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Tincture Recipe and Potency Calculator

Forging Connections Through Herbal Alchemy

Herbalism is a practice with roots in centuries-old traditions, bridging time-honored wisdom with the rhythms—with the heartbeats—of the natural world. Steeped in ancestral knowledge and adapted for modern applications and contemporary concerns, the alchemy of herbalism bridges a timeless connection between people and plants—cultivated with care, purpose, intention, and an enduring respect for nature.

Making Tinctures – Honoring Tradition and Embracing Connection

The history of tincture-making is deeply entwined with the story of home-based herbalism. Long before tinctures became mass-produced and widely available, they were carefully prepared in home apothecaries by those devoted to unlocking the potential of plants and connecting with their transformative energy. This method of medicine-making goes beyond a simple, mechanical process—it is herbal alchemy that, with a wide enough lens, can be seen for what it truly is: a practice of social and political alchemy, reconnecting us—human animals—with the earth and its innate ability to heal.

Making tinctures at home is an invitation to engage closely with plants, deepening our awareness of the circadian rhythms of the natural world—rhythms that unequivocally bind us to a time and place much greater than the human lifespan can contain—while grounding us in a lineage of traditions that spans generations, spans places, and spans time. Herbalism as an art and craft fosters mindfulness and an appreciation of how these rhythms support and enhance our well-being while connecting us to those who came before us, who are here with us now, and who will be here long after we are not.

Allow the craft of plant-medicine to become an act of care and an act of intention—both for ourselves and for those with whom we share the fruits of our labor. Through this act of alchemy, plants undergo a transformation, and we, too, are transformed: we cultivate a deeper experiential understanding of what binds us while we forge a deeper purpose—of wellness and tradition, and of our relationship to—and with—the natural world.

Tincture Recipe and Potency Calculator

Whether you're crafting your first tincture or refining a complex herbal formula, the Tincture Recipe and Potency Calculator simplifies the process. Just enter a few key details, and the calculator will determine the exact amount of herb and alcohol (menstruum) required, your herb-to-alcohol ratio, and the final tincture potency—so you can formulate with accuracy and confidence.

For those seeking more control, Advanced Mode offers additional features, including custom serving sizes, extraction percentages, and precise herb concentrations.

  • Standard Mode – Calculates the required alcohol volume, herb-to-alcohol ratio, and final tincture potency.
  • Advanced Mode – Provides detailed customization, including serving sizes, multi-herb formulas, and the amount of each herb per serving.

Before You Begin – A Few Words on Responsible Wild-Crafting and Sourcing

Whether you're wild-crafting herbs yourself or purchasing them, honor the plants through responsible harvesting and ethical sourcing. These practices not only help ensure the sustainability of these invaluable resources—they also deepen your connection to nature and to the plants and practices that heal us.

Keep these guidelines in mind as you gather your materials and prepare your tinctures:

  • Know Your Source – Choose herbs from trusted suppliers who prioritize ethical, sustainable harvesting practices. If purchasing cultivated herbs, opt for certified organic.
  • Harvest Responsibly – If wild-crafting, take only what you need and avoid collecting more than 10% of a plant population in any given area.
  • Respect the Ecosystem – Use methods that protect biodiversity and support the long-term balance of the environment.
  • Avoid Endangered and Threatened Species – Do not gather or purchase herbs from endangered or at-risk plant populations.
  • Educate Yourself – Take time to understand the plants you work with—their ecological roles, traditional uses, and cultural significance.

By making intentional, informed choices, you help protect plant populations and preserve the delicate ecosystems that sustain us all.

Tincture Making FAQs