
What's Upful, Fam! If you're looking to tap into a new way to get the most out of your herbs, we got you! Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts made from herbs and are so easy to make at home. Today, I'm going to share a simple recipe for a DIY herbal tincture that you can use to support your overall wellness.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup dried herbs (such as Food For The Blood, Elderberry, or Chamomile)
- 2 cups glycerin or alcohol
- Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Dark glass dropper bottles for storage
- Label and pen for marking the bottles
Instructions:
-
Choose Your Herbs: Select the herbs you want to use based on their medicinal properties. For example, Food For The Blood for immune support, elderberry for colds and flu, or chamomile for calming effects.
-
Prepare the Jar: Fill a clean glass jar halfway with your dried herbs. This will be about 1 cup of dried herbs.
-
Add the Alcohol: Pour the alcohol of glycerin over the herbs until the jar is full, making sure the herbs are completely submerged. You should use about 2 cups of alcohol or glycerin.
-
Seal and Shake: Tightly seal the jar with its lid. Shake the jar well to mix the herbs and alcohol.
-
Steep the Mixture: Place the jar in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard) and let the herbs steep for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to help extract the beneficial compounds from the herbs.
-
Strain the Tincture: After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the herbs.
-
Bottle the Tincture: Transfer the strained liquid into dark glass dropper bottles. Dark bottles help protect the tincture from light, which can degrade its potency. Be sure to label your bottles with the name of the tincture and the date it was made.
-
Store and Use: Store your tincture in a cool, dark place. Use the tincture as needed, typically by adding a few drops to water, tea, or directly under the tongue. The dosage will vary depending on the herb and its intended use, so it's a good idea to research or consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Benefits of Making Your Own Tinctures:
- Customizable: Tailor your tinctures to meet your specific health needs by choosing different herbs.
- Potent and Long-Lasting: Tinctures are highly concentrated and have a long shelf life, often lasting for years if stored properly.
- Natural and Pure: You control the ingredients, ensuring that your tinctures are free from additives and preservatives.
Tips:
- Alcohol-Free Option: If you prefer an alcohol-free tincture, you can use glycerin or apple cider vinegar instead of alcohol. Note that glycerin-based tinctures may not be as potent or long-lasting.
- Mixing Herbs: Feel free to blend different herbs to create a multi-purpose tincture. Just make sure they have complementary effects.
- Start Small: If you're new to herbal tinctures, start with a small batch to see how you like it before making larger quantities.
Making your own herbal tinctures is an epic way to harness the power of nature for your health and well-being. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits of these potent, all-natural remedies!