Nasturtium Tincture
Nasturtium tincture is valued for it's antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to treat has been used to treat bronchitis and sinus infections, as well as help prevent recurrent UTIs.
Equipment
- Pint mason jar (or any other jar with a tight-fitting lid)
- Funnel
- Cheesecloth
- Adhesive label or masking tape (for labeling tincture)
Ingredients
- Fresh or dried nasturtium flowers
- Vodka or other high-proof alcohol *see notes for making a glycerine tincture
Instructions
- Start by filling a clean mason jar about 3/4 full with fresh nasturtium flowers (or leaves and flowers) or 1/2 full if using dried nasturtium. Dried nasturtium can be found at most herbal supply stores.
- Pour your choice of alcohol, such as vodka, brandy, or rum, over the nasturtium. Make sure the plant material is fully submerged in the alcohol. You’ll need enough alcohol to cover the herbs by at least an inch, and it’s best to use a high-proof alcohol (60 proof or stronger) for an effective extraction.
- Once the jar is filled, securely tighten the lid and give it a gentle shake to help mix the plant material with the alcohol. Store the jar in a cool, dark spot, away from direct sunlight, for about 6 to 8 weeks.
- Every few days, shake the jar gently to ensure even extraction. Be sure to check the alcohol level, adding more alcohol if needed to keep the plant matter fully submerged during the infusion process.
- After the 6 to 8 weeks, it’s time to strain your tincture. Set a funnel with cheesecloth over a dark glass bottle. Pour the tincture through the cheesecloth, pressing the plant material to extract as much of the liquid as possible.
- Once the tincture is strained and bottled, label the bottle with the plant name, the date of preparation, recommended dosages, and suggested uses. Store the tincture in a cool, dry place, away from light, for optimal preservation.
Notes
Alcohol Choices
Vodka is a popular choice for tinctures because of its neutral flavor, but you can also use other spirits such as rum or brandy. Ensure your alcohol is at least 60 proof (30% alcohol) to support proper extraction and preservation. Never use denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol to make tinctures, as these are not safe for consumption.Yield
The amount of tincture you’ll get will depend on whether you're using fresh or dried nasturtium. Fresh nasturtium will generally yield slightly more tincture than the alcohol you add. Dried herbs absorb some of the alcohol, resulting in a slightly smaller yield. For a quart jar, you'll need about 2-3 cups of alcohol, or around 1 to 1.5 cups for a pint jar. Ensure that the plant material remains completely submerged in the alcohol throughout the infusion process to prevent spoilage.Alcohol-Free Glycerite Alternative
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can make a glycerite tincture. Cover the dried nasturtium with a mixture of 3 parts vegetable glycerin and 1 part distilled water. If you’re using fresh nasturtium, use all glycerin and skip the water. Shake the glycerite daily as it infuses, then strain and bottle it in the same manner as an alcohol-based tincture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!