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Dandelion tincture: Discover how to make and reap the benefits of this medicinal herb.

Making my own tinctures is a new project I’m embarking on at the homestead this year. Dandelion tincture was my debut! And it turned out to be an amazing success. Picking dandelions is one of our favorite spring activities with the kids. Aaron helped me pick the blooms, while I added in some dandelion root that I dug out and dandelion leaves. The entire process after this was super easy! The hardest part is waiting long enough for the tincture to mature. 

Why Dandelion Tincture?

Turns out that dandelions are an amazing natural remedy and one of the not so commonly used medicinal plants. With many versatile uses, they are a free and abundant common weed healer in your backyard. Rich in nutrients, every part of this plant offers medicinal benefits and a plethora of possible uses. I turned my own research and attention to dandelions partly because they were blooming in all of our farm fields, but also to help with post-partum balance. Edwin is now 6 months old, and I’m starting to have some mild signs of hormonal imbalance crop up. My body is working hard to recover from pregnancy and Edwin’s changing nursing needs. And dandelions are the perfect natural remedy to help me do just that. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dandelion, known as “Pugongying,” is valued for its diverse medicinal properties. Natural remedy-loving folks commonly use it to support liver health, aid digestion, and act as a diuretic, helping to eliminate excess water and toxins from the body. Dandelion is also believed to have heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, purifying the blood and reducing inflammation, particularly in conditions like arthritis and liver disease. 

This article may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclosure policy. I do not hold any medical certification. This article provides general information and has not been evaluated by Federal Drug Administration or a similar governmental body. Consult a healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements or dietary supplements or in case of adverse effects or allergic reaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• As long as you have access to dandelions from unpolluted, unsprayed areas, then this recipe is extremely easy to make. The hardest part is waiting for 4-8 weeks for the tincutre to become fully potent. 
• Making your own tinctures and herbal remedies from wild foraged plants is a great money saver! 
• Dandelion has many medicinal benefits that you will always be able to reap with this tincture in your back pocket. 

Use of Dandelion & Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Dandelion:

1. Rich in Nutrients: Dandelion greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and potassium. These bioactive compounds help, among other things, to support the immune system.
2. Liver Support: Some studies suggest that dandelion root may support liver health by promoting bile production and improving liver function. This can aid in detoxification processes in the body.
3. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Dandelion contains compounds that have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
4. Digestive Health: Dandelion root stimulates the production of digestive juices, which aid in healthy digestion, and relieve symptoms of indigestion and constipation.

Dandelion Tincture:

A dandelion tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made by soaking dandelion roots or leaves in alcohol. Here are some potential benefits and uses of dandelion tincture:

1. Liver Detoxification: Dandelion tincture is often used as a liver tonic or a cleansing herb, to support liver detoxification and improve liver function.
2. Digestive Aid: Similar to dandelion root tea, dandelion tincture is a bitter tonic that is great for the digestive tract, and helps relieve symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
3. Diuretic Effect: Dandelion tincture has a diuretic effect, helping with water retention and removing toxins from the body thanks to it’s antioxidant properties.
4. Anti-inflammatory Benefits: The anti-inflammatory properties of dandelion may also be present in the tincture form, offering relief from inflammation-related conditions.

Ingredients 

• 1 cup dandelion flowers & leaves 
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dandelion roots 

Instructions

1. First step is to locate an unpolluted area with dandelions. Make sure there are no roads nearby and that the area (or nearby areas) hasn’t been sprayed.
2. Wash your foraged dandelion greens, flowers and fresh dandelion root thoroughly to remove any dirt or bugs 
3. Chop everything up. 
4. Place in a jar and cover with alcohol (preferably organic alcohol, or grain alcohol such as potato vodka).
5. Leave in a dark, cool place for about 4 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally 
6. After 4 weeks, if the tincture has reached your desired potency, strain the leaves, petals & root with a fine mesh strainer. 
7. Store in an amber tincture bottle with a dropper top. 

How to Use this Simple Dandelion Tincture

There is a wide range of serving sizes for this tincture. This is a rough guide on the suggested serving size for your finished tincture: 

• General Health Maintenance ~ 1/2 teaspoon twice daily.
• Acute Skin Eruptions ~ 10 drops in water frequently throughout the day.
• For arthritis, gout, eczema, psoriasis & liver trouble ~ 1 teaspoon 3 times a day in water.
• Indigestion ~ 10 drops in water every hour until resolved.

