Discover seven popular herbs that are commonly used in homemade summer tinctures. Learn why herbalists enjoy working with these botanicals and how to choose quality dried herbs for your next project.
Summer is one of the busiest seasons for home herbalists. Gardens are thriving, farmers' markets are full of fresh botanicals, and it's the perfect time to prepare herbal tinctures that can be stored and enjoyed throughout the year.
A tincture is one of the oldest methods of preserving herbs. By extracting herbs in alcohol, many herbalists create concentrated botanical preparations that store well when properly made and labeled.
If you're looking for herbs that are traditionally popular for homemade tinctures, these are a great place to start.
Note: Herbal traditions vary across cultures, and preparation methods differ depending on the herb. Always research the specific botanical you're working with before preparing a tincture and follow appropriate safety guidance.
1. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is one of the most approachable herbs for beginners. Its fresh citrus aroma and long history in European herbal traditions have made it a favorite for home herbal preparations.
Dried lemon balm is easy to work with, stores well, and can be prepared throughout the year, making it a popular choice for first-time tincture makers.
2. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile is best known for its small daisy-like flowers and pleasant floral aroma.
Because only the flower heads are typically used, quality dried chamomile provides an easy starting point for herbal extractions. Many home herbalists enjoy keeping chamomile in their apothecary alongside teas and infused oils.
3. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula's bright orange and yellow blossoms have been cultivated for centuries.
The dried flowers are commonly used in a variety of traditional herbal preparations, making calendula a versatile addition to any herbal collection.
Many herbal enthusiasts enjoy preparing both tinctures and infused oils from the same batch of dried flowers.
4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is appreciated around the world for its unmistakable fragrance.
When prepared as a tincture, dried lavender captures much of the plant's natural aroma while offering another way to preserve the harvest.
Choose fragrant, vibrant flower buds for the best results.
5. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Peppermint is one of the most recognizable herbs in home herbalism.
Its refreshing aroma makes it a favorite for teas, homemade botanical preparations, and tinctures. Dried peppermint leaves are easy to store and readily available year-round.
6. Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)
Unlike leafy herbs, ginger offers a completely different experience for tincture making.
Its dense rhizome has been used in traditional herbal systems across Asia for centuries. Dried ginger root is commonly kept in herbal pantries because it can be used in teas, culinary recipes, and a variety of traditional preparations.
7. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea has become one of the most recognizable herbs in North America.
Depending on the preparation, herbalists may work with the root, aerial portions, or both. Because different parts of the plant have traditionally been used in different ways, it's helpful to know exactly which form you're purchasing before beginning a tincture.
Choosing Quality Herbs for Tinctures
The quality of your finished tincture starts with the quality of the herbs you use.
When selecting dried botanicals, look for herbs that:
- Retain their natural color
- Have a fresh, characteristic aroma
- Are free of excess moisture
- Are properly labeled with the botanical name
- Have been stored in appropriate packaging
Whole or minimally processed herbs also make it easier to identify the plant material before beginning your preparation.
Tips for Better Homemade Tinctures
A few simple habits can improve your tincture-making experience:
- Label every jar with the herb name and the date you started the extraction.
- Store tinctures in amber glass bottles to help protect them from light.
- Keep herbs completely submerged during the extraction period.
- Record your recipes so you can repeat successful batches.
Building these habits early makes it easier to organize your herbal apothecary as your collection grows.
Build Your Herbal Apothecary with LA Herb
Whether you're just beginning to explore herbal tinctures or expanding an established collection, starting with quality botanicals makes every project more enjoyable.
At LA Herb, you'll find a wide selection of dried leaves, flowers, roots, bark, berries, mushrooms, and traditional herbs sourced from around the world. From single-ingredient preparations to custom herbal projects, our collection offers the variety needed to build a well-stocked herbal pantry and apothecary.
Explore our selection and discover new herbs for your next homemade tincture.