There are a range of herbs that can help manage symptoms of stress and anxiety. This anxiety tincture recipe makes it a quick way to access the medicinal compounds in herbs and is simple to make at home.
I’m in awe of the wide range of medicinal benefits that can be found in common herbs (even those that are considered to be weeds). It’s amazing that so many herbal remedies can be made using powerful herbs and mushrooms like valerian root, lemon balm, and Tulsi which can help improve our mental health, mental clarity, cognitive function, and anxiety relief. Working in herbal medicine has made me so grateful for the plants that grow wild around us.
If you experience anxiety symptoms like panic attacks and sleepless nights, I hope you will give this tincture a try.
Some of the best medicinal herbs for combating symptoms of anxiety
I’m going to choose four of these herbs to make this tincture. If you have different herbs from this list on hand, simply follow the same instructions but swap out the herbs.
Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis)- Valerian root can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – This plant has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep by boosting GABA levels, which help to regulate our moods.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – Widely used for its calming effects, chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to receptors in the brain to decrease stress levels, promote relaxation, and help improve sleep.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Lavender’s essential oils have been found to reduce anxiety symptoms through the calming effect of its scent, as well as its potential to interact with the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – Contains rosmarinic acid, which increases the availability of GABA and has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve cognitive performance. This herb is also good for the immune system due to its vitamin C content.
Rhodiola rosea – Enhances the body’s resistance to stress and fatigue.
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) – Reduces anxiety by supporting adrenal function and balancing stress hormones.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) – Contains hypericin and hyperforin, which may help regulate mood and help reduce mild to moderate depression and anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Fresh or dried herbs
My instructions are for using dried herbs. If you are using fresh plant material, check out the blog posts I’ve linked below to prepare your fresh herbs for tincturing. Once you’ve prepared the herbs, then come back to this post to learn how to make the anxiety blend. Or alternatively, you can tincture each herb separately and then combine the tinctures at the end to create the blend.
Anxiety tincture recipe
Tools
An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops or an amber glass mason jar – I use these
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
A small funnel
Supplies
Dried and chopped – valerian root, passionflower, chamomile, and lavender (aim to buy organic and from a good quality source if you can). I’ve put links above to some sources.
80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. I buy this bulk raw apple cider vinegar.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
The first step is to create a blend of herbs to create this tincture. Do this by adding the dried herbs to a clean glass jar in equal parts (I use about 2 tablespoons of each).
Cover the mix with alcohol. You can use any alcohol that you have on hand – I usually use unflavoured vodka to keep the flavour of the herbs at the front of the tincture. Just make sure that you use an 80-proof alcohol or above.
Add a lid to the jar and shake it to make sure everything is covered with alcohol.
Date and label the jar so you don’t forget what it is and when you made it. Let it sit in a cupboard or another dark, cool place for 6-8 weeks.
After 8 weeks, strain it off using cheesecloth or a coffee filter. I like to strain my tinctures off a few times to make sure the plant material is completely removed from the tincture.
Add the liquid to a clean jar or amber glass dropper bottle. Label and date it and it’s ready to use!
How much anxiety blend tincture to take?
I take this tincture regularly and like to take 2 droppers full per day 1-2 times per day when I feel symptoms of anxiety or need a mood boost. You can also take it before bed to help with sleep. Avoid taking it in high doses – you can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.
How long does this tincture last?
Like many homemade alcohol-based herbal tinctures and herbal extracts, this tincture will last a long time if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.
How to consume the anxiety blend
Directly – For the quickest absorption, take the dosage directly under the tongue. Hold it there for 30 seconds and then swallow. I like to do this before something stressful happens (like a public speaking event). You can also take a dose before bed or if you wake in the middle of the night and cannot get back to sleep.
Diluted – You can dilute the dose in a glass of warm water or herbal tea to make the flavour more palatable. I like to add it to a cup of lemon balm, chamomile, or nettle tea for added nutrition.
I hope you find this recipe useful and that you give making your own tinctures a try!
Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a herbal supplements. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected serious side effects like interactions with other prescription medications for other health issues or medical conditions.
What to read next
How To Make Rhodiola Tincture (Using Rosea Root)
The Best 4 Herbal Tinctures For Anxiety (Calming Herbs)
How To Make St. John’s Wort Tincture (Herbal Medicine)
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Simple Herbal Anxiety Tincture Recipe For Stress
There are a range of herbs that can help manage symptoms of stress and anxiety. This anxiety tincture recipe makes it a quick way to access the medicinal compounds in herbs and is simple to make at home.
Materials
- Dried and chopped - valerian root, passionflower, chamomile, and lavender (aim to buy organic and from a good quality source if you can).
- 80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin.
Tools
- An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
- Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops
- A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
- A small funnel
Instructions
- The first step is to create a blend of herbs to create this tincture. Do this by adding the dried herbs to a clean glass jar in equal parts (I use about 2 tablespoons of each).
- Cover the mix with alcohol. You can use any alcohol that you have on hand - I usually use unflavoured vodka to keep the flavour of the herbs at the front of the tincture. Just make sure that you use an 80-proof alcohol or above.
- Add a lid to the jar and shake it to make sure everything is covered with alcohol.
- Date and label the jar so you don’t forget what it is and when you made it. Let it sit in a cupboard or another dark, cool place for 6-8 weeks.
- After 8 weeks, strain it off using cheesecloth or a coffee filter. I like to strain my tinctures off a few times to make sure the plant material is completely removed from the tincture.
- Add the liquid to a clean jar or amber glass dropper bottle. Label and date it and it’s ready to use!
Notes
How much anxiety blend tincture to take?
I take this tincture regularly and like to take 2 droppers full per day 1-2 times per day when I feel symptoms of anxiety or need a mood boost. You can also take it before bed to help with sleep. Avoid taking it in high doses - you can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.
How long does this tincture last?
Like many homemade alcohol-based herbal tinctures and herbal extracts, this tincture will last a long time if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.
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