Dandelions are remarkable plants that have powerful medical benefits. Here is how to make dandelion tincture to help support digestion, cleanse your body, and to get a boost of antioxidants.
The bright yellow flowers of the dandelion (scientifically known as taraxacum officinale) are considered to be a common weed by many people. They are incredibly persistent and tend to survive even the most fervent gardener’s attempts to get rid of it! But luckily dandelions are also packed with medicinal benefits that can help with a range of ailments.
Creating a dandelion tincture is a great way to preserve fresh dandelion flowers, leaves, and roots to be able to consume the medicinal benefits all year long. The best time to forage for wild dandelions is in the early spring but they continue to grow right through the summertime. It is easier to harvest the dandelion roots earlier in the growing season but it’s possible throughout the summer if you have a shovel.
You can use every part of the dandelion plant in this tincture and there are lots of other uses for the plant besides making a tincture. Young dandelion leaves that pop up in the spring make a wonderful and nutritious addition to salads, soups, quiches, and smoothies. Dandelion root can be used to make earthy and nutritious tea and coffee. Dandelion flowers can be used in homemade salves and even to make homemade wines. It’s a wondrous plant!
Health benefits of dandelion tincture
Dandelions have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions of inflammation such as clogged milk ducts and mastitis, sore throats, as well as poor digestion, and to support liver health.
Supports healthy liver function – Dandelion root may help detoxify the liver and improve its function, which can support overall digestion and nutrient absorption.
Digestive support – Dandelion tincture may help to improve digestion by promoting the production of digestive juices. This can help to alleviate indigestion, bloating, and constipation. It can also help to prevent and control heartburn.
Diuretic properties – Dandelions have diuretic properties, meaning they may increase urine production, which can help reduce water retention and bloating.
Antioxidants – Dandelions contain antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Supports skin health – Dandelions have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help soothe irritated skin and promote healing.
Support blood sugar regulation – Some animal studies have suggested that dandelion may help to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels.
Rich in nutrients – Dandelions are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, calcium, and potassium. This also makes the tincture supportive of the immune system.
Folk method
I use the folk method to make tinctures for myself and my family. This simply means that the measurements are less precise and I don’t weigh the plant material before I add it to my glass jars. If you’re planning to sell your tinctures, it’s best to use more precise measurements to ensure that the nutrients in your final tincture are all roughly equal.
How to make simple dandelion tincture
Tools
An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass mason jar with a piece of parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
A small amber glass bottle with dropper tops – I use these ones.
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
A small funnel
A knife – for chopping up the dandelions
Supplies
Fresh or dried dandelion plants – you can use the whole plant, the flower heads, fresh or dried root, or whatever you have
80-proof vodka (or 40% grain alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. If you’re using fresh dandelions, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plants.
Instructions
Fully sanitise the glass jar and lid.
If you’re using fresh dandelions, you must forage them from a location that hasn’t been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides. The alcohol that the plant will steep in will not remove these chemicals and they will persist in your tincture. Find a spot to forage that is away from roads and walkways to help ensure the area hasn’t been sprayed.
Once you’ve harvested the dandelions, make sure to thoroughly wash the flowers, leaves, stems, and roots to remove dirt. If you cannot remove all of the visible dirt, still make the tincture but use cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain the tincture off. This will prevent the dirt from being in your final tincture.
Use a knife to chop up the plant into small pieces. The more surface area that is exposed to the alcohol, the stronger the tincture will be.
Pack the chopped fresh dandelion greens, flowers, stems, and roots into a glass jar (like a mason jar). Leave about one inch of space at the top. If you’re using dried dandelion roots, fill the jar about half of the way full, to allow space for the roots to expand as they absorb the alcohol.
Cover the plant with alcohol until it’s completely submerged.
Add a lid to the jar and give it a shake to ensure everything is covered with alcohol. If you use dried dandelion, you can top up the jar with alcohol after a day or so to make sure everything remains submerged in alcohol.
Set the jar in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks (longer works too!).
After 6-8 weeks, use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to strain off the tincture. Take care to completely remove the plant material from the tincture to prevent it from prematurely spoiling.
Use a small funnel to pour the tincture into a sanitised glass amber dropper bottle.
Add a date and label to the bottle so you remember what it is and when you made it. That’s it!
