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Tinctures are a cornerstone of any home apothecary. They are concentrated liquid extracts that use alcohol to pull out the medicinal constituents of a plant, creating a shelf-stable medicine that lasts for years. While some prefer complex mathematical ratios, I have always been partial to the Folk Method—a traditional, intuitive way of making medicine that connects you directly to the plants. At Herbs Love + Yoga in Sandy Hook, CT, I love teaching this method because it removes the intimidation factor. It allows you to listen to the herbs and your own intuition. Supplies You’ll Need
The Step-by-Step Folk Method1. Prepare Your HerbsPlace your herbs into your clean 4 oz glass jar.
2. Menstruum (The Alcohol)Pour your vodka or brandy over the herbs until the jar is full. Ensure the herbs are completely submerged to prevent any spoilage. 3. Label with EaseBefore you put the jar away, label it. I prefer using painter’s tape for this. It stays put, but when the tincture is ready, it peels right off—no more scrubbing sticky label residue off your beautiful glass jars! Write down the herb name, the type of alcohol used, and the date. 4. The Intentional ConnectionMedicine making is a spiritual act. Before setting the jar aside, hold the tincture up to your forehead. Take a deep breath and infuse the jar with your intentions. Visualize the healing properties of the plant merging with the alcohol to support your wellness. 5. The Maceration (The Wait) Keep your tincture on your counter, out of direct sunlight and away from high heat. For the next 4 weeks, every time you walk past the jar, give it a vigorous shake. This movement helps the alcohol circulate and extract the medicine from the plant material. Straining and DosageAfter 4 weeks, your medicine is ready. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, squeezing every last drop out of the herbs. Pour your finished tincture into a clean glass jar or a dark amber dropper bottle. Standard Dosage:
I like to put my tinctures into 1 oz of water before putting them directly into my mouth to dilute them a bit. For children you can add them to a little bit of juice. Some of my clients like to add their tinctures to their morning coffee. Watch this video that breaks down how to make your herbal tinctures. What herb are you feeling called to tincture first for your home apothecary? Let me know in the comments? Note: Always research the specific herb you are using, as some potent plants may require smaller doses. Start Your Apothecary in Sandy HookCrafting your own medicine is an empowering way to take charge of your health. Whether you are looking for dried nettle for seasonal support or a high-quality brandy to start your blend, I invite you to visit Herbs Love + Yoga. I carry a variety of bulk herbs perfect for your 4 oz batch experiments! 🌿 Herbs Love + Yoga is an herbal medicine shop and herbal school based in Sandy Hook, a historic village in Newtown, Connecticut. We specialize in nourishing plant remedies, hands-on education, and community healing rooted in the Wise Woman Tradition. We offer:
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There is nothing quite like sinking into a warm bath infused with the essence of plants. It is one of the most immersive ways to experience herbal medicine—transforming your bathroom into a sanctuary and your self-care into a deep, physiological treatment. At Herbs Love + Yoga in Sandy Hook, CT, I am a huge advocate for tea baths, but there is a specific technique to getting it right. If you’ve ever seen photos of flower petals floating loosely in a tub, they look beautiful, but the reality is a nightmare. Cleanup is a chore, and more importantly, those loose herbs can easily clog your drain. On the other hand, many people use small muslin bags. While this solves the mess, it creates a new problem: the herbs don’t have enough room or heat to fully extract, leaving you with a "weak" bath that lacks potency. Here is how we do it in the Wise Woman tradition to ensure every drop is packed with plant power. The Master Method: The "Jar-to-Tub" InfusionTo get the most out of your herbs, you need to treat your bath water like a giant cup of medicinal tea.
The Result: A highly concentrated medicinal bath with zero cleanup and no clogged pipes. Skin Absorption: The Body’s Largest OrganWhy go through this effort? Because anything we put on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. Our skin isn't a solid barrier; it’s a living, breathing organ. When you soak in a concentrated herbal infusion, your body drinks in the plant constituents just as it would if you were sipping a cup of tea. This is a game-changer for physical and spiritual support. You can choose your herbs to soothe sore muscles, calm a restless mind, or support the skin itself. The "Apothecary Secret" for Picky Eaters (and Mothers!)This method is my favorite "trick" for supporting loved ones who might be resistant to the taste of herbal tea.
What is the first herbal blend you'd like to try as a "spa day" infusion? Let me know in the comments. Visit Us in Sandy Hook, CTWhether you are looking for a calming blend for a restless night or a supportive Nettle blend for allergy season, I have a variety of hand-blended herbs ready for your next infusion. Stop by Herbs Love + Yoga to pick up your supplies or to chat about which herbs would be best for your specific needs. Let's make your next bath a truly potent act of wellness. 🌿 Herbs Love + Yoga is an herbal medicine shop and herbal school based in Sandy Hook, a historic village in Newtown, Connecticut. We specialize in nourishing plant remedies, hands-on education, and community healing rooted in the Wise Woman Tradition.
We offer:
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Hi, I'm AlyssaMindfulness, yoga, and herbal medicine have been fundamental to my own journey in life. I hope to share my experiences and perspectives in order to inspire and connect with others. Archives
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