What is a Tincture & How to Make One

A tincture is an alcoholic extract of herbal constituents.

What is a tincture?

A magickal tincture is a concentrated herbal extract used in various spiritual and magical practices to harness and amplify the inherent energies and properties of the chosen herbs or flowers.

These tinctures are typically made by steeping plant materials in alcohol, water, or a combination of both, which extracts the plant’s essences and preserves them.

The resulting liquid can be used in rituals, spells, anointing, and other magickal workings to manifest intentions, enhance spiritual awareness, and bring about desired outcomes.

What do you Need to Make a Tincture?

To make a tincture, fill a wide-mouthed jar with the herb you wish to extract. Fill it with very high proof alcohol, seal it tightly and forget about it for a few months. The strain and re-bottle. Usually, the dosage is just a few drops at a time.

You can usually find 80-100 proof Vodka wherever liquor is sold and this will produce a very nice tincture using most fresh or dried plant material. Vodka is nice because it doesn’t have a lot of its own flavor so the herbs you are using can really shine. Brandy is also a nice choice, but it has a much stronger flavor that I like to use with sweet herbs.

If you need to dissolve resins or gums, you will need a higher proof but you may have trouble finding stronger alcohol.

Everclear is an old standby that may be available at specialty liquor stores but new products such as Extractahol and E.O.X. are specially marketed for extracting essential oils and resins.

Be careful when you choose a product that you are choosing food-grade ethyl alcohol that has not been denatured if you are going to be using your tincture internally. Rubbing alcohol and denatured grain alcohol might be okay for making house cleaning sprays or even muscle rubs, but they should not be ingested.

An acetum is commonly called a vinegar tincture.

Detailed directions for several methods for making your own tincture can be found at https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/guide-tinctures-extracts

How to activate a magickal tincture?

• Ritual: Perform a small ritual or spell to empower the tincture with your intention. This could involve lighting candles, reciting incantations, or invoking specific deities or spirits.
• Steeping Period: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, shaking it daily. The longer it steeps, the stronger the tincture will become.
• Straining: After the steeping period, strain the liquid into a dark glass bottle using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the plant material.
• Blessing the Tincture: Perform a final blessing or consecration to charge the tincture with your desired energy.

Uses of Magickal Tinctures

Magickal tinctures can be employed in various ways, depending on the practitioner’s needs and the properties of the plants used:

• Anointing: Apply a few drops to your body, candles, talismans, or other ritual tools to enhance their power.
• Ritual Baths: Add a few drops to your bathwater to immerse yourself in the desired energy.
• Spellwork: Incorporate the tincture into spells by adding it to potions, sprinkling it around a space, or using it to draw symbols or sigils.
• Meditation: Use the tincture during meditation to deepen your connection with specific energies or deities.

Usage and Shelf Life

Flower tinctures have a relatively short shelf life, so watch for any signs of mold after a few weeks. Before that, these tinctures can be a delightful part of your daily routine, offering pure floral energy. Use them as a facial toner, a light perfume, or a home spray to imbue your space with the desired energy.

Exploring Different Tinctures and Their Energetic Properties

Each herb carries its unique energy and benefits. Here’s a look at some popular herbal tinctures and their properties:

• Rose: Love, beauty, and emotional healing.
• Lavender: Peace, relaxation, and purification.
• Sage: Protection, cleansing, and wisdom.
• Mugwort: Psychic abilities, dreams, and divination.
• Chamomile: Prosperity, healing, and calming energy.
• Peppermint: Energy, clarity, and protection.

Conclusion

Magickal tinctures are a beautiful way to harness the natural energies of flowers and incorporate them into your daily life. With these easy steps and understanding of each flower’s properties, you can create personalized tinctures that bring beauty, balance, and positive energy into your world.