I love making tinctures. Its my preferred herbal remedies method, it’s safe and effective (I laughed at this phrasing, IYKYK) and easy to use. This thyme and mullein tincture is my first combination tincture I’ve ever made.
If you’re new to tinctures, here’s a primer what is a tincture.
I wanted to combine these two powerhouses for an effective winter cold remedy. Thyme is a well known expectorant and full of medicinal benefits. Additionally, mullein is also an expectorant and great for respiratory illnesses.
By combining these two effective herbs into one tincture, I’d get the benefit of both in one dropper. This will eliminate the need to have a thyme tea with some mullein tincture added in.
Both herbs have a long history in herbal medicine, but I’m obligated to state that research is still evolving and this isn’t medical advice. Always ask a medicinal practitioner.
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Quick Answer: How to Make a Thyme and Mullein Tincture
Harvest fresh thyme and mullein leaves, wash, dry and add to a mason jar. Fill with plant material until about 1″ of headspace remains. Pour alcohol in until 1″ above the plant material. Cover the opening with parchment then add the lid and rim. Place in a cool dark location for 4-6 weeks. Strain out plant material, then funnel into amber glass dropper.
Why Combine Thyme and Mullein?
To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever come across another herbalist combining these two herbs. Which is very surprising to me. These two herbs are my go-to all winter long, it just makes sense to combine them.
Thyme has antimicrobial properties, supports clearing mucus, soothes irritated throats. It’s a great tea and awesome culinary herb to cook with throughout the winter.
- Learn more about the Medicinal Benefits of Thyme: Traditional Thyme Herbal Uses
Mullein soothes to respiratory tissues, and has been traditionally used for dry coughs and lung support. I love this plant for respiratory support, even smoking it has it’s benefits when sick!
- Learn more about What Is Mullein – The Tall Fuzzy Green Plant
Medicinal Benefits of Thyme
A powerhouse medicinal and culinary herb, I wrote an entire article dedicated to reviewing the medicinal benefits of thyme with sources in detail. If you just want the high level notes, here’s what you need:
Respiratory Support
Thyme’s naturally occurring compounds, including thymol and carvacrol, are believed to help loosen mucus and support healthy airway function.
Antimicrobial Properties
Thyme contains compounds that have demonstrated antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies against certain bacteria and fungi.
Antioxidant Properties
Thyme is naturally rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. These antioxidant compounds contribute to thyme’s reputation as a supportive herb for overall wellness.
Digestive Support
In addition to respiratory benefits, thyme has traditionally been used to support healthy digestion. It is commonly used to help relieve occasional bloating and gas and to encourage healthy digestive function.
Medicinal Benefits of Mullein
For as long as humans have recorded things, mullein has been used. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and soothing properties. These are the key benefits:
Respiratory Support
Mullein is used to support respiratory health, it helps loosen mucus, soothe irritated airways, and support coughs.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Mullein contains naturally occurring compounds that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in research. Traditionally, it has been used to help soothe irritated tissues, particularly in the respiratory tract and throat. Further proving it’s effectiveness while sick.
Antibacterial Properties
Mullein contains compounds with antibacterial activity against certain microorganisms.
Traditional Uses for Ear and Throat Comfort
Mullein flowers have traditionally been infused into oil for ear comfort and used in herbal remedies for sore throats.
How to Make Thyme and Mullein Tincture
Just like any other tincture, I’ll walk you through the steps to make this medicinal herbal remedy.
Ingredients
I harvest fresh mullein leaves from a 1-year old plant (the ideal leaves to harvest, you can harvest from year 2 leaves if truly needed). Then I harvest fresh thyme, you can learn how to properly harvest in my article.
Equipment
- clean mason jar
- 40-50% (80-100 proof) vodka
- washed and dried thyme and mullein herbs
- fine-mesh strainer
- liquid measuring cup
- Amber dropper bottles
Step by Step Instructions
Add Thyme and Mullein to Jar
- Stuff/rip the thyme and mullein leaves so they can fit tightly in the jar
- Leaving at least 1″ of headspace
Add Vodka
- Pour the vodka into the jar, being sure to cover 1″ above the herbs.
Seal Jar
- Using parchment paper to cover the mason jar opening, then place the lid and rim over top. This will prevent rust from forming.
Extraction Period
- Leave the tincture in a cool, dry place and allow to sit for 4-6 weeks. Shaking it daily or whenever you think about it
Straining
- Once ready, strain your tincture through a fine-mesh strainer (and with a cheesecloth if you’d like) into a liquid measuring cup
- Ensure there is no plant material remaining in the tincture
Add to Amber Glass Dropper
- From the liquid measuring cup, pour the tincture into a cleaned Amber dropper bottles
- Label your tincture and keep in a cool, dark location and use for years to come.
How to Use This Tincture
The best way to take any tincture is through another liquid. Tinctures on their own are very protenant and the more they are diluted, the easier they are to consume. My recommended go-tos:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Fire cider shot
- orange juice shot
It’s always recommended to start with small amounts to see how your body responds. Take a full dropper once every few days as needed, then increase as desired. I will be taking 3-5 droppers a day when sick with my tea.
Speak with a healthcare provider if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or treating medical conditions.
How to Store Homemade Herbal Tinctures
I love tinctures because of their longevity. Tinctures last years if they are properly stored away.
Always store in an amber glass bottle.
Always store in a cool, dark cupboard away from the sun or heat.
This will allow your tincture to last years. As always though, the longer it sits, the less active it’s compounds will become. It’s best to use a tincture sooner rather than later.
Who Should Avoid This Tincture?
Since it includes two plants and alcohol, it’s important to remember some general safety guidelines if you or someone taking this tincture are in these categories.
- pregnancy/breastfeeding (antidotally, I have and will be taking tinctures as needed while breastfeeding).
- allergies (mint family for thyme; figwort family for mullein)
- taking medications
- children
- underlying respiratory conditions requiring medical treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes you can! Dried herbs are more concentrated so instead of filling half a mason jar with fresh, you would fill a quarter with thyme.
Of course! Dried mullein is more concentrated so full the jar with a quarter of your dried mullein leaves.
Yes you can! I would always recommend starting small with anything. See how your body reacts – ie. once every few days, then work your way up.
Yes, tinctures can be made without alcohol. You will use Apple Cider Vinegar instead, it won’t last as long but still affective, I go into more detail in my What is a Tincture article.
It will last you years if properly stored.
Continue Exploring Herbal Remedies
- Garlic Tinctures 101: How to Make Them, Benefits, and Safe Dosage
- What Is Mullein – The Tall Fuzzy Green Plant
- How To Make Dandelion Root Tincture (Zone 5 Friendly)
- What Is a Tincture? How to Make Herbal Tinctures at Home
- Goldenrod Benefits, Uses & How to Make Goldenrod Tea
- Never Buy Tea Again: How To Grow And Harvest Chamomile
Final Thoughts
Making a thyme and mullein tincture is a powerhouse tincture that could completely change how your body handles respiratory illnesses this cold and flu season. It’s a tincture I know I’ll be making year over year because of how much I’ll be consuming it.
If you’re on a medicinal herbal journey at home, you can explore all of our hands-on advice in our Natural Remedy Guides, based on what actually works here on our homestead.
We are growing our website with more articles all the time, and we invite you to grow with us. If you have any questions about thyme and mullein tinctures or would like to share some of your knowledge with us please leave a comment below. Happy Gardening!