How much dandelion tincture to take?
I like to take one dropper full (or roughly ½ a teaspoon) 1-2 times per day. If you are taking the tincture to support digestion, you can dilute 10-15 drops in a glass of warm water. Use year-round to support your overall health.
How long does dandelion tincture last?
Like other herbal remedies, this tincture has a long shelf life. If stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, dandelion tincture can last years.
How to use dandelion tincture
There are so many different ways to consume this tincture. Here are some of the best ways to use dandelion tincture:
Directly under your tongue – This is the most common method of consuming tinctures. Place the recommended dosage of dandelion tincture under your tongue using a dropper. To allow it to absorb quickly, hold it there for about 30 seconds to a minute before swallowing.
Dilute the tincture in water or juice – You can add the dosage to a glass of water or juice if the flavour of the plain tincture is too strong for you.
Add it to dandelion tea – For a double dose of dandelion goodness, you can brew a pot of dandelion tea by pouring hot water over chopped-up dandelion plants. You can also use all parts of the plant to make the tea. Once you pour yourself a cup of tea, add 10-15 drops to the cup and enjoy. You could mix in other medicinal herbs like nettle to this tea for a big boost of vitamins or to any herbal teas you have on hand.
Add the tincture into smoothies – You can add the tincture into smoothies. I like to add it to my morning kefir smoothies to support digestion.
Mixed with honey or maple syrup – If you want to consume the tincture quickly but don’t like the taste, you can add the dosage to a spoonful of honey or maple syrup and consume it directly.
Add it to salad dressings – You can incorporate dandelion tincture into homemade salad dressings by simply adding the dosage to your portion of the dressing.
Can I make this tincture without alcohol?
Yes, simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind that dandelion extract made with vinegar will not last as long as a tincture made with alcohol. For that reason it’s best to use it within a year.
Disclaimer: 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, paediatrician, or health care provider. 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. For example, if you have an allergy to the asteraceae family, it may be best to avoid dandelions.
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How To Make Dandelion Tincture (Best Recipe)
Dandelions are remarkable plants that have powerful medical benefits. Here is how to make dandelion tincture to help support digestion, cleanse your body, and to get a boost of antioxidants.
Materials
- Fresh or dried dandelion plants – you can use the whole plant, the flower heads, fresh or dried root, or whatever you have
- 80-proof vodka (or 40% grain alcohol)
Tools
- An airtight container with a plastic lid
- A small amber glass bottle with dropper tops
- A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
- A small funnel
- A knife – for chopping up the dandelions
Instructions
- Fully sanitise the glass jar and lid.
- Use a knife to chop up the plant into small pieces. The more surface area that is exposed to the alcohol, the stronger the tincture will be.
- Pack the chopped fresh dandelion greens, flowers, stems, and roots into a glass jar (like a mason jar). Leave about one inch of space at the top. If you’re using dried dandelion roots, fill the jar about half of the way full, to allow space for the roots to expand as they absorb the alcohol.
- Cover the plant with alcohol until it’s completely submerged.
- Add a lid to the jar and give it a shake to ensure everything is covered with alcohol. If you use dried dandelion, you can top up the jar with alcohol after a day or so to make sure everything remains submerged in alcohol.
- Set the jar in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks (longer works too!).
- After 6-8 weeks, use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to strain off the tincture. Take care to completely remove the plant material from the tincture to prevent it from prematurely spoiling.
- Use a small funnel to pour the tincture into a sanitised glass amber dropper bottle.
- Add a date and label to the bottle so you remember what it is and when you made it. That’s it!
Notes
How much dandelion tincture to take?
I like to take one dropper full (or roughly ½ a teaspoon) 1-2 times per day. If you are taking the tincture to support digestion, you can dilute 10-15 drops in a glass of warm water. Use year-round to support your overall health.
How long does dandelion tincture last?
Like other herbal remedies, this tincture has a long shelf life. If stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, dandelion tincture can last years.
Thank you so much! I hope it is not too late to find some dandelion around the yard.
Do you make it for sale? I fall easily and a bit apprehensive about trying to find dandelion wild.
Hi! I don’t sell any right now but if you’re apprehensive you could find dried dandelions from a local forager or also online for a reasonable price as well. Please let me know if you give it a try!