Alcohol is the best way to make homemade tinctures but for a variety of reasons some people want to avoid using it. Here is how to remove alcohol from homemade herbal tinctures without losing access to the medicinal benefits that tinctures provide.
Why do tinctures use alcohol?
Alcohol-based tinctures are liquid herbal extracts made by soaking fresh plant material or dried herbs in high-proof alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol. This extraction method effectively draws out the plant constituents, including beneficial compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and volatile oils, resulting in a concentrated liquid form of herbal medicine.
Alcohol is also a preservative, which helps extend the shelf life of the tincture by preventing the growth of microorganisms that can cause spoilage.
If you want to make your tinctures without using alcohol, here’s my step-by-step guide for doing so.
An overview of the extraction process
Most tinctures are made using alcohol or vinegar (although vinegar-based ones are called extractions rather than tinctures). To begin the herbal preparations, you simply chop up fresh or dried plant material and add it to a glass jar. Then cover the dried or fresh herbs with alcohol (or vinegar) and let it sit for 6-8 weeks. The alcohol will extract the medicinal properties from the plant matter. Then you simply strain off the liquid and use a small funnel to bottle it. You can consume most alcohol tinctures directly or by diluting them in water, juice, or tea.
Occasions when you may want an alcohol-free tincture
Personal preference – You may have a preference to simply avoid alcohol.
Children – Alcohol-free tinctures are often preferred for children.
People with particular sensitivities – Some people may be sensitive to alcohol or have conditions that contraindicate its use, such as liver disease or alcohol intolerance.
People avoiding alcohol interactions – Despite the very small amount of alcohol in normal doses of homemade tinctures, alcohol may interact with certain medications or health conditions. In such cases, alcohol-free alternatives are preferable.
Taste preference – Alcohol-free tinctures may have a milder taste compared to ones based on high-proof alcohol, making them more palatable for some people.
Religious or cultural reasons – In some cultures or religions, the consumption of alcohol may not be allowed or preferred.
Alternatives to alcohol for making tinctures
I’ve written a post specifically on how to make tinctures using food-grade glycerin and apple cider vinegar and you can read that here.
Apple cider vinegar
Store-bought apple cider vinegar is a good alternative to alcohol for tincture making. You want to use store-bought instead of homemade vinegar in your liquid extract to ensure it has the right level of acidity.
Pros
Non-alcoholic – Tinctures made with vinegar are suitable for those who want to avoid alcohol for personal, cultural, or health reasons.
Adds its health benefits – Apple cider vinegar is believed to have various health benefits, including antimicrobial properties and potential digestive benefits. Vinegar is a good option for making alcohol-free tinctures as well as other liquid herbal extracts like fire cider.
Less of a harsh flavour – Some people prefer the taste of apple cider vinegar over alcohol-based tinctures because it’s less biting.
Cons
Shorter shelf life – Tinctures made with vinegar do not last as long as those made with alcohol. This is because vinegar is not as effective at preserving the beneficial compounds.
Weaker tinctures – Tinctures made from vinegar are not usually as potent as those made with alcohol. This is because alcohol is not as effective during the extraction process at drawing out the beneficial compounds in fresh plants.
Vinegar taste – Some people find the taste (and smell) of vinegar off-putting.
Potential acidity – Vinegar can be acidic and may upset sensitive stomachs.
Food-grade glycerine
Food-grade glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a clear, odorless, and sweet-tasting liquid derived from natural fats and oils, usually from vegetable sources such as coconut, palm, or soybean oil.
Pros
Sweet taste – Glycerin has a sweet taste, potentially making it more palatable for some people.
Non-alcoholic – Glycerin is alcohol-free.
Long shelf life – Glycerin is a better preservative than vinegar, so glycerin-based tinctures typically have a longer shelf life than vinegar-based ones.
Cons
Limited extraction – Glycerin does not extract medicinal compounds from herbs as effectively as alcohol, resulting in less potent tinctures.
Caloric content – Glycerin tinctures are higher in calories, which may be concerning to some people.
How to remove alcohol from herbal tinctures
It’s difficult to completely remove alcohol from herbal alcohol extracts but there are three simple ways that you can significantly reduce the amount of alcohol. If you want to avoid alcohol altogether, I’ve listed a few ideas for how to do this below.
Method 1: Hot Water Method
The fastest way to reduce the alcohol content in a tincture is to use hot water. It’s also a good method if you don’t want to remove the alcohol from the entire bottle of tincture.
Tools
A kettle or saucepan to bring water to a boil
A mug
A spoon
Supplies
The tincture
Distilled water (if you can find it)
Instructions
By adding boiling water over your tincture, a small amount of alcohol will be removed.
Boil your kettle or bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. If you can find distilled water, consider using it. It will have a consistent composition and be free from minerals, chemicals, and microorganisms that may be present in tap water.
Add your tincture dose to a mug and pour the boiling water over it. Mix it with a spoon and allow it to cool slightly before consuming it.
Method 2: Heat Evaporation Method
Tools
Small saucepan
Small funnel
Supplies
The tincture
Instructions
Pour the tincture into a small saucepan.
Place the pan on the stovetop over low heat. It’s important to use low heat to prevent the tincture from boiling. If you’re concerned about the tincture boiling, use a homemade double boiler instead. Simply add the tincture to a heat-safe bowl and put the bowl on top of the small saucepan with water.
Allow the tincture to heat gently. As the temperature rises, the alcohol will begin to evaporate. Keep an eye on the process to prevent the mixture from boiling and prevent the plant’s essential oils from being destroyed.
For the 50 ml amber glass bottles, this process takes about 20-30 minutes.
Allow the tincture to cool completely.
Use a small funnel to pour it back into the tincture bottle.
Remember that since the alcohol content has been reduced, the shelf life will be shortened.
