🌿 Herbal Tincture Guide – Alcohol-Free, Safe & Effective

Curious about making your own herbal tinctures at home? With the right tools and a bit of know-how, it’s easier and safer than you might think. This guide walks you through how to craft non-alcoholic tinctures using vegetable glycerin or MCT oil — ideal for drops under the tongue, capsules, or mixing into food and drinks.

Note: This guide is intended for use with legal herbs only, including lavender, chamomile, rosemary, or — where lawfully prescribed — medicinal cannabis under medical supervision.

🛠️ Our Devices & Temperature Ranges

All of our Decarb & Infuser Units are designed for safe and precise infusion of a wide range of herbs. Here's how each model compares for tincture use:

⚠️ Important: If using high-proof alcohol (e.g. ethanol), only Model C is appropriate. It supports cold infusions below 40°C, reducing fire hazard.

⚠️ Safety First: Why Alcohol Infusion Requires Caution

Alcohol is highly flammable. Once heated above 60°C (140°F), ethanol vapours can ignite — even from static electricity.

• Our standard models operate at 71°C+, which is too hot for safe alcohol use.

• Even in sealed or silicone inserts, vapour buildup can present a fire risk.

• The 3mm vent gap in some models is for steam release only and does not contain flammable vapours.

✅ For safe at-home use, we recommend glycerin or MCT oil for all herbal tinctures.

🧪 What Is a Herbal Tincture?

A tincture is a liquid extract made by infusing herbs into a solvent like oil or glycerin. Alcohol-free options are gentle, versatile, and easy to make using a precision infuser.

✨ Common Carriers:

• Vegetable Glycerin – Slightly sweet, syrupy, gentle on the palate

• MCT Oil – Light, neutral flavour; ideal for capsules or recipes

⚙️ How to Make a Non-Alcoholic Tincture (Safely)

🔥 Step 1: Decarb First

If using dried herbs that benefit from activation (like prescribed cannabis), be sure to decarb first.
➡️ See our Decarb Guide for details.

🧪 Step 2: Add Your Solvent

Combine vegetable glycerin or MCT oil with your decarbed herbs in the silicone insert or main chamber.

🌡️ Step 3: Set the Infusion Temperature

Choose based on your solvent:

• 🥥 MCT Oil: 75–85 °C (167–185 °F)

• 🍯 Glycerin: 71–75 °C (160–167 °F)

Note: These apply to Models A & B. For cold infusions (e.g., with alcohol), use Model C at ≤40°C only.

⏱️ Step 4: Run the Infusion Cycle

• 2–3 hrs = Mild infusion

• 4–6 hrs = Stronger concentration

🧴 Step 5: Strain & Store

Strain while warm (especially with glycerin), then bottle in a dark glass dropper and store in a cool, dry place.

📊 Tincture Comparison Chart

💡 Tips for Best Results

• ✅ Always decarb first (if applicable)

• 💧 Strain glycerin while warm for easier handling

• 🧴 Store in dark bottles to protect potency

• ⏳ Longer infusion = stronger tincture

• ❌ Never infuse alcohol above 40°C — even in sealed containers

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer (Australia)

This guide is for educational purposes only. Cannabis is a controlled substance in Australia and may only be used with a lawful prescription under federal and state legislation.

The Hippie House does not promote or condone the unlawful use of any herb or substance.

• All content is intended for use with legal herbs only, such as lavender, chamomile, or — where legally prescribed — medicinal cannabis.

• We do not sell cannabis or cannabis-derived materials.

• Our devices are intended for use with a broad range of legal botanicals.

By using our products and guides, you accept full responsibility for ensuring your actions comply with local laws.
The Hippie House is not liable for any misuse, injury, or legal consequences arising from the use of our content or products.

Use is at your own risk and discretion.

Got questions? 💬
We’re here to help — reach out anytime via email💚