Lavender is known to help with relaxation and sleep, as well as reduce symptoms of anxiety. Learning how to make lavender tincture is a great way to preserve these benefits and access them year-round.
Lavender is a gentle herbal remedy that I like to use for many different purposes. I have made homemade eye pillows, in DIY candles, and even used lavender in medicinal beeswax salves and lip balm. I’ve also used it to make lavender honey and in cookies before!
From what I can find online, lavender’s use dates back to Roman times when it was used for its antiseptic properties to help heal wounds. Throughout the Middle Ages, lavender was also used for its medicinal properties and in particular was used to help with a range of issues like headaches, digestive issues, and anxiety.
While most people are familiar with its relaxing scent, the plant also has benefits when taken internally as well (aka eaten!). It’s a great flower to have in your herbal medicine cabinet.
Health benefits of lavender
Reduces anxiety and stress – Studies have shown that lavender oil can significantly reduce anxiety levels, with effects comparable to prescription medications like lorazepam.
Reduces headaches and migraines – The scent of lavender essential oil has been found to decrease the frequency and severity of migraines due to its calming properties.
Improves sleep quality – Research seems to show that lavender can improve sleep quality and duration, helping with conditions such as insomnia.
Eases digestive issues – Lavender has properties that help relieve digestive issues like bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Anti-inflammatory – The anti-inflammatory properties of lavender can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Can help treat mild depression – Some studies suggest that lavender can improve mood and reduce symptoms of mild depression.
Help heal minor burns and wounds – When used externally, lavender’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help in healing mild burns and wounds more quickly.
Helps with skin healing and reduces scarring – Lavender helps with skin regeneration which can reduce the appearance of scars on the skin.
Fresh or dried flowers
Like in most DIY tinctures, you can use dried or fresh herbs. If you’re using fresh flowers, try to harvest them from your lavender plants in the morning before the hot afternoon sun reaches them. This way they will have more of the plant’s beneficial essential oils and your tincture will be stronger.
How to make lavender tincture
Tools
An airtight container with a plastic 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 tincture bottles with dropper tops – try to avoid storing tincture for a long time in clear glass. Amber glass protects the tincture’s beneficial properties better than clear glass.
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
A small funnel
Supplies
Fresh or dried lavender flowers
80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you’re using fresh lavender, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Add the fresh or dried lavender flowers to a clean glass jar.
If you’re using fresh lavender flowers, fill the jar about ¾ of the way full. You want the flowers to be completely covered in alcohol, so leave a bit fo space at the top.
If you’re using dried lavender buds, fill the jar about ½ of the way full to leave room for the plant material to absorb the alcohol.
Cover everything in alcohol. While some tinctures suit themselves to certain alcohols, I don’t have a particular recommendation for what type of alcohol to use to make lavender tincture. Use what you have on hand (I had vodka) but make sure it’s a high-proof vodka or alcohol (at least 80-proof).
Put a tight lid on the jar and shake it to make sure everything is covered with alcohol.
Date and label the jar and put it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
Leave it sit for 6-8 weeks and try to shake it once a day to keep everything submerged in alcohol.
After 6-8 weeks, use cheesecloth to strain off the liquid.
Add the strained tincture to a small amber glass dropper bottle. If you have excess liquid that doesn’t fit in the dropper bottle, you can simply store it in your glass jar.
Label and date the dropper bottle and it’s ready to use.
How much lavender tincture to take?
It depends on your individual needs but I like to take 2-4 droppers full when I feel I need help with sleep or mood support. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.
How long does lavender tincture last?
Like many homemade alcohol-based herbal tinctures and alcohol extracts, this tincture has a long shelf life and will last a long time if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 2-3 years.
Ways to consume lavender tincture
Directly – If you want to access the benefits of this tincture quickly, a good option is to add the dosage directly under your tongue. Hold it there for 20-30 seconds and then swallow.
Diluted in a drink – Add the dosage to a drink of your choice (I like adding it to herbal teas or in a homemade iced lavender latte).
In a spoonful of honey – Add the dosage to a spoon with honey for added nutrients.
Topical use – You can also use it topically by adding it to your favourite lotion or homemade salve.
Do you have any great ideas for how to consume lavender tincture? Let me know in the comments!
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 new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication.
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How To Make Lavender Tincture (Herbal Recipe)
Lavender is known to help with relaxation and sleep, as well as reduce symptoms of anxiety. Learning how to make lavender tincture is a great way to preserve these benefits and access them year-round.
Materials
- Fresh or dried lavender flowers
- 80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you’re using fresh lavender, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.
Tools
- An airtight container with a plastic 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 tincture bottles with dropper tops - try to avoid storing tincture for a long time in clear glass. Amber glass protects the tincture’s beneficial properties better than clear glass.
- A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
- A small funnel
Instructions
- Add the fresh or dried lavender flowers to a clean glass jar.
- If you’re using fresh lavender flowers, fill the jar about ¾ of the way full. You want the flowers to be completely covered in alcohol, so leave a bit fo space at the top.
- If you’re using dried lavender buds, fill the jar about ½ of the way full to leave room for the plant material to absorb the alcohol.
- Cover everything in alcohol. While some tinctures suit themselves to certain alcohols, I don’t have a particular recommendation for what type of alcohol to use to make lavender tincture. Use what you have on hand (I had vodka) but make sure it’s a high-proof vodka or alcohol (at least 80-proof).
- Put a tight lid on the jar and shake it to make sure everything is covered with alcohol.
- Date and label the jar and put it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
- Leave it sit for 6-8 weeks and try to shake it once a day to keep everything submerged in alcohol.
- After 6-8 weeks, use cheesecloth to strain off the liquid.
- Add the strained tincture to a small amber glass dropper bottle. If you have excess liquid that doesn’t fit in the dropper bottle, you can simply store it in your glass jar.
- Label and date the dropper bottle and it’s ready to use.
Notes
How much lavender tincture to take?
It depends on your individual needs but I like to take 2-4 droppers full when I feel I need help with sleep or mood support. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.
How long does lavender tincture last?
Like many homemade alcohol-based herbal tinctures and alcohol extracts, this tincture has a long shelf life and will last a long time if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 2-3 years.
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