Oregano Tincture
Oregano tincture is a homemade herbal remedy that's easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Equipment
- Pint mason jar (or any other jar with a tight-fitting lid)
- Funnel
- Cheesecloth (or fine mesh strainer)
- Adhesive label or masking tape (for labelling tincture)
Ingredients
- Oregano Fresh or Dried
- Neutral Spirit such as vodka*
Instructions
- Start by filling a clean mason jar about halfway (1/2) with dried oregano. Fresh oregano can be used as well, but dried herbs are typically more concentrated and easier to work with for tinctures. If using fresh oregano, pack the jar more loosely to allow room for expansion.
- Pour your choice of alcohol over the oregano, ensuring that the plant material is fully submerged. Common options include vodka, brandy, or rum, but any high-proof alcohol (at least 60 proof) will work. Alcohol extracts the active compounds from the oregano efficiently.
- Once the jar is filled, screw the lid on tightly and shake the jar gently to combine the alcohol and oregano. Place the jar in a cool, dark spot, out of direct sunlight, to begin the extraction process. Let it sit for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Shake the jar every 2-3 days to help the extraction process and ensure that the oregano stays evenly soaked. Keep an eye on the alcohol level during this time and top it off with more alcohol if the herbs are no longer fully covered.
- After the 6 to 8 weeks have passed, it's time to strain the tincture. Place a cheesecloth or fine strainer over a funnel and pour the tincture into a dark glass bottle, pressing down on the oregano to extract all the liquid.
- Once the tincture has been strained, transfer it to a dark glass bottle and label it with the name of the herb, the date it was made, the dosage instructions, and any other relevant details. Store the tincture in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
Notes
Alcohol Selection
Vodka is commonly used because of its neutral flavor, but you can also use other alcohols like brandy or rum for a more complex flavor profile. Just make sure the alcohol content is at least 60 proof (30% alcohol) for optimal preservation and extraction. Never use denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol in tinctures, as these are toxic and unsuitable for consumption.Yield
The final yield will depend on whether you're using fresh or dried oregano. If you're using dried herbs, expect to lose some alcohol to absorption by the plant material. For a quart-sized jar, you'll typically need 2 to 3 cups of alcohol, or around 1 to 1.5 cups for a pint-sized jar. Make sure that the oregano stays fully submerged to avoid mold and ensure a clean tincture.Alcohol-Free Glycerite Option
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can make an alcohol-free glycerite tincture. To do so, cover the dried oregano with a mixture of 3 parts vegetable glycerin to 1 part distilled water. If using fresh oregano, you can skip the water and just use glycerin. As the glycerite develops, shake it daily to help with the extraction, and follow the same process as you would with an alcohol tincture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!