New Year Self-Care - Homemade Herbal Tincture

As we welcome the new year, it’s the perfect time to focus on nurturing both body and mind. Creating a tincture at home not only connects you to nature’s healing power but also provides a personalised, calming ritual.

Why Make a Tincture?

Herbal tinctures are easy to make, store, and use. They are concentrated, so a little goes a long way, and they can last up to a year when stored properly. The beauty of creating your own tincture is the ability to personalise it to meet your specific needs, whether it's stress relief, immune support, or relaxation.

Here’s a simple and soothing tincture recipe to get you started on your self-care journey for the year ahead.

Best Herbs for New Year’s Wellness Tinctures

Echinacea: Supports immune health.

Ashwagandha: Promotes stress relief and energy balance.

Lemon Balm: Calms the nervous system.

Milk Thistle: Supports liver detoxification.

Ginger Root: Eases digestion and inflammation.

How to Make a Tincture

Herbs of Your Choice:
For this tincture, we’ll use a blend of lavender (for relaxation), chamomile (for calming the nervous system), and echinacea (for immunity support). You can also experiment with other herbs such as lemon balm, peppermint, or ginger, depending on your needs.

Alcohol:
A high-proof alcohol like vodka or brandy (at least 40% ABV) works best for extracting the medicinal properties of herbs. You can also use apple cider vinegar if you prefer an alcohol-free version.

Glass Jar:
A clean, dark-coloured glass jar (such as a mason jar) will help protect the tincture from light.

Strainer:
A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter out the herbs once they’re ready.

Label and Pen:
To label your tincture with the date and ingredients.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dried lavender flowers

1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers

1/4 cup dried echinacea root

1 pint vodka (or other alcohol of choice)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Herbs
Start by measuring out your herbs. Using dried herbs ensures a longer shelf life for your tincture. If you’re using fresh herbs, you’ll need to increase the amount slightly as their water content is higher.

2. Fill Your Jar
Place your dried lavender, chamomile, and echinacea root into the clean glass jar. Feel free to adjust the proportions of herbs to suit your personal preferences. Lavender and chamomile are gentle, calming herbs, while echinacea supports your immune system.

3. Add the Alcohol
Pour the vodka (or alcohol of choice) over the herbs, making sure they’re completely submerged. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the jar. This ensures the herbs stay covered as they steep.

4. Seal and Shake
Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake. Store it in a cool, dark place (like a kitchen cabinet) and shake the jar once a day to help the herbs infuse into the alcohol.

5. Let It Steep
Allow the tincture to steep for about 4-6 weeks. The longer it sits, the more potent the tincture will become. Feel free to taste it every week to check the flavour and strength.

6. Strain the Herbs
After 4-6 weeks, strain out the herbs using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Press the herbs gently to extract as much liquid as possible. You can compost the used herbs or add them to your garden.

7. Bottle Your Tincture
Transfer the strained tincture into a clean, glass dropper bottle or a small jar for storage. Be sure to label it with the date you made it and the ingredients used.

8. Store
Store your tincture in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

How to Use Your Tincture:

Dosage:
Start with 1-2 dropperfuls (about 30 drops) in a glass of water, tea, or juice, 1-3 times per day. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you are new to tinctures or taking them regularly.

For Relaxation:
A dropperful in the evening before bed can help calm your mind and promote restful sleep.

For Immunity Boost:
Take a dropperful during cold and flu season to support your immune system.

Tips for Personalising Your Tincture:

Add a sweetener: If you find the tincture too bitter, add a bit of honey to sweeten it.

Experiment with herbs: Use this as a base recipe and experiment with other herbs like lemon balm for stress relief, ginger for digestion, or ashwagandha for overall vitality.

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Enjoy the process and feel good knowing that you're making something special, just for you. Here's to a healthy and intentional new year!