Echinacea Tincture Made Simple: The Ancient Folk Method

How to Make an Echinacace Purpurea Tincture

In the realm of herbal medicine, few remedies are as revered as echinacea. Known for its immune-boosting properties, echinacea has been used for centuries by various cultures to support overall wellness and combat ailments. Making your own echinacea tincture using the folk method is a cost-effective way to harness its benefits and a deeply satisfying process that connects you with the tradition of herbal healing. In this post, we’ll walk through the steps of crafting your very own echinacea tincture using the ancient folk method.

Understanding the Folk Method:

The folk method of making herbal tinctures is a time-honored approach that relies on intuition, tradition, and a deep respect for the plant you are using. Unlike more precise mathematical methods that involve measuring ingredients and adhering strictly to ratios, the folk method encourages a more intuitive approach, allowing for variation and personalization based on individual preferences and experiences. It is a great method to use for home use!

Equipment You Need

• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• Stir Stick
• Parchment Paper
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Dark glass dropper bottles for storing the finished tincture

Ingredients

• Echinacea root or aerial parts (fresh or dried) *Dried E. purpurea root is used for this recipe 
• High-proof alcohol (such as vodka or brandy) * Absolut vodka is used for this recipe

*NOTE: If you use fresh herb or root you will need a higher proof alcohol since there will be water content from the fresh plant material that will dilute the alcohol content. 

Instructions

1.) Start by selecting high-quality echinacea root or aerial parts. You can either harvest echinacea from your own garden or purchase it from a reputable supplier to ensure it’s the correct herb and no harsh chemicals or pesticides where used during growing and harvesting. If you’re using fresh echinacea, make sure to wash it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before proceeding.

2.) Chop or grind the echinacea into small pieces. This will increase the surface area of the plant material, allowing for better extraction of its medicinal properties. If you’re using dried echinacea, you can skip this step.

3.) Fill a glass jar about halfway with the chopped or ground echinacea. Pour the high-proof alcohol over the echinacea until it is completely covered, ensuring that there is at least an inch of alcohol above the plant material. Stir with a stir stick to ensure all plant material is submerged. *Use a non-metallic lid to seal the jar tightly or line the top with parchment paper before sealing the lid.

4.)Place the jar in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry, and let it sit for 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, the alcohol extracts beneficial compounds from the echinacea. *Shake the jar gently every day to agitate the mixture and promote thorough extraction. If you forget to shake every day; that’s okay! It just may take a little longer for extraction of the good stuff. 

Wait 4 to 6 weeks to Extract

1.) After 4-6 weeks; strain the tincture using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to separate the liquid from the solid plant material. Squeeze the cheesecloth or strainer to extract as much liquid as possible. Transfer the strained tincture into dark glass dropper bottles for storage. Dark glass helps to protect the tincture from light, which can degrade its potency over time.

2.) Label the bottles with the date and contents, and store them in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, echinacea tincture can last for several years.

Usage

To use your homemade echinacea tincture, simply add a few drops to a glass of water, tea, or juice. Alternatively, you can take it directly under the tongue for faster absorption. Echinacea tincture is commonly used to support the immune system during illness or stress. Read more about Echinecea’s uses and research as well as common preparations. 

Making your own echinacea tincture using the folk method is a rewarding and empowering experience that allows you to connect with the healing power of nature. By following these simple steps and trusting your intuition, you can create a potent and effective remedy that will aid in your natural wellness journey. Embrace the wisdom of the folk method, and let the magic of echinacea infuse your life with vitality and wellness!

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.