My friend Kate, who’s an herbalist and also has a blog, created this herbal tincture recipe. I was telling her how I used to take valerian a while back and loved it, and she put together this perfect blend of lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm to help with relaxation.
I love making simple herbal tinctures at home. They’re easy to make, completely customizable, and honestly, kind of fun.
This herbal tincture is super easy to make and is perfect for those moments when you just want to unwind. With ingredients like lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm, it’s a simple way to add a little relaxation to your day. Whether you go for vodka or vegetable glycerin, this tincture is a easy to make and a nice, natural addition to your routine.
What You Need to Know About Herbal Tinctures
Herbal tinctures are a concentrated form of herbal medicine that extracts the beneficial properties of plants using alcohol or glycerin. These powerful extracts are easy to use and can be added to drinks or taken directly.
While tinctures can be a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of herbs, it’s important to understand how they’re made and their potency. If you’re new to tinctures, read this helpful guide from Healthline to learn more about how they work and how to use them safely.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only, I’m not a doctor, and this isn’t medical advice. If you’re interested in herbal preparations, be sure to do your own research and consult a professional if needed. Talk to a doctor before starting any type of herbal remedy regimen.
I just got this label maker, and I LOVE IT! It’s perfect for keeping all my tinctures and bottles labeled, plus it’s very affordable on Amazon and super easy to use.
Where to Get Your Herbs
Buying high-quality herbs is key to making a great tincture! You can often find dried herbs at local health stores, but if you’re looking for a wider selection, online shops are my favorite.
Mountain Rose Herbs is a trusted source for organic herbs, while Grassroots Herb Supply on Etsy offers small-batch, high-quality herbs from a small business. And of course, Amazon has plenty of options if you need something quick and convenient. No matter where you shop, just make sure to look for organic and ethically sourced herbs whenever possible!
Herbal Tincture Recipe
This Herbal Tincture is a gentle mix of calming herbs, and whether you add it to a warm tea, mix it into a little honey, or just take a dropper straight, it’s a cozy way to wind down or reduce stress.
Ingredients:
- Passionflower
- Chamomile
- Lemon Balm
- Lavender (Food-Grade)
- Valerian
- About 1 cup of at least 80% proof vodka OR 3/4 cup vegetable glycerin and 1/4 cup water
- Cheesecloth or herb brew bags
- Glass jar
- 4 oz glass bottle
Instructions
1. Add the Herbs to a Jar
Place all your dried herbs into a clean glass jar.
2. Pour in the Liquid
Fill the jar with either alcohol (vodka) or a glycerin-water mix until all the herbs are fully submerged. This prevents mold from forming.
3. Seal and Label
Place a piece of parchment paper between the lid and the jar (to avoid reactions with metal lids). Seal tightly and label it with the date and ingredients.
4. Let It Infuse
Store in a cool, dark place for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking the jar daily to help the extraction process.
5. Strain and Bottle
Once your tincture has infused, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, squeezing out all the liquid. Pour the strained tincture into a 4 oz glass dropper bottle and store it in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- You can also make separate tinctures for each herb and mix them later.
- For an alcohol-free version, use vegetable glycerin instead of vodka.
Relaxing Herbal Tincture
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon passionflower
- 1 tablespoon chamomile
- 1 tablespoon lemon balm
- 1 tablespoon lavender
- 1 tablespoon valerian
- About 1 cup of at least 80% proof vodka OR ¾ cup vegetable glycerin and ¼ cup water
- Cheesecloth
- Glass jar
- 4 oz glass bottle
Instructions
- Add your herbs to a glass jar.
- Fill the rest of the jar with alcohol OR the glycerin and water. Make sure to have it cover everything, so it doesn’t mold.
- Add a parchment paper in between the lid and label it.
- Leave for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking every day.
- Strain with a cheesecloth. Put into your tincture jar and enjoy!
Notes
- You can make it a vegetable glycerin herbal extract if you want an alcohol-free option.
- You can also make 5 separate herbal extracts from each of the herbs and then mix it together.
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