Herbal Tincture Making Debate: Solar Method? Or Dark Cupboard?
I get this question often from readers and students, so I decided I’d just write an article about it: “Which way is the best way to macerate (steep or process) a tincture? In a sunny window? Or a dark cupboard?”
(If you’re not sure what a tincture is and how to make one, check out this article.)
Interestingly enough, there seems to be more and more debate about this topic, which I find kind of hilarious. The simple answer is: They’re both fine. But DO read on to find out why and how to process and store your herbal alcohol tinctures properly.
In this short article, I’ll explain what I learned and from where, as well as my own philosophy based on two decades of herbal study.
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How to Process an Herbal Tincture
When I mention out in the public herbal world (social media, primarily) that I put my processing tinctures in a sunny window, I’ve gotten a few rude know-it-all comments from people who have learned differently from me. I also have people who agree with my methods. (Shrugging shoulders)
The first tinctures I made were based on Rosemary Gladstar’s wonderful instructions. Although I’ve tried MANY tincture making methods at this point of my journey, her ways are still my tried and true favorites.
I’ve since taken courses from several prominent herbal schools over the years, and some recommend the dark cupboard, and others recommend the sunny window. Even in herbal books….some books recommend a dark place, and others either don’t differentiate or perhaps suggest a window.
Since the sunny window method has literally always worked for me, I’m not likely to change things up any time soon, unless there’s a very good reason.
I’ve searched. I can’t find one.
NOTE: I’m NOT talking about “cooking” your herbal tinctures in a south-facing sun-blasted window. I’m talking about gentle heat here, indirect light, or a little gentle sun.
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Here are my thoughts based on my own experiences:
1) Gentle warmth helps the plant matter release their constituents more quickly and often more completely than in a cold environment. This goes for any menstruum that handles heat well. In fact, let’s go back to elementary school science, when we learned about decomposition.
Warmth (heat), light, and air are enemies of plant matter that’s dead or dying. These help the oxidation and decomposition process along; and this is what’s happening during the tincture process, at least to an extent. As the dried or fresh herbal matter declines in the solvent, the chemical constituents that are soluble in the menstruum are released.
2) Some herbalists believe that the sun imparts a special energy to the tincture. Scientifically, I have no idea if this is the case or not, but I do really like that thought. A choice between taking a solar energy-infused tincture versus one that’s been in the dark is a no brainer for me, if this is indeed the case.
3) The dark cupboard method works just fine, too….it just may take a bit longer for the herbs to become spent completely.
4) Storage: This is where all opinions seem to converge. After your herbal tincture is finished processing, and you’ve strained off the liquid into a glass bottle, THEN yes. You’ll need to store your finished tincture in a cool, dark place or risk precipitate and degradation of your tincture.
Finally, I want to note that in the vast majority of herbal books, the herbalist usually doesn’t state “why” a dark cupboard or a sunny window is the best option (except Rosemary Gladstar). This leads me to wonder if herbalists in general (much like all humans) share the way they do things based on how they themselves learned the practice.
There is usually more than one effective way to do something, and tincturing herbs is no exception.
When stored correctly, tinctures have an incredibly long shelf life—-even decades!
Final Thoughts on the Sunny Window vs. Dark Cupboard Herbal Tincture Processing Debate
I hope this helps you decide which is the best way to tincture your herbs for your medicinal creations! I’d love your thoughts on the matter based on your own experiences too.
For as long as I’ve been making tinctures for myself, family, neighbors, and clients, I’ve used the solar infusion method (sunny window) and then stored my finished tincture in a cool, dark cupboard.
Let me know what you think!
And you may also enjoy these related articles:
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Why I Became an Herbalist and Why I Don’t Take Drugs (video)
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Just for YOU:
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Hugs, Health, and Herbs,
Heidi
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FDA Disclaimer: I’m not a medical doctor. I’m a practicing herbalist and professionally certified aromatherapist. Any information I share is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.