How To Make Sage Tincture (DIY Herbal Recipe)

Sage is packed with anti-bacterial properties, can reduce the symptoms and menopause, and much more. Learning how to make sage tincture is a great way to always have this powerful herbal remedy on hand.

The sage plant is a common herb to grow in the summer garden and is used on chicken, in salads, or even to make sage tea. But it is also a wonderful herb to make a tincture with! Tincturing sage will preserve the medicinal benefits far longer than freezing or drying the herb and makes it super easy to consume.

Sage (scientifically known by its Latin name Salvia officinalis), has a rich history in traditional medicine. Sage was used by ancient Egyptians for its fertility-enhancing properties and by the Greeks and Romans for its ability to treat digestive issues and improve memory. During the Middle Ages, sage was commonly used in European herbal medicine and was valued for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

So go out to the garden or supermarket, grab some sage, and let’s make a tincture.

Health benefits of sage tincture

Help to relieve menopausal symptoms – Sage can help manage symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats through its phytoestrogen content, which mimics estrogen in the body.

Supports cognitive function – Sage tincture can support memory and concentration by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that is important for learning and memory.

Has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties – Sage contains compounds that can help alleviate a sore throat and blocked sinuses.

Can support digestive health – Sage can promote a healthy digestive system and relieve gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, and indigestion.

Full of antioxidants – Sage is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids that protect cells from stress.

Anti-inflammatory – Contains compounds like rosmarinic acid that reduce inflammation.

Dried or fresh herbs

You can use either fresh or dried sage. You will need more fresh sage than dried sage to make the tincture because the dried sage will expand as it absorbs the alcohol.

If you are harvesting fresh sage, make sure to do so in the morning, before direct sunlight reaches the plant. When plant leaves or flowers become hot or get direct sunlight, their essential oils become less condensed. Try to harvest the sage in the morning, before midday. This way the tincture will have a more potent concentration of the plant’s volatile oils and medicinal benefits.

Folk method

I use the folk method to make tinctures. This means that I do not weigh the ingredients before making my tinctures – add the plant material to a jar and submerge them in alcohol. If you’re making your tinctures to sell, it becomes more important to weigh your ingredients before tincturing them to make sure the medicinal properties in each bottle are roughly equal.

How to make sage tincture

Tools

One or many small glass jars with plastic lids – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.

Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops

A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter

A small funnel

A knife – for chopping up fresh or dried sage. If you’re making a large batch of this tincture, you could blitz the sage in a food processor to make this part faster.

Supplies

Fresh or dried sage

80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. If you’re using fresh sage, 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

If you’re using fresh sage, wash the leaves and remove them from the stems. Pat them dry with a towel or allow them to air dry overnight.

Use a knife or food processor to break the fresh sage leaves down into small pieces. This is to maximise the surface area of the leaves that is exposed to the alcohol. The more area that is exposed, the more nutritional benefits the alcohol can draw out from the plant.

Add the leaves to a steralised glass jar. If you’re using fresh sage, fill the jar ¾ of the way full. If you’re using dried herbs, fill the jar ⅓ of the way full to leave room for the sage to expand as it absorbs the alcohol.

Cover the sage with alcohol completely.

Add the lid and shake the jar to ensure everything is covered in alcohol.

Date and label the jar and put it in a cool dark place. For best results, leave it sit for 6-8 weeks and try to remember to shake it a few times a week to keep everything submerged in the alcohol.

After 6-8 weeks, strain it off using cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a fine mesh strainer. Make sure to completely remove the plant material from the tincture to avoid the tincture going bad quickly.

Add the tincture to your dropper bottle and date and label the bottle. 

Store the finished tincture in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. That’s it, enjoy!

Ways to consume sage tincture

Directly – Use the dropper to add the dosage under your tongue. Hold it there for 20-30 seconds and then swallow.

Diluted in water or juice – Add the dosage to a small glass of water or juice to dilute the flavour.

In herbal teas – Add the dosage to your favourite herbal tea for an added nutritional boost.

Into smoothies – Add the tincture into your smoothie or protein shake.

In cooking – You can incorporate the tincture into recipes, such as salad dressings, soups, or sauces.

With honey – Blend the tincture with honey and eat it directly or spread it on toast.

In warm water with lemon – Mix the dosage with warm water and lemon for an immune-supporting drink.

How much sage tincture to take?

I like to take 1 dropper full per day 2-3 times per day during cold or flu season. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.

How long does sage tincture last?

Like many homemade alcohol-based herbal tinctures, this tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight in a cool place. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.

Can you make tinctures without alcohol?

Yes, simply swap out the alcohol for apple cider vinegar to make a vinegar tincture. Extracts made with vinegar are not as potent as alcohol-based tinctures because vinegar isn’t as good at drawing out the medicinal benefits as alcohol is. They also do not last as long (I like to consume mine within a year), but it’s still a good alternative to alcohol. Sage tincture would taste great in a homemade salad dressing!

Disclaimer – 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. 

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