Homemade Remedies - Part 2
Tincture
For years I was so impressed when I found out someone knew how to make tinctures. It was like they knew a how to make a special magic potion that few people knew how to make.
And today - I can’t believe I waited so long to make them!
Why Tinctures?
Of all of the ways to take a herb, tinctures are the least convenient way to take herbs…but they’re also kinda magical.
First - they work really quickly, often in a day or two. Capsule supplements can take a few weeks before you notice a difference.
And - Tasting your supplements, while sometimes unpleasant, is helpful for your body. Your body understands flavour and will use it to tell you what it needs. If you really hate the taste after a few days, your body might hate it too. But, usually, you actually start liking it :).
How to Make A Tincture
I made a St.John’s Wort tincture because that’s what I had available (and I use a lot of it myself). This method works for most herbal tinctures, although some need to a different length of time to sit and tincture. A quick google search should give you that info, but you can send me a message and I’ll find it for you :)
WARNING - St. John’s Wort will make you more prone to sunburns, protect your skin!
Ingredients:
Fresh St. John's Wort flowers and buds (enough to 1/2 fill a jar loosely) or a package of dried St. John’s Wort tea
80-100 proof vodka or brandy
Equipment:
Clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Cheesecloth or fine strainer
Dark glass bottles for storing the tincture
Instructions:
Harvest the Flowers:
Gather fresh St. John's Wort flowers and buds when they are in full bloom. Make sure to pick them from a clean, pesticide-free area. Or, buy some loose-leaf tea.
If fresh - wash, dry, and chop the flowers.
Prepare the Jar:
Fill a clean glass jar loosely with the fresh flowers and buds. Do not pack them too tightly.
Add the Alcohol:
Pour the vodka or brandy over the flowers until they are completely submerged. Make sure the flowers are fully covered with alcohol to prevent mold growth.
Seal and Store:
Seal the jar tightly with its lid. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to help the extraction process.
Strain the Tincture:
After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a clean bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the flowers.
Bottle the Tincture:
Pour the strained tincture into dark glass bottles for storage. Label the bottles with the date and contents.
Store Properly:
Store the tincture in a cool, dark place. It will keep for at least a year.
How to Use:
The typical dosage for St. John's Wort tincture is 20-40 drops (about 1-2 droppersful) in a small amount of water, taken 2-3 times daily.
Adjust your dosage as needed - I use 20 drops daily most of the time, but I’ll take extra when needed.
Got any questions or comments? Comment below, jump to our private Facebook Group, or the Ask Lisa page :).
Let’s get started! Head over to Part 3.