St John’s Wort tincture is a natural, herbal remedy cherished for its mood-enhancing and calming properties. Made from the bright yellow flowers of the St John’s Wort plant, this tincture has been used for centuries to help alleviate symptoms of mild depression, anxiety, and nervous tension.
Crafting your own tincture at home allows you to harness the full potency of fresh herbs while avoiding unnecessary additives found in commercial products. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to create a personalized wellness elixir right in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or a curious beginner, this detailed recipe will guide you through every step of making your very own St John’s Wort tincture. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll soon have a bottle of vibrant, healing tincture ready to support your well-being naturally.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This St John’s Wort tincture recipe is perfect for anyone interested in holistic wellness. It’s easy to follow, uses fresh and potent ingredients, and produces a tincture that is both effective and versatile.
The process is straightforward and requires minimal equipment, making it accessible for beginners.
Using this tincture regularly can help promote emotional balance and support mental clarity. It’s a wonderful addition to your natural health toolkit and a great way to connect with nature’s healing power.
Plus, making your own tincture ensures you know exactly what’s inside – no hidden preservatives or artificial ingredients.
Ingredients
- Fresh St John’s Wort flowers: 1 cup, freshly harvested and lightly packed
- High-proof vodka or grain alcohol (at least 40% ABV): 2 cups
- Glass jar with tight-fitting lid: 1 quart-sized
Equipment
- Glass jar with airtight lid (preferably amber or dark glass to protect from light)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for filtering
- Funnel to transfer tincture into bottles
- Dark glass dropper bottles for storage
- Label and pen to mark your tincture batch
Instructions
- Harvest the flowers: Pick fresh St John’s Wort flowers in full bloom on a dry, sunny day. Gently shake off any insects or dirt but do not wash the flowers, as excess moisture can spoil the tincture.
- Prepare your jar: Place the fresh flowers into your clean glass jar, lightly packing them without crushing.
- Add alcohol: Pour the vodka or grain alcohol over the flowers until they are fully submerged. The liquid should cover the plant material by at least 1 inch to ensure proper extraction.
- Seal and shake: Screw on the lid tightly and shake the jar gently to mix the contents.
- Infuse: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to help release the active compounds.
- Strain the tincture: After the infusion period, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the plant matter.
- Bottle and label: Using a funnel, transfer the tincture into dark glass dropper bottles. Label each bottle with the date and contents.
- Store properly: Keep your tincture in a cool, dark place. It will keep for up to 2 years.
Tips & Variations
“Freshness is key!” Always use freshly harvested flowers to maximize the medicinal properties of your tincture.
If you prefer a less potent tincture, you can dilute the alcohol with distilled water after straining. Some herbalists like to add a bit of honey for sweetness, but this is optional and may affect shelf life.
For a deeper extraction, some people prefer to dry the flowers before tincturing, but this recipe emphasizes fresh flowers for maximum potency. You can experiment with different alcohol bases such as brandy or rum, but vodka is recommended for its neutral flavor.
If you want to try other herbal tinctures, consider exploring recipes like Elderberry Syrup Recipe or Chamomile Tea Blend for complementary natural remedies.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 tsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 7 |
| Carbohydrates | 0.2 g |
| Alcohol | 2 g |
| Active Compounds (Hypericin, Hyperforin) | Varies depending on flower potency |
Note: The tincture contains alcohol, so please consume responsibly and consult with a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
Serving Suggestions
St John’s Wort tincture is typically used in small doses. A common recommendation is to take 20-30 drops diluted in water, two to three times daily.
You can add it to herbal teas, juices, or simply water.
Do not exceed recommended doses and avoid using it alongside certain medications like antidepressants without medical advice due to potential interactions. This tincture is best used as a complementary wellness aid rather than a standalone treatment.
For more herbal remedy ideas, check out our Lavender Sleep Aid recipe to create a calming bedtime routine.
Conclusion
Making your own St John’s Wort tincture is a fulfilling way to engage with natural healing and take control of your wellness journey. With just fresh flowers, high-proof alcohol, and a little patience, you can create a potent herbal extract that supports emotional balance and mental health.
This recipe is accessible, economical, and allows you to customize your tincture to your personal preferences. Remember to always source your herbs responsibly and consult with a healthcare professional if you are on medication or have health concerns.
Enjoy the process of crafting this vibrant tincture, and embrace the gentle power of nature in your daily routine.
📖 Recipe Card: St John's Wort Tincture Recipe
Description: A simple herbal tincture made from fresh St John's Wort flowers infused in alcohol. This tincture is traditionally used to support mood and relaxation.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0S
Total Time: PT720H15M
Servings: 1 cup tincture
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh St John's Wort flowers
- 1 cup 80-100 proof vodka or grain alcohol
- 1 clean glass jar with lid
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Dark glass dropper bottle for storage
- Label and pen
Instructions
- Harvest fresh St John's Wort flowers, avoiding stems.
- Fill the glass jar halfway with flowers.
- Pour vodka over flowers until jar is full.
- Seal jar tightly and shake gently.
- Store in a dark, cool place for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain liquid through cheesecloth into a clean bowl.
- Transfer tincture to dark glass dropper bottle.
- Label the bottle with date and contents.
Nutrition: Calories: 70 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 0g
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