How to Make Dandelion Tincture

Unlock the Benefits of Dandelion With This DIY Tincture Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.

Spring welcomes new life, and plants and dandelions are everywhere. I love dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). It is one of my favorite herbs. You can use every part of the dandelion. The flowers make delicious dandelion wine or cordials, and fresh greens are perfect for salads or pesto, but dandelion roots are where the medicine lies. The dandelion tincture is percent to preserve the herb for use year-round.

WHAT IS DANDELION ROOT GOOD FOR?

Dandelion is well-known for its detoxifying properties helping the liver and gallbladder to help clear waste products while stimulating the kidneys to remove toxins in the urine. The same cleansing action is used as a blood purifier, and dandelion can help lower blood cholesterol.

Dandelion is also a digestive stimulant taken before meals to prevent gas and bloating after meals or for heartburn. 

Dandelion root can be used to treat a variety of conditions and ailments. Here are a few of them:

• Skin Problems
• High cholesterol
• It is diuretic
• Sluggish Liver
• Urinary Problems
• Constipation
• Fluid Retention
• Arthritis
• Hangovers
• Gout
• Treatment for UTIs 
• Chronic Illness

SIDE EFFECTS OF DANDELION ROOT

Dandelion root is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in adults. Still, there are potential side effects, such as upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, and irritated skin.

Dandelion contains latex and iodine, so it is best to avoid it if you have allergies to either of these substances.

All pregnant women, nursing women, and children are advised to avoid dandelion remedies.

WHAT IS A TINCTURE?

A tincture is a method for extracting/pulling and preserving the therapeutic components of herbs in a solvent/solution other than water. 

Using alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin solution, you can extract more medicinal properties from the plant and preserve the medicine much longer than an infusion or a decoction.

Alcohol is an excellent solvent because it works so well to extract the most comprehensive range of plant properties and helps easily absorb its healing compounds into the body.

The best alcohol to use is Everclear because of its harder consistency. Still, Everclear can be challenging to take for many people. The flavor and strength can be too strong, so vodka is also sufficient.

HOW TO MAKE THE DANDELION ROOT TINCTURE

1. Ideally, harvest dandelion roots in the early spring, before the plants have sent up their flowers. The dandelion plant calls on energy and nutrient reserves in the roots to form a flower, so it’s best to harvest the root while those nutrients are still in place. Use fresh or dried dandelion roots and fill a jar up to 2/3 of the way.
2. Pour high-proof alcohol (vodka) over the herbs. 
3. Cover tightly with a lid, place the jar in a dark cupboard, and allow to soak or macerate for 6-8 weeks.
4. Give the jar a gentle shake once a week and ensure the roots are covered with alcohol. If not, add more alcohol.
5. Strain your liquid from the roots. ( pour your liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a medium pot and let it drain. Then transfer the herbs to the cheesecloth and squeeze it tightly to get all the liquid out. Transfer the tincture to a jar and let the liquid settle overnight. 
6. Transfer into labeled amber bottles and keep them in the dark place. 

DANDELION TINCTURE DOSAGE

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

TIPS

• If you are using fresh dandelion roots, harvest them in the fall.
• If you’ve missed the season, you can buy dried dandelion root online or at your local herb store.

Yum