Valerian is known to help reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia by promoting relaxation and tranquility. Let's dive into crafting a valerian tincture and tap into some of that tranquility.
Herbalist
Jess
Remedy
Tinctures
Difficulty
Easy / Beginner
Disclaimer: As always, I am not a licensed medical or healthcare professional. I love herbalism and want to share all that I have learned, however, please do your research, and consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist before incorporating any herbal remedies into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Not long before writing this recipe post, I strained my very own Valerian Tincture and each time I do, I forget one vital thing. I have a cat. If you have some furry felines yourself, be prepared to have lots of mews and mitten attacks. Like Catnip, Valerian is a favorite amongst cats and something that really puts a pep in their step.
In this recipe post, I will briefly discuss what tinctures are, the benefits of a Valerian tincture and how you can craft your own Valerian Tincture. Get ready to craft your very own Valerian Tincture and finally have that restful sleep you’ve been looking for. Let’s dive in!
So, What are Tinctures?
A tincture is an extract that usually derives from plants, herbs, or botanical materials. Tinctures are created by submerging the plant matter in a solvent, often alcohol, to extract its active compounds, essential oils, and constituents. This process creates a concentrated extract that is convenient, versatile and is easy to administer.
Furthermore, due to their concentrated nature, tinctures offer a more potent way to experience the benefits of herbs and plants compared to teas or capsules. The potency can vary based on factors like the type of plant, the ratio of plant material to solvent, and the extraction method. Tinctures can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as promoting relaxation, aiding digestion, enhancing sleep, and supporting overall well-being.
What are the Benefits of tinctures?
Tinctures not only provide potent medicines, they are so easy to administer. But, why should you take a Valerian Tincture? What is so great about Valerian? Let’s check out the top 6 reasons why. For a more in-depth look into Valerian Tinctures, take a look at my post: Relax and Unwind: Make Your Own Valerian Tincture for a Good Night’s Sleep
- 1Acts as a Sleep Aid by improving sleep quality, and increase overall sleep duration.
- 2
Reduces Anxiety and Stress by promoting a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
- 3Valerian is known to have mild sedative effects, which can aid in promoting relaxation and reducing nervousness or restlessness.
- 4Has muscle relaxant properties, which can help relieve muscle tension and promote physical relaxation.
- 5Helps to alleviate menstrual cramps and associated discomfort.
- 6May have mood-enhancing effects, potentially aiding in the management of mild mood swings or irritability.
Putting it all together, literally.
Tinctures are like creating Bitters. Add your ingredients to a jar, add solvent, shake, and wait. The only difference here is the wait time, instead of the 2-4 weeks, we are looking at 6-8 weeks. You can find more information in my post: Relax and Unwind: Make Your Own Valerian Tincture for a Good Night’s Sleep.
I prefer to make my tinctures individually, it makes it easier for me to blend them depending on what I need. For example, I like to blend together a Valerian tincture and a Chamomile tincture for an extra boost of relaxation.
Using your Valerian Tincture
What Now?
Get brewing! The options out there are endless. Start with the simple recipe below and then start adding your unique touch to it. Once you find out how Valerian works with you, you can start creating different blends or changing the doses per your needs. Enjoy the process!
As always, consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist before incorporating any herbal remedies into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Valerian Tincture
Equipment
- 1 Glass Jar
- Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
- 3-6 Dark Amber Tincture Bottles
Instructions
Measure the Valerian
- Begin by measuring approximately 1/4 cup (or 30 grams) of dried Valerian root. Ensure that you are using high-quality Valerian root for optimal results.
Prepare the Glass Jar
- Select a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Sterilize the jar by washing it thoroughly with hot, soapy water, and rinsing it well. Dry the jar completely before proceeding.
Combine Valerian and Alcohol
- Place the measured Valerian root into the glass jar. Pour 1 cup of alcohol (such as vodka or grain alcohol) with 80-100% proof alcohol over the Valerian. Ensure that the Valerian is fully submerged in the alcohol.
Seal the Jar
- Securely close the jar with the lid, ensuring it is tightly sealed. This helps prevent evaporation and maintains the integrity of the tincture.
Maceration and Steeping
- Place the sealed jar in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Allow the Valerian root to macerate and steep in the alcohol for about 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, the alcohol will extract the beneficial compounds from the Valerian root, creating a potent tincture.
Shake the Jar
- Shake the jar gently every few days to agitate the mixture. This helps in the extraction process by ensuring proper contact between the Valerian and alcohol.
Straining the Tincture
- After the recommended steeping duration, it’s time to strain the tincture. Line a fine-mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth over a clean bowl or another glass jar. Carefully pour the contents of the jar into the strainer, allowing the liquid to pass through while retaining the Valerian solids.
Pressing the Solids (Optional)
- If desired, gently press the Valerian solids in the strainer with the back of a spoon to extract any remaining liquid. This step helps maximize the yield of the tincture.
Bottle the Tincture:
- Using a funnel, pour the strained Valerian tincture into amber glass bottles for storage. The amber glass helps protect the tincture from light degradation. Seal the bottles tightly.
Label and Store
- Label each bottle with the name “Valerian Tincture” and the date of preparation. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This helps maintain the potency and quality of the tincture.
Notes
Share this recipe
Did you create this Valerian Tincture? How did it affect you? Did you take it straight, in a tea – I want to know! Comment below or share a picture on my Instagram. Cheers!
