Spring DIY: herbal tincture
First attempt at making homemade lavender tincture!
I’m pleased with how this turned out, and excited to try it in a cake recipe. I am going to try making a lavender glycerite next, for a completely alcohol-free version.
“To make an oil tincture: Cover slightly crushed (don’t crush until mushy) lavender flowers and buds with grain alcohol or vodka in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Store the jar in a dark place (like a cupboard) for two weeks, shaking daily.” HGTV
If you cannot have alcohol in your home, I suggest looking into oxymels, glycerites, infusions or decoctions.
From mountainroseherbs:
“Organic vegetable glycerine—known as glycerol and sometimes spelled glycerin—is an effective alternative to alcohol-based tinctures for extracting and preserving many beneficial herbal constituents. Of course, infusions, decoctions, and oxymels are ideal for many herbal wellness goals that don’t involve alcohol, but glycerites—the medicinal preparations made by mixing vegetable glycerine with herbs—can open new opportunities for teetotalers, parents, and those who do not wish to have alcohol. Bonus: it tastes good! Glycerol is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid with a viscous consistency and a pleasing sweetness that makes it a good base for botanical flavors.” #diytincture #lavendertincture #tincture #tincturemaking #lavender
Wow, it's so rewarding to make your own herbal remedies, isn't it? After my initial success with the lavender tincture, I've been diving deeper into the world of DIY herbalism, especially since so many of you asked for more details on the process! That “lavender tincture recipe” search query really highlighted that you're looking for a comprehensive guide, so let's get into the nitty-gritty of making your own, plus some fantastic ways to use it. First, let's nail down that lavender tincture recipe. While the HGTV guide is a great starting point, I've found that having a clear step-by-step makes all the difference for a first-timer. What You'll Need: Dried Lavender Flowers: Make sure they're organic and culinary grade – you want the good stuff! About 1/4 to 1/2 cup for a small jar. High-Proof Alcohol: 80-100 proof vodka or grain alcohol. The alcohol acts as the solvent, extracting the beneficial compounds. Glass Jar with Tight-Fitting Lid: A mason jar works perfectly. Dark Storage Space: A cupboard or pantry. Cheesecloth or Fine-Mesh Strainer: For separating the plant material. Small Amber Dropper Bottles: For storage and easy dispensing. My Simple Step-by-Step Process: Prepare Your Lavender: Gently crush your dried lavender flowers. You want to break them up a bit to expose more surface area for extraction, but don't pulverize them into dust. Fill Your Jar: Place the crushed lavender into your clean glass jar. I usually fill the jar about halfway to two-thirds full with the dried herb. Cover with Alcohol: Pour your high-proof alcohol over the lavender, making sure all the plant material is completely submerged. Leave about an inch of headspace at the top of the jar. Seal and Store: Secure the lid tightly. Give it a good shake! Then, place your jar in a cool, dark cupboard. Steep and Shake: This is the waiting game! Let your tincture steep for at least 2-4 weeks. I try to give mine a good shake once a day (or whenever I remember!) to help with the extraction process. Strain Your Tincture: After the steeping period, it's time to separate the liquid gold! Line a funnel with cheesecloth (or use a fine-mesh strainer) over a clean bowl or measuring cup. Pour the contents of your jar through, allowing the liquid to drain. Gather the cheesecloth and squeeze out any remaining liquid from the spent lavender. Bottle and Label: Transfer your finished tincture into small amber dropper bottles. Label them clearly with the contents (Lavender Tincture), the date it was made, and the alcohol percentage if you know it. Store in a cool, dark place. Now that you have your beautiful homemade lavender tincture, what can you do with it? Beyond adding a unique floral note to baked goods like a cake (which I'm still super excited to try!), lavender tincture has several wonderful uses: Relaxation & Sleep Aid: A few drops under the tongue or in a small glass of water before bed can help promote relaxation and aid in falling asleep. Lavender is renowned for its calming properties. Anxiety & Stress Relief: In moments of stress or mild anxiety, a small dose can help soothe nerves. Topical Use: Diluted with a carrier oil, it can be applied to temples for headaches, or to minor skin irritations and insect bites for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Always do a patch test first! Flavoring: As I mentioned, it's fantastic for culinary experiments! Think cocktails, teas, or even homemade desserts. Start with just a drop or two, as it can be quite potent. For those who, like me, are exploring alcohol-free options, I'm really keen on making a lavender glycerite next. It's an amazing alternative for anyone avoiding alcohol – whether for personal preference, children, or those with sensitivities. Glycerites use vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol, which extracts the herbal properties and also acts as a preservative. The bonus? Glycerin is naturally sweet, making the finished product much more palatable, especially for kids! The process is quite similar to making an alcohol tincture, simply substituting the alcohol with food-grade vegetable glycerin. It's a gentle and effective way to enjoy the benefits of lavender without the alcohol component, opening up a whole new world of herbal wellness for everyone!
