Usnea Tincture

A classic alcohol extract of dried Usnea. Optionally made as a dual (alcohol + hot water) extract to capture both alcohol- and water-soluble constituents. Macerate 4–6 weeks, shake periodically, then strain and bottle.

Print Recipe

Cook Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Herbal remedy, Tincture

Cuisine Traditional herbal practice

Equipment

Clean screw-top jar (≈ 500 ml)
Scissors or clean knife
Fine sieve or muslin cloth
Funnel
Dark glass dropper bottles (30–50 ml)
Labels and pen
Optional (for dual extraction): small saucepan and heatproof jug

Ingredients

1 part dried Usnea cleaned and fully dry, cut into small pieces
5 parts high-proof alcohol at 60–70% ABV e.g., strong vodka or diluted Everclear
Optional for dual extraction: 1 part water for the later hot-water step
Example batch
50 g dried Usnea
250 ml alcohol at ~65% ABV
Optional 50 ml water for hot-water step

Instructions

Prep the herb: Remove debris; ensure the lichen is fully dry. Snip into short pieces for better extraction.
Macerate: Place Usnea in the jar and cover completely with 60–70% alcohol (target ratio 1 : 5 w/v). Leave 2–3 cm headspace, seal, and label.
Steep: Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking briefly once daily. Keep all material submerged.
Strain: Filter through muslin/sieve; press the marc well to collect the tincture. Bottle in dark dropper bottles and label.
Optional dual extraction (alcohol + hot water)
Simmer marc: Take the already-alcohol-extracted Usnea marc, add ~1 part water, and very gently simmer 15–20 minutes (do not hard boil). Cool and strain.
Combine: Blend the cooled water extract with the alcohol tincture so the final blend remains ≥40% ABV (e.g., 2 parts tincture + 1 part water extract). Bottle and label with approximate alcohol strength.
Use
External: Dab a few drops on clean, intact skin for minor, non-bleeding irritations; let dry.
Internal (only with professional guidance): 5–15 drops in a little water or tea.

Notes

Extraction strength: 60–70% alcohol is commonly used for Usnea’s mixed solubility profile.
Clarity: If sediment forms, decant or filter again through fresh muslin or a coffee filter.
Storage & shelf life: Keep tightly closed, cool, and dark. Tincture keeps ~2–3 years; dual extract ~1–2 years if ≥40% ABV.
Identification & sourcing: Use only correctly identified Usnea gathered from clean, legal, and sustainable locations—avoid roadside or polluted sites.
Safety
- Not a substitute for medical care. Avoid internal use in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, for children, and with liver disease unless advised by a qualified professional.
- Do not apply to open, bleeding, or oozing wounds.
- Discontinue if irritation or adverse effects occur.
- Alcohol content is high; always dilute drops in water before taking internally.