This Ginger Tincture packs a punch against nausea, aids digestion, and boasts a ton of other health benefits. The best part? It’s all done at home. Let's get steeping!
Herbalist
Jess
Remedy
Tincture
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.
I have had migraines since I was a child. It is shocking how long that truly is. But at this point in my life, I have had 20 years to figure out 90% of my triggers. However, I still get them. Sometimes my magnesium levels drop or my hormones have a wild party and BAM! Migraine. Fortunately for me, I found herbalism and hopefully for any other migraine sufferers out there, this ginger tincture will help you too.
The Herbal Gallery
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Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Before we get to the good stuff, let’s dive into this spicy root a little bit. Ginger is known for its knobby, hand-like root, known as a rhizome. It has a brown exterior (or skin) and has a golden hue on the inside. It has a distinct pungent and spicy taste, and a strong citrusy aroma and flavor. There are about 50 species of the Zingiber genus and about 1600 species of ginger around the world!
Originally from Southeast Asia, Ginger thrives in warm and humid climates. The earliest documents noted come from China and India dating over 5,000 years ago! In both of these cultures and their respective traditional medicines (TCM and Ayurveda), Ginger is valued for its ability to aid in digestion, soothing respiratory issues, and its warming properties.
TIME
10 mins
Prep
4-6 weeks
Wait
10 mins
Active Total
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
18
Calories
0.2g
Fat
2.2g
Carbs
0.3g
Protein
Crafting Wellness
We are surrounded by the magic of nature. From the vibrant plants in our gardens to the fresh produce at the market, nature offers a trove of nourishing ingredients. You don’t need rare herbs or complicated recipes to cultivate wellness. Let’s start here, right in our kitchens!
Why Ginger?
Ginger has a long history of use in herbal medicine and is still widely used today. However, Ginger is more than a tummy remedy!
If you would like to dive in and learn more, I go into detail about the benefits of Ginger in my monograph: Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
The Herbal Arsenal
Just like cooking, you want to be prepped and organized before you get started. Having everything ready to go and next to you will set you up for success! I have added a list of essentials below.
A Step-by-Step Tincture Guide using Ratios
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
For dried Ginger, you can chop or grind them to increase the surface area and enhance extraction. Fresh Ginger can be sliced.
- 2
Determine the desired ratio of herbs to alcohol. A common ratio is 1:2, which means 1 part of herbs to 2 parts of alcohol, by weight. Adjust the ratio based on the herb and your desired potency.
- 3
Fill your glass jar with the chopped or sliced ginger. Be sure not to pack them too tightly, as you need room for the alcohol.
- 4
Pour the alcohol over the ginger, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar with the lid.
- 5
Label the jar with the herb’s name, extraction date, and the type of alcohol used. This information is crucial for keeping track of your tincture.
- 6
Store the jar in a cool, dark place. Allow the mixture to macerate (soak) for at least 4 to 6 weeks, although some tinctures may benefit from longer maceration periods. Shake the jar daily to agitate the mixture.
- 7
After the maceration period, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into another clean glass jar or a bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid from the herbs as possible.
- 8
Transfer the strained liquid (your tincture) into amber or cobalt blue glass bottles. These dark bottles protect the tincture from light. Use dropper caps for ease of dosage.
- 9
Label each bottle with the herb’s name, type of tincture (e.g., 1:2 ratio), extraction date, and dosage instructions.
- 10
Store your ginger tincture in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer. Ensure they are tightly sealed with airtight lids.
Balancing Act: Dosage and Usage
Now that you’ve crafted your Ginger tincture, it’s time to dive into the heart of the matter: putting it to work! In this section, I’ll go through a few ways to use your tincture and hit some general dosage guidelines.
Dosage Recommendations
Determining the appropriate dosage of Ginger tincture involves several key factors, including the tincture’s concentration and individual health considerations. To provide a starting point, here are some general dosage guidelines:
Herbal Alchemy
This section is all about the enchanting realm of herbal alchemy, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. We’re embarking on a journey of botanical creativity! Making tincture blends, enhancing flavors, and personalizing tinctures to our needs.
I prefer to create singular herb tinctures, and here’s why: They keep you in control. Further, you’ll be able to create your own blends freely and will have better control on how much an herb is in the blend.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you cannot create a multi-herb tincture. If you have a blend that you always use and love, then absolutely go for it!
Optimizing Your Tincture
By following proper tincture storage techniques, being aware of shelf life considerations, and avoiding common preservation mistakes, you can ensure that your herbal remedies remain potent, safe, and effective for your health and wellness needs. You’ll need to ensure your bottles have airtight seals. Inadequate sealing can lead to alcohol evaporation and contamination.
Direct sunlight and excessive light can degrade the active compounds in tinctures. Use dark glass bottles or store clear glass bottles in dark spaces. High temperatures can alter tincture potency. Avoid storing tinctures near heat sources, in the kitchen, or in areas prone to temperature fluctuations.
By following proper tincture storage techniques, being aware of shelf life considerations, and avoiding common preservation mistakes, you can ensure that your herbal remedies remain potent, safe, and effective for your health and wellness needs.
Special Considerations
Ginger is considered generally safe however there are things to be mindful of. It is very warming in nature and in turn, drying. People who already have signs of heat or dryness will want to be mindful of the amount being used.
People on blood thinners or with diabetes should consult with their doctor before taking or consuming large amounts of ginger.
Ginger is generally considered safe in pregnancy in -small- amounts however it should -not- be taken in large doses. It is important to discuss with your doctor concerning any ginger taken medicinally during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Creating your own DIY Ginger tincture offers a multitude of advantages. Ginger is a multifaceted plant and can be a valuable addition to your health regimen. Making your own tincture allows you to control the quality of ingredients, save money, and personalize your blend!
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Ginger Tincture
Ingredients
- Fresh Ginger
- 80-proof vodka or preferred solvent
- Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Amber or cobalt blue glass bottles with dropper caps
- Labels and a pen
Instructions
Preparing Ginger
- For dried ginger, you can chop or grind them to increase the surface area and enhance extraction. Fresh ginger can be sliced.
Calculate Ratios
- Determine the desired ratio of herbs to alcohol. A common ratio is 1:2, which means 1 part of herbs to 2 parts of alcohol, by weight. Adjust the ratio based on the herb and your desired potency.
Place Ginger in the Glass Jar
- Fill your glass jar with the chopped or sliced ginger.
Add Alcohol
- Pour the alcohol over ginger, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar with the lid.
Label and Date
- Label the jar with the ginger’s name (I like adding the botanical name as well), extraction date, and the type of alcohol used. This information is crucial for keeping track of your tincture.
Maceration (Soaking) Period
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place. Allow the mixture to macerate (soak) for at least 4 to 6 weeks, although some tinctures may benefit from longer maceration periods. Shake the jar daily to agitate the mixture.
Straining
- After the maceration period, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into another clean glass jar or a bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid from the herbs as possible.
Bottling
- Transfer the strained liquid (your tincture) into amber or cobalt blue glass bottles. These dark bottles protect the tincture from light. Use dropper caps for ease of dosage.
Label the Bottles
- Label each bottle with ginger’s name, type of tincture (e.g., 1:2 ratio), extraction date, and dosage instructions.
Storage
- Store your tinctures in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer. Ensure they are tightly sealed with airtight lids.
