Self Heal Tincture
A Self-heal tincture is a homemade herbal remedy that's easy to make with just a few ingredients, and it can be used internally or topically to boost the immune system, treat minor wounds, and reduce inflammation. It's called carpenter's herb for a reason!
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
- Fresh or Dried Self Heal Herbal Material
- Neutral Spirit such as vodka*
Instructions
- Start by gathering fresh self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) leaves and flowers. If you're using fresh self-heal, fill a clean mason jar about halfway with the plant material. If you’re using dried self-heal, you’ll need to fill the jar about one-third of the way. Fresh herbs tend to release moisture during the extraction, so you don't want to overpack the jar.
- Once the jar is packed, pour your choice of high-proof alcohol over the self-heal, completely submerging the plant material. Vodka is the most commonly used alcohol for tinctures due to its neutral flavor, but you can also use brandy or rum. Ensure the alcohol level is at least 2 inches above the plant material to prevent any parts from being exposed to air, which could lead to mold.
- Secure the jar with a tight-fitting lid and give it a gentle shake to mix the plant material with the alcohol. Place the jar in a cool, dark area, such as a cupboard or pantry, for the extraction to begin. Over the next few weeks, the alcohol will begin drawing out the medicinal properties from the self-heal.
- For the best results, shake the jar every 1 to 2 days. This helps agitate the plant material and ensures that the alcohol is evenly distributed, extracting the beneficial compounds. If you're using fresh self-heal, the plant material may float, so you’ll need to check occasionally to make sure it stays submerged. If necessary, add more alcohol to keep the plant fully covered.
- After 4 to 6 weeks of steeping, strain the tincture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean dark glass bottle. Be sure to press the plant material to squeeze out all the liquid. You can discard the spent herb once it's been strained.
- Label the bottle with the date, the contents (Self-Heal Tincture), and any notes about dosage or usage. Store your tincture in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. The tincture will last for several years if stored properly.
Notes
Choosing Alcohol: Vodka is often the best option for tinctures due to its clean taste, but you can also use brandy or rum, which may add some unique flavors to the tincture. Be sure the alcohol you use is at least 60 proof (30% alcohol by volume) to ensure proper preservation of the tincture.
Avoid Toxic Solvents: Never use isopropyl or denatured alcohol to make tinctures, as these are not safe for consumption.
Expected Yield: Fresh self-heal will likely yield slightly more tincture than the amount of alcohol you initially add, due to the moisture released from the plant during the extraction. Dried self-heal will absorb some of the alcohol, so you might end up with a bit less. For a quart-sized jar, you’ll need about 2 to 3 cups of alcohol, or 1 to 1.5 cups for a pint-sized jar. Make sure the plant material stays submerged throughout the infusion process.
Alcohol Free Glycerite Option: If you prefer an alcohol-free tincture, you can create a glycerite tincture by using vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol. For this, cover the self-heal herb with a 3:1 mixture of glycerin and distilled water. If using fresh self-heal, you can skip the water and use pure glycerin. Shake the jar daily and strain the glycerite after about 6 to 8 weeks, just as you would for the alcohol-based tincture.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!