Let's Make Echinacea Tincture

Making your own herbal medicine is SO fun and much easier than you think!  Bonus: you get the joy of creating wellness products for those you love with the plants from your own garden.  I’m pretty sure all the extra love that you gave your plants comes to life in your medicine too ;) 

The basics:  What is a tincture?  

One of oldest traditional methods of creating herbal formulas, tinctures are highly concentrated liquid extracts of herbs.  Liquid solvents (menstruum) are used to extract the chemical properties of the herbs. The process of preserving your herbs in alcohol or vinegar preserves the qualities of herbs indefinitely, allowing them to be stored and shared for many years. 

All About My Girl, Echinacea

Scientific name/varietal to use: Echinacea Purpurea or Echinacea Agostifolia 

Scientific properties: antimicrobial, alterative, antiviral, antiseptic

Purple cone flower is the common name for this gorgeous perennial herb.  She grows happily in many zones and will self propagate - giving you loads of glorious flowers in your garden.  A pollinator herb, she is loved by bees, butterflies and gold finches..

Echinacea is one of my favorite immune support herbs.  An immune booster, she powers the system up - giving your body more fight to ward off germs.  Echinacea is effective against both bacterial and viral infections and can be combined with other herbs to target specific infections. For instance, echinacea with elecampane can target lung congestion and cough.  Echinacea with cranberry can support the body fighting bladder infections. 

Parts used:

Most echinacea tinctures are made from the root.  However, I always add in some flowers for their special brand of flower magic. 

When to harvest: 

If you are only using the root, you can harvest in the fall.  This is when the energy is flowing back to the roots after the growing season. 

I like to make my tincture in the summer so it is ready for the fall.  I also like to include flowers and they need to be in their prime & full of vitality.  Anytime you make herbal medicine, be sure that your plants are healthy, happy & vital - this is the energy you are putting into your medicine after all. 

How to harvest: 

Give thanks to the plant for all the benefits that she is sharing with you.  You can add a small offering at her base, or just give your gratitude. 

To harvest the roots, dig a little way away from the center of the plant.  You want to gather enough roots to make your tincture without taking so much that you kill or harm your plant.  If you have many plants, take a little from each that is willing to share with you. Remember you are cutting off her toes, be mindful. 

To harvest the flowers, cut at the branch in the stem and select the healthiest ones. 

When to use my tincture: 

• When you come into contact with sick folks

• When traveling, as a preventative

• At the first signs of feeling unwell

• When the kids go back to school

• Add to your daily routine if you’re under extreme stress to keep your body strong

• Take off and on as needed, echinacea is not intended a daily use tincture

• Echinacea is an immune stimulant, do not use if you have Hyperthyroid (you don’t need stimulated my friend). 

• Always consult your doctor before using herbs, particularly if you are taking medications

The Nitty Gritty Details of Tincture Making: 

• Your tinctures can be made in Alcohol, Apple Cider Vinegar or Glycerine. Traditionally Vodka is used, however I prefer Brandy as it’s a bit softer when ingesting your tincture.  For non-alcohol versions, organic apple cider vinegar is best. 

• Once your echinacea is harvested, Dry Wilt but leaving it on a towel or basket for a couple of hours (in the shade on your porch). This process allows excess water to evaporate - decreasing the chances of mold. 

• Next, chop your herbs. You want to help break down the fiber and aid in the extraction process..You can determine your own level of chopping. Don’t over think it - just chop it up a bit. 

• If using fresh herbs, you need ½ mason jar full. If you are using dried herbs, you only need ⅕-¼ of the jar filled with herbs.  We are using the Simplers or Folklore Herbal Method. This is approximate, not exact.

• While your plants dry wilt, SANITIZE your mason jar.  To Sanitize, run through the dishwasher or dip your jars in a boiling water bath.  Sanitation is KEY to ensuring your tincture doesn’t mold.

• Place herbs in your sanitized jar and pour menstruum over herbs.  Mix well so that all herbs are wet & totally covered - nothing poking out of the liquid.  

• Cap Jar tightly.  Be sure to  wipe off the rim of the jar to ensure a tight seal. You can place wax or parchment paper between the jar and lid if you like. 

• Label jar with  1) Plant Name 2) Date created 3) Date to be strained (You will forget what this is otherwise - trust me!)

• Let her steep…I usually do 4-6 weeks. Traditional western medicine says 2 weeks is sufficient maceration time.  Some traditional Chinese tinctures take over a year to create.  Allow your tincture to steep for at LEAST 3 weeks, let it sit longer if you feel it needs more time.

• Tinctures can be made in the dark or in the light. Many herbalists encourage tinctures to be placed in a dark space.  Others believe in allowing the sun & moon energies to work on the plant and place their jars in the light.  Try both & see what you like best.

• Shake jars occasionally when you pass by.  This helps to create friction and energy, encouraging more molecules to leave the plant and bond with the liquid.

TIME TO STRAIN: 

• After 3-4 weeks of cooking time it’s time to strain

• Clean jar of dirt & dust collected outside

• Prepare another Clean & Sanitized mason jar for storage of the primary tincture

• Use a large strainer lined with cheesecloth to strain the herbs from the menstruum while pouring your liquid tincture into its new jar

• Be sure to squeeze all of the excess liquid out of the plant matter. Old Plant matter can be composted

• Label your jar with the Plant, Menstruum, Percentage (1:5 or 20% ex), and Date 

• Store in cool, dry place.

• Decant into Small Amber Glass Jars with Droppers for daily use. Be sure to LABEL your little jars too.

Enjoy friends you did it!!!  Though there are a lot of steps listed, like any recipe, it’s easier once you are doing it. I have faith in you. 

<3 Jessica