Crampbark Tincture
Crampbark tincture is typically used for its muscle-relaxing and antispasmodic properties, and it's a simple remedy to make at home with either dried or fresh herbs.
Equipment
- Pint mason jar (or any other jar with a tight-fitting lid)
- Funnel
- Cheesecloth (or fine mesh strainer)
- Adhesive label or masking tape (for labelling tincture)
Ingredients
- Dried Crampbark
- Neutral Spirit such as vodka*
Instructions
- Begin by filling a clean mason jar halfway with dried crampbark, or about one-third full if using fresh crampbark. Ensure the herb is packed tightly but not compressed. If you're using dried crampbark, it will expand slightly when infused.
- Pour your chosen alcohol—typically vodka, but brandy, rum, or any high-proof alcohol (60 proof or higher)—over the crampbark until it's completely submerged. The alcohol will extract the medicinal properties of the herb, so it’s crucial that the plant material stays fully covered. Fresh crampbark will release some moisture into the tincture, so more alcohol may be needed to cover the herbs completely.
- Seal the jar tightly with a lid and gently shake to mix the alcohol with the crampbark. Place the jar in a cool, dark location to allow the tincture to infuse. Let it sit for 4 to 6 weeks, giving the mixture time to extract the active compounds from the herb.
- Every couple of days, shake the jar gently to ensure the crampbark is evenly saturated with the alcohol. It's important to check periodically that the plant material remains submerged in the liquid, especially if using fresh crampbark, which can float above the surface. If necessary, add a little more alcohol to keep the herbs fully covered.
- After 4 to 6 weeks, strain the tincture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a dark glass bottle. Use a funnel to guide the liquid into the bottle, and press the crampbark gently to extract all the liquid. Discard the herb material once you’ve strained out all the tincture.
- Label the tincture with the date, contents, and recommended dosage. Store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to preserve its potency. Crampbark tincture can last for several years if stored correctly.
Notes
Vodka is the most common base for tinctures due to its neutral taste, but you can experiment with other spirits like rum or brandy for a unique flavor profile, and to ensure it's palatable for you. Personally, I think cramp bark tastes pretty decent, and it does well with brandy.
Never use denatured or isopropyl alcohol, as these types of alcohol are toxic and not safe for internal consumption.
Expected Yield
The amount of tincture you end up with depends on whether you’re using fresh or dried crampbark. Fresh crampbark will release more liquid into the tincture, while dried crampbark may absorb some of the alcohol, giving you slightly less than what you initially added. For a quart jar, you'll typically need about 2 to 3 cups of alcohol, or 1 to 1.5 cups if you're using a pint jar. Always check that the plant material stays submerged and add more alcohol if necessary.Alcohol-Free Option: Glycerite Tincture
If you prefer an alcohol-free option, you can make a glycerite tincture using vegetable glycerin. For this method, cover dried crampbark completely with a mixture of 3 parts glycerin to 1 part distilled water. If you are using fresh crampbark, use only glycerin and omit the water. Shake the mixture daily, and after 6 to 8 weeks, strain it just as you would an alcohol tincture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!