Adhesive label or masking tape (for labelling tincture)
Ingredients
Jewelweedfreshly harvested
Neutral Spiritsuch as vodka*
Instructions
Begin by filling a clean mason jar about three-quarters full with freshly harvested jewelweed.
Pour enough alcohol over the jewelweed to completely cover the plant material. Make sure all the plant matter is submerged in the liquid.
Tighten the lid securely on the jar and give it a gentle shake to mix the contents. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 6 to 8 weeks, allowing the alcohol to extract the beneficial properties from the jewelweed.
Shake the jar lightly every few days to help with the extraction process and ensure even soaking.
Check the alcohol level periodically. If the plant material rises above the liquid, top it off with more alcohol to keep it fully covered.
After the infusion period, prepare to strain the tincture by lining a funnel with cheesecloth and placing it over the neck of a dark amber glass bottle. Slowly pour the tincture and jewelweed mixture into the funnel, pressing the plant matter gently to extract all of the liquid into the bottle.
Label your finished tincture with details such as its contents, the date it was made, recommended dosage, and possible uses. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight to maintain its potency.
Notes
*Tinctures are typically made using vodka as a neutral base, but you can also opt for other high-proof alcohols like brandy, whiskey, or rum. For proper preservation, the final tincture must contain at least 25% alcohol, and since fresh herbs release moisture during extraction, it's important to use alcohol that is 60-proof or stronger.Avoid using denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, as these are toxic and unsafe for any kind of consumption.