FAQ

How do I identify dandelions?

Dandelions are recognizable by their bright yellow flowers and distinctive serrated leaves. The flowers consist of multiple small petals, forming a round, fluffy seed head resembling a puffball when mature.

Where can I find dandelions to harvest?

Look for dandelions in areas free from chemical pesticides, such as organic gardens, parks, or fields. Avoid harvesting from roadsides or areas where pollution may be present.

When is the best time to harvest dandelions?

Dandelion flowers are best harvested in the morning when they are fully open. For leaves and roots, spring and fall are ideal seasons, as the plant’s energy is concentrated in these parts during these times.

What parts of the dandelion plant can I use?

All parts of the dandelion plant—flowers, leaves, and roots—can be used for making tincture. Each part offers unique health benefits, so you can choose based on your specific needs.

How do I clean dandelions before making the tincture?

Rinse the dandelion parts thoroughly under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel or allow them to air dry before using.

What type of alcohol should I use?

High-proof alcohol like vodka, brandy, or grain alcohol is typically used for making liquid herbal extracts. Choose a clear, neutral-tasting alcohol with a high alcohol content (at least 80 proof) for optimal extraction.

How long does it take to make dandelion tincture?

The process of making dandelion tincture involves steeping the plant material in alcohol for several weeks to extract its medicinal properties fully. The entire process, including maceration and aging, can take 4 to 6 weeks.

Tips

1. Harvest at the Right Time: For optimal potency, harvest dandelion flowers, leaves, or roots during the plant’s peak season—spring for leaves and fall for roots.
2. Select Healthy Plants: Choose dandelions from areas free of pesticides and pollution. Look for vibrant, healthy plants with no signs of wilting or disease.
3. Thoroughly Clean the Dandelions: Rinse the harvested dandelion parts under cool water to remove dirt and debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel or allow them to air dry completely before use.
4. Use High-Quality Alcohol: Select high-proof alcohol, such as vodka, brandy, or grain alcohol, with at least 80 proof for optimal extraction process of medicinal compounds.
5. Ratio of Plant Material to Alcohol: Aim for a ratio of 1 part dandelion to 2 parts alcohol by volume. Ensure the plant material is fully submerged in the alcohol to prevent spoilage.
6. Maceration Time: Allow the dandelion mixture to macerate in the alcohol for at least 4 to 6 weeks in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar daily during this period to facilitate extraction.
7. Labeling and Dating: Label the jar with the contents (dandelion tincture), the type of alcohol used, and the date of preparation. This helps track the tincture’s potency and expiration date.
8. Strain Carefully: After maceration, strain the tincture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all plant material. Squeeze the plant material to extract as much liquid as possible.
9. Start with Small Doses: When using the tincture, start with a small dose and gradually increase if needed. Monitor your body’s response and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. If the bitter taste is difficult to overcome, try mixing with another liquid, such as tea or juice.

Storage

1. Choose Suitable Containers: Transfer the strained dandelion extract into dark glass bottles with a tight-sealing lid. Amber or cobalt blue bottles are ideal as they help protect the tincture from light exposure.
2. Avoid Light and Heat: Store the bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources like stoves or radiators. Just like with most other herbal products, light and heat can degrade the tincture and reduce its potency.
3. Maintain Consistent Temperature: Aim for a stable temperature environment, preferably between 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Avoid storing the tincture in areas prone to temperature fluctuations.
4. Label the Bottles: Label each bottle with the contents (dandelion tincture), the type of alcohol used, and the date of preparation. This helps you track the potency and expiration date of the tincture.
5. Check for Contamination: Ensure that the bottles are tightly sealed to prevent evaporation or contamination. Inspect the bottles periodically for signs of leakage or damage.
6. Keep Away from Children and Pets: Store the dandelion tincture out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. Consider using childproof caps or storing the bottles in a locked cabinet for added safety.
7. Use Dark, Opaque Containers: If you don’t have dark glass bottles, store the tincture in opaque containers or wrap clear bottles with aluminum foil to block out light.
8. Monitor Shelf Life: Dandelion tincture typically has a shelf life of several years when stored properly. However, periodically check the tincture for any changes in color, odor, or taste, which may indicate spoilage.

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