, pack the jar tightly.
- Submerge the petals in alcohol. You want everything to be completely covered.
- Add a lid to the jar and shake it for 30 seconds to mix everything together.
- Set the jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks. Aim to shake the jar 3-4 times per week to ensure everything remains covered in alcohol.
- After 6-8 weeks, use cheesecloth, a fine mesh strainer, or a coffee filter to strain off the tincture.
- Make sure to remove the plant material from the liquid completely. If you don’t the tincture could go bad more quickly. I strain off my tinctures a few times to remove everything fully. If you used fresh petals, an easy way to do this is by using a coffee filter to catch any residual dirt.
- Use a small funnel to pour the remaining liquid into an amber glass bottle. I like to use the bottles that come with a dropper because it makes using the tincture simpler but just use what you have.
- Date and label the finished tincture so you remember what it is and when you made it.
- The best way to help the tincture last a long time is to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- That’s it – enjoy!
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