How To Make Thyme Tincture (Anti-Microbial Herbal Recipe)

An amber dropper bottle next to fresh thyme on a wooden cutting board.

Nico

How To Make Thyme Tincture (Anti-Microbial Herbal Recipe)

Thyme is packed with natural compounds that fight off bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and it's great for easing coughs and supporting respiratory health. This easy recipe shows you how to make a thyme tincture at home with just two ingredients.

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Prep Time 5

Additional Time 56

Total Time 56 5

Servings: 1 bottle

Course: Tinctures for Inflammation

Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients

1/2 cups Fresh or dried thyme - here's an organic dried source. It’s a good idea to use organic herbs if you can find them but use what you have
1 cup 80-proof unflavoured alcohol - You can use any type of alcohol you have on hand. I like to use unflavoured vodka. If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin.

Equipment

An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with a piece of parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal. – I use these glass mason jars
Small dark glass bottle with a dropper top - I use these ones - here's the ones I use
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter - I like this unbleached cheesecloth
A small funnel
A sharp knife, food processor, or mortar and pestle – for chopping up fresh thyme

Method

If you’re using fresh thyme, wash the herb and allow it to dry completely overnight.
Use a knife or mortar and pestle to crush up the fresh thyme. If you’re making a big batch, you can use a food processor to more quickly blitz a large amount. We do this to maximise the surface area of the thyme exposed to alcohol which will increase the amount of beneficial compounds the alcohol will extract from the plant.
Add the fresh herb to a clean glass jar. You want the jar to be about ¾ of the way full. If you’re using dried herbs, fill the jar ⅓ of the way full.
To start the extraction process, cover the herbs with alcohol completely. You want all of the plant material to be totally submerged in alcohol to avoid it becoming mouldy.
Put the lid on the jar and give it a good shake. Set it in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks. Date and label the tincture so you remember what it is and when you made it. Aim to shake it a few times a week to keep everything below the alcohol.
After 8 weeks, use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to strain off the tincture. You can also use a coffee filter to get a finer strain - it will take a bit longer than the other options.
Use a small funnel to add the tincture to an amber glass dropper bottle. Label the tincture and it’s ready to use.

Video

Notes

How much thyme tincture to take?

Because thyme is a culinary herb, you don’t have to worry too much about the dosage unless you really overdo it. I like to take thyme tincture preventatively during the colder months. I take 1-2 droppers full per day. You can start by taking small amounts and work your way up.

How long does thyme tincture last?

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

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