Step 1

If using fresh echinacea, chop up the flowers, leaves and roots into smaller pieces to increase the surface area of the plant matter (this will help the solvent (the alcohol or glycerine) to extract more of the medicinal properties from the plant. Make sure to wash the roots well first!

Step 2

Stuff a Mason jar (or any clean glass jar) full of the echinacea flowers, leaves and roots. Fill about 3/4 of the way full with packed fresh plant matter (leaving at least a couple inches of headspace at the top of the jar so you can cover it with alcohol), or about halfway full with dried plant matter.

Step 3

Cover completely with alcohol (or glycerine). Screw the lid on and give it a good shake.

Step 4

Let sit on the counter at room temperature or in a sunny window (for a sun infusion) for at least 3 to 4 weeks.

Step 5

Strain out the plant matter, reserving the liquid. Transfer the tincture to a dropper bottle (or another smaller jar or bottle), label, date and store in a cool dark place until ready to use.