Making Herbal Tinctures
Herbal tinctures are one of the easiest and most effective ways to use plants to support your dog’s wellness naturally. Whether you’re looking to soothe occasional tummy upset, calm anxiety, or support immune function, a tincture is a fantastic way to deliver herbs in a safe, convenient format—especially when your dog won’t go near powders or teas.
Let’s walk through the basics of how to make one—and answer the common question: Do I need dried herbs or fresh ones?
What Is a Tincture?
A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made by steeping herbs in a solvent (most often alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar). Over time, the plant's beneficial constituents are pulled out into the liquid. You then strain the herbs and store the resulting extract in a dark dropper bottle for long-term use.
Tinctures are shelf-stable, potent, and ideal for small dosing—especially helpful with dogs.
Do I Need Fresh or Dried Herbs?
The good news: you can use either—but there are pros and cons to both:
Dried herbs are more consistent. They have a longer shelf life, are easy to measure, and most recipes are formulated for dried material. They're perfect if you're just starting out or making a tincture from herbs you don’t grow yourself.
Fresh herbs can be more potent (especially for aromatic herbs like lemon balm, chamomile, or mint), but they also contain water. That means they can introduce moisture into your tincture, which may shorten its shelf life or increase the risk of mold unless you adjust ratios and use high-proof alcohol.
If you’re harvesting herbs from your own garden—awesome! Just make sure they’re clean, dry, and free of contaminants or pests.
Choosing a Base: Alcohol, Glycerin, or Vinegar?
Alcohol is the most effective at extracting a wide range of plant constituents and preserving them long-term. Choose a high-proof vodka (80–100 proof) for dried herbs, or higher (151+) if using fresh herbs.
Glycerin (vegetable glycerin) is sweet, alcohol-free, and gentler for sensitive pets. It works well for herbs where alcohol isn't needed for extraction.
Apple cider vinegar is less commonly used but works well with mineral-rich or astringent herbs. Not as shelf-stable as alcohol.
Basic Tincture Instructions (Folk Method)
Here’s a general outline to get you started:
Fill a glass jar about halfway with dried herbs, or 2/3 full if using fresh.
Pour your chosen liquid (alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar) over the herbs to fully submerge them—leave about an inch of space at the top.
Seal tightly and label with the herb name, solvent used, and date.
Store in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar every day or two.
After 4–6 weeks, strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Store in dark glass dropper bottles in a cool cabinet. Alcohol tinctures can last 5+ years; glycerites and vinegar tinctures about a year.
Safe Herbal Ideas to Start With
Always make sure herbs are dog-safe and appropriate for your pet’s age, health conditions, and medications. Some gentle options to explore:
Chamomile – calming and tummy soothing
Lemon balm – antiviral and relaxing
Marshmallow root – digestive and urinary tract support
Hawthorn – cardiovascular and heart health
Cleavers – lymphatic and detox support
You’ll find more herbal ideas in our private client forum!
What Can Tinctures Be Used For?
With the right herbs, tinctures can support many areas of your dog’s health:
Seasonal immune support
Nervous system calm
Liver and kidney detox
Parasite detox protocols
Allergy and skin health
Digestive balance
Tinctures are also great to have on hand in a first aid kit or travel wellness pouch.
Glycerites (aka Alcohol-Free Tinctures)
Best for extracting delicate plant compounds without alcohol
How it’s made: Herbs are soaked in vegetable glycerin
Time: Weeks to steep or purchase ready-made
Why it's helpful: Glycerin extracts some active compounds while being safe for dogs who can’t have alcohol
These are a great alternative to alcohol-based tinctures, especially for dogs with liver issues or puppies. They’re shelf-stable and easy to dose in food or directly by mouth.
Wrapping Up
Making your own herbal tincture is easier than you think—and an empowering way to support your dog’s health naturally. Whether you start with dried or fresh herbs, you're creating a simple, effective remedy that can be tailored to your dog’s needs.
Want to learn more about which herbs to use, how to dose safely, and how to build a full herbal first aid kit?
Join our private client forum for the full guide: https://members.welloiledk9.com
And don’t miss the community conversation on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/wellfedk9
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.