How to Forage and Make Sweetgum Seed Tincture

Sweetgum seeds might not look like much, but they’re actually pretty awesome for making an herbal tincture.

First things first, you’ve got to find a sweetgum tree. They’re pretty common in the southeastern and eastern U.S., and you’ll know them by their star-shaped leaves and those spiky seed pods that drop everywhere in the fall.

When you’re out collecting, make sure you only grab the green spiky ones. The brown ones? Nope, not useful for this. Once you’ve gathered your stash, give them a good clean to get rid of any dirt or random gunk.

Now, here’s the fun (and slightly tricky) part: chop those spiky balls into tiny bits. Watch out—they're sharp! A little tip: use the bottom of a clean mason jar to smash them up a bit and release as much of that good stuff as possible. Just be careful with your hands!

To make the tincture, toss the pieces into a clean glass jar. Cover them completely with some high-proof alcohol (vodka works great) using a 1:2 ratio of seeds to liquid for the best results. Not into alcohol? No problem—use vegetable glycerin instead. Seal the jar tight and stash it in a cool, dark spot for 4-6 weeks. Give it a gentle shake every few days.

When the wait is over, strain out the seed bits with a fine mesh or cheesecloth, and pour the tincture into a dark dropper bottle to keep it fresh.

Don’t forget to label your bottle with the date and what’s inside!

Used properly, sweetgum seed tinctures are said to have natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral perks to help you feel your best.