Method 3: Air Evaporation Method
This method takes the longest amount of time but it’s the best option if you don’t want to spend much hands-on time removing the alcohol from your tincture.
Tools
Glass jar
Ice cube tray (optional)
Small funnel
Beeswax wrap or tea towel
Supplies
The tincture
Instructions
Pour the tincture into a shallow bowl or pan. Cover the bowl with a beeswax wrap or tea towel. You want oxygen to be able to reach the liquid so avoid using an airtight container.
Place the container in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and leave it at room temperature. The goal is to allow the alcohol to evaporate naturally over time.
Stir the tincture occasionally to promote even evaporation.
Depending on the volume of alcohol and the environmental conditions, this method may take several days to weeks to complete.
You can also use an ice cube tray and add individual doses to each cube. This will make the evaporation process faster (about 24 hours per dropper full).
Again this method will not remove the alcohol completely but it can significantly reduce the alcohol content.
Tincture alternatives
If this all sounds too complex, there are other ways to consume the beneficial compounds in plant material that don’t involve tincturing. While alcohol is the best solvent and alcohol-based tinctures will give you the biggest boost of herbal medicine because alcohol is the most effective at drawing out and preserving the nutrients in plant materials, teas, infusions, and even herbal capsules are good (alcohol-free) alternatives. Our herbal medicine cupboard is filled not only with tinctures but also teas and other supplements!
Here are some ideas
Herbal teas or infusions – Brewing herbs in hot water to make teas or infusions is one of the most traditional and straightforward methods of consuming medicinal plants. Different herbs require different brewing times and temperatures to extract their beneficial compounds effectively. To maximise the nutrients in your tea, try to be patient and let the tea brew for at least 15 minutes.
Decoctions – Decoctions involve simmering plant parts like roots, bark, or seeds in water for an extended period to extract their medicinal properties. Decoctions are particularly useful for extracting compounds that are less soluble in water. I like to simmer the plant material until at least ½ the water I started with has evaporated.
Capsules – While they are more expensive, you can simply take store-bought herbal supplements with the ground herbs of your choice.
Powders – You can use a food processor to blend dried herbs into a powder and add the powder to smoothies, yogurt, soups, or sauces.
What to read next
How to Make Glycerin Tinctures: A Complete Guide
How To Make Alcohol-Free Tinctures And Extracts
How To Take An Herbal Tincture (Beginner’s Guide)
How To Use A Tincture (Simple Guide For How To Consume Them)
How To Make Chaga Tincture (3 Simple Medicinal Recipes)
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How To Remove Alcohol From Herbal Tinctures (Three Methods)
Alcohol is the best way to make homemade tinctures but for a variety of reasons some people want to avoid using it. Here is how to remove alcohol from homemade herbal tinctures without losing access to the medicinal benefits that tinctures provide.
Materials
- Water - distilled if you can find it
- The tincture
Tools
- A kettle or saucepan to bring water to a boil
- A mug
- A spoon
Instructions
Hot Water Method
- The fastest way to reduce the alcohol content in a tincture is to use hot water. It’s also a good method if you don’t want to remove the alcohol from the entire bottle of tincture.
- Boil your kettle or bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. If you can find distilled water, consider using it. It will have a consistent composition and be free from minerals, chemicals, and microorganisms that may be present in tap water.
- Add your tincture dose to a mug and pour the boiling water over it. Mix it with a spoon and allow it to cool slightly before consuming it.
Heat Evaporation Method
- Pour the tincture into a small saucepan.
- Place the pan on the stovetop over low heat. It's important to use low heat to prevent the tincture from boiling. If you’re concerned about the tincture boiling, use a homemade double boiler instead. Simply add the tincture to a heat-safe bowl and put the bowl on top of the small saucepan with water.
- Allow the tincture to heat gently. As the temperature rises, the alcohol will begin to evaporate. Keep an eye on the process to prevent the mixture from boiling and prevent the plant’s essential oils from being destroyed.
- For the 50 ml amber glass bottles, this process takes about 20-30 minutes.
- Allow the tincture to cool completely.
- Use a small funnel to pour it back into the tincture bottle.
- Remember that since the alcohol content has been reduced, the shelf life will be shortened.
Air Evaporation Method
- Pour the tincture into a shallow bowl or pan. Cover the bowl with a beeswax wrap or tea towel. You want oxygen to be able to reach the liquid so avoid using an airtight container.
- Place the container in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and leave it at room temperature. The goal is to allow the alcohol to evaporate naturally over time.
- Stir the tincture occasionally to promote even evaporation.
- Depending on the volume of alcohol and the environmental conditions, this method may take several days to weeks to complete.
- You can also use an ice cube tray and add individual doses to each cube. This will make the evaporation process faster (about 24 hours per dropper full).
- Again this method will not remove the alcohol completely but it can significantly reduce the alcohol content.
Notes
It’s difficult to completely remove alcohol from herbal alcohol extracts but there are three simple ways that you can significantly reduce the amount of alcohol.
Store-bought apple cider vinegar is a good alternative to alcohol for tincture making. You want to use store-bought instead of homemade vinegar in your liquid extract to ensure it has the right level of acidity.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I was trying to figure out how I could use an alcohol based tincture to treat my children.
I know you can use glycerine as the base, but the shelf life is shorter.
I don’t have a lot of experience. Trying to gain knowledge at this point
Hey! You can swap glycerine for alcohol 1:1 – so you can follow any tincture recipe that calls for alcohol and simply swap out the alcohol for food-grade glycerine. It has a good shelf life as well (1-2 years) so don’t worry too much about that – you can also always make smaller batches at a time to make sure you use it up before it goes bad. Glycerine is less effective at drawing out the medicine benefits than alcohol but it is still a good substitute.