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An amber glass dropper bottle with valerian root tincture instead. There's dried valerian root in front of it.
Nico

How To Make Valerian Root Tincture (A Herbal Sleep Tincture)

Valerian root can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve your sleep. This valerian root tincture recipe uses only two ingredients and is incredibly simple to make.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 56 days
Total Time 56 days 10 minutes
Servings: 1 bottle
Course: Tinctures for Sleep
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Equipment

  • 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. – I use these glass mason jars
  • Small amber glass dropper bottles - here's the ones I use
  • A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter - I like this unbleached cheesecloth
  • A small funnel
  • A knife – for chopping up dried valerian root (if it’s not already chopped)

Method
 

  1. Begin by using a knife or food processor to break down the valerian root into small pieces. This is to maximise the surface area of the roots that are exposed to the alcohol. The more area that is exposed, the more nutritional benefits the alcohol can draw out from the plant.
  2. Add the roots to a steralised glass jar. Fill the jar ⅓ of the way full with the dried valerian root. Make sure to leave room for the roots to expand as they absorb the alcohol.
  3. Cover the roots with alcohol completely.
  4. Add the lid and shake the jar to ensure everything is covered in alcohol.
  5. Date and label the jar and put it in a cool dark place. For best results, leave it sit for 6-8 weeks and try to remember to shake it a few times a week to keep everything submerged in the alcohol.
  6. After 6-8 weeks, strain it off using cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a fine mesh strainer. Make sure to completely remove the plant material from the tincture to avoid the tincture going bad quickly.
  7. Add the tincture to your dropper bottle and date and label the bottle so you don’t mix it up with your other herbal extracts. 
  8. Store the finished tincture in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. That’s it, enjoy!

Notes

How much valerian root tincture to take?

I like to take 2 droppers full before bed to help me stay asleep longer. To help reduce daytime symptoms of anxiety, you could take 1-3 droppers full over a day.
Studies have indicated that the effects of valerian are cumulative so if you’re taking it for a particular reason (such as to reduce daily symptoms of anxiety) then keep in mind that you may not see results for 2-3 weeks. 
You can start by taking small amounts and building up from there.

How long does valerian tincture last?

Like many homemade alcohol-based herbal tinctures, valerian root tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years. Studies have shown that the levels of the beneficial valerenic acid decrease drastically when exposed to warm, humid air, so it’s important to keep it stored somewhere cool and dry. 

Tried this recipe?

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