Lavender Tincture
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a well-known herb for its calming, relaxing, and soothing properties. Lavender tincture is an excellent way to harness the therapeutic benefits of this fragrant flower, whether you're looking to ease anxiety, promote better sleep, or help relieve minor skin irritations.
Equipment
- Pint mason jar (or any other jar with a tight-fitting lid)
- Funnel
- Cheesecloth
- Dark amber dropper bottles
- Adhesive label or masking tape (for labelling tincture)
Ingredients
- Fresh or dried lavender flowers
- Vodka or other high-proof alcohol *see notes for making a glycerite tincture
Instructions
- If using fresh lavender, carefully harvest the flowers and gently remove any leaves or stems. For dried lavender, you can either buy it from an herbal supply shop or dry your own by hanging small bundles of flowers in a warm, dry place. For best results, use lavender buds rather than whole sprigs, as the flowers contain the most beneficial compounds. Aim to fill your mason jar about halfway with the lavender flowers, either fresh or dried.
- Pour your chosen alcohol (vodka is most common, but brandy or rum can add a unique flavor profile) over the lavender flowers until they are fully submerged. It’s essential that the plant material is completely covered, as this prevents mold growth and ensures proper extraction of the medicinal properties.
- Once the lavender is fully covered with alcohol, screw the lid tightly onto the jar and give it a gentle shake. This helps to mix the plant material with the alcohol and ensures everything is well incorporated. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 4 to 6 weeks, allowing the lavender to infuse.
- During the steeping period, shake the jar gently every couple of days. This helps keep the lavender submerged and encourages the alcohol to extract the beneficial compounds from the flowers.
- After 4 to 6 weeks, it’s time to strain the tincture. Line a funnel with cheesecloth or use a fine-mesh strainer to pour the tincture into a clean glass bottle. Press down on the lavender flowers to extract as much liquid as possible. If needed, strain the tincture a second time to remove any remaining particles.
- Transfer the strained tincture into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light. Label the bottle with the date, ingredients, and dosage instructions. Store your lavender tincture in a cool, dark place, and it should remain potent for up to two years.
Notes
While vodka is commonly used due to its neutral flavor, brandy or rum can add an extra layer of complexity to the tincture’s flavor profile. Lavender tincture is one of the best-tasting homemade herbal tinctures, and I’ll often combine it with less tasty herbs to cover their taste. It works especially well to complement the relaxing therapeutic benefits of valerian and passionflower and cover the taste of those stronger herbs.
When working with lavender tincture on its own, I use vodka or brandy, both of which work well with it’s lovely floral flavor profile.
Usage and Dosage
Lavender tincture is an incredibly versatile herbal remedy with many uses, both internally and externally. Here are a few ways you can use it: For Anxiety and Stress: Lavender is well-known for its calming effects. To ease anxiety or stress, take 1 to 2 teaspoons of tincture up to three times per day. It can also be added to a cup of tea for an additional calming effect. For Sleep: Lavender tincture is a wonderful remedy for insomnia. Take 1 teaspoon of tincture about 30 minutes before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. For Skin Irritations: Lavender has natural antiseptic and soothing properties, making it an excellent remedy for minor burns, cuts, or insect bites. You can apply a small amount of diluted lavender tincture directly to the affected area.Alcohol-Free Option: Glycerite Tincture
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can make a lavender glycerite tincture. Simply substitute vegetable glycerin for alcohol, using a 3:1 ratio of glycerin to distilled water if using dried lavender. For fresh lavender, you can use 100% vegetable glycerin and skip the water. Follow the same steps for extraction, shaking the jar every day and allowing the infusion to steep for 4 to 6 weeks.Yield and Storage
The amount of tincture you’ll end up with depends on how tightly you pack your jar with lavender and how much alcohol you use. As a general guideline, you’ll need about 2 to 3 cups of alcohol to make a quart jar’s worth of tincture. Fresh lavender contains moisture, so it may result in slightly more tincture than the alcohol used. With dried lavender, the flowers will absorb some alcohol, and you may get a little less tincture in the end. After bottling, store your lavender tincture in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last up to two years. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!