Introduction
St. John’s Wort is a herb that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. It is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and nerve pain. One of the most popular ways to use St. John’s Wort is by making a tincture. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a St. John’s Wort tincture at home.
Step 1: Gather the Materials
The first step in making a St. John’s Wort tincture is to gather all the necessary materials. You will need: – Fresh or dried St. John’s Wort flowers and leaves – High-proof alcohol (such as vodka or Everclear) – A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid – Cheesecloth or a coffee filter – A dark glass bottle to store the tincture
Step 2: Prepare the St. John’s Wort
If you are using fresh St. John’s Wort, make sure to wash it thoroughly and let it dry completely. If you are using dried St. John’s Wort, you can skip this step. Then, chop the St. John’s Wort flowers and leaves into small pieces.
Step 3: Fill the Jar
Fill the glass jar with the chopped St. John’s Wort flowers and leaves, leaving about one inch of space at the top.
Step 4: Add the Alcohol
Pour the high-proof alcohol over the St. John’s Wort until it covers the herbs completely. Make sure to shake the jar gently to release any air bubbles.
Step 5: Label and Store the Jar
Label the jar with the date and contents. Then, store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least four weeks. Make sure to shake the jar daily to help the alcohol extract the medicinal properties of the herbs.
Step 6: Strain the Tincture
After four weeks, strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle. Squeeze the herbs to get all the liquid out.
Step 7: Store the Tincture
Store the tincture in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dark place. It will last for up to three years.
Step 8: Dosage
The recommended dosage for St. John’s Wort tincture is 20-30 drops, three times a day. You can mix it with water or juice to dilute the taste.
Step 9: Benefits
St. John’s Wort tincture has many benefits, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving mood, and reducing nerve pain.
Step 10: Precautions
St. John’s Wort can interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before using it. It can also cause photosensitivity, so make sure to wear sunscreen when using St. John’s Wort tincture.
Conclusion
Making your own St. John’s Wort tincture is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy the many benefits of this herb. By following these easy steps, you can make a potent tincture that can improve your overall health and well-being.