Propolis Tincture 1
With Propolis Tincture you can get a more exact percentage, as the propolis dissolves more completely in alcohol. It is important to use weight measurements rather than volume for this mixture. It is recommended that you not try to make anything stronger than a 30% solution, as it is harder to get that much propolis to dissolve. We usually make a 10% solution. Then, after it is done infusing, if we want it stronger, we evaporate the alcohol down by half to make it 20%.
For a 10% tincture,
- mix 1 part propolis by weight to
- 9 parts grain alcohol, by weight (we use 75 proof or higher vodka, or Everclear) Do not use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) – it is poisonous!
Mix together in a lidded container (again, we use canning jars). Shake. Store in a dark place. Shake 2-3 times a day for 1-2 weeks.
Strain this mixture through cheesecloth (coarser, so faster, but might require a second straining) or a paper coffee filter (finer, so slower, but you end up with a cleaner oil). The propolis that remains in the filter can be used again to make more oil! (Freeze it for another time) Store it in a sealed jar in a dark place.
We put our propolis oil and tincture in amber dropper bottles and store in our medicine and kitchen cabinets!
Propolis Tincture 2
Start with about 2 tbsp. of cold, raw propolis (frozen is best) and blend it in your DIY coffee grinder until you have a fine powder.
Transfer that powder to a small mason jar and top off with about two to four times as much clear grain alcohol.
Stir to combine and cap the jar. Shake, and let sit for 24 hours or so, allowing the alcohol to dissolve whatever it can.
Once the mixture has sat for at least 24 hours, pass it through a fine sieve lined with a paper coffee filter to remove any solids.
Store the filtered tincture in a dark glass bottle and use a few drops at a time in lotions, creams, and toners.
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