How to Use Flowers for Herbal Tinctures

Flowers have been used for centuries to create herbal tinctures, which are concentrated liquid extracts of medicinal plants. These tinctures harness the beneficial properties of flowers and are an effective way to support health naturally.

Selecting the Right Flowers for Tinctures

Not all flowers are suitable for making herbal tinctures. It’s essential to choose flowers that are safe and beneficial for medicinal use. Some of the best flowers for tinctures include:

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – Calming and digestive support

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Stress relief and sleep aid

• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – Immune booster

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – Anti-inflammatory and skin healing

• Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) – Cold and flu relief

• Rose (Rosa spp.) – Emotional balance and skin health

• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – Anxiety and sleep support

Harvesting and Preparing the Flowers

For the best quality tincture, flowers should be harvested at their peak bloom. Ideally, pick flowers in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in.

1. Use Fresh or Dried Flowers

   • Fresh flowers provide a more vibrant tincture, but dried flowers work well too.

   • If using fresh flowers, gently shake off any insects or dirt.

   • If drying, hang the flowers upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated space.

2. Chop or Crush the Flowers

   • Breaking down the flowers slightly helps release their beneficial compounds.

   • Use a mortar and pestle or simply tear them apart by hand.

Choosing the Best Solvent

A tincture requires a liquid medium to extract the beneficial compounds from the flowers. The most common options include:

• Alcohol (Ethanol) – The best solvent for extracting a wide range of plant constituents. Use at least 40% alcohol (vodka, brandy, or rum).

• Glycerin – A non-alcoholic option, good for children and those avoiding alcohol.

• Vinegar (Apple Cider Vinegar) – A mild solvent, great for digestive health tinctures.

Making the Flower Tincture

Ingredients & Supplies:

• Fresh or dried flowers (enough to fill a jar halfway for dried, or fully for fresh)

• Alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar

• Glass jar with a tight-sealing lid

• Cheesecloth or fine strainer

• Amber dropper bottles for storage

Steps:

1. Fill a Glass Jar

   • Place the flowers in a clean, dry glass jar.

   • If using dried flowers, fill the jar halfway. If using fresh flowers, fill it nearly to the top.

2. Add the Solvent

   • Pour the alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar over the flowers until fully submerged.

   • Leave about an inch of space at the top of the jar.

3. Seal and Store

   • Close the jar tightly and shake it well.

   • Store in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks.

   • Shake the jar daily to help with the extraction process.

4. Strain and Bottle

   • After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a clean bowl.

   • Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

   • Transfer the liquid into amber dropper bottles for storage.

Using Flower Tinctures

• Dosage: Typically, 1-2 droppers (30-60 drops) diluted in water or tea up to three times per day.

• Application: Some tinctures can also be used externally for skin benefits.

• Storage: Keep tinctures in a cool, dark place; they can last for years if stored properly.

Popular Flower Tincture Recipes

1. Chamomile & Lavender Sleep Tincture

• ½ jar fresh chamomile flowers

• ½ jar fresh lavender flowers

• 80-proof vodka

• Follow the standard tincture-making process.

2. Elderflower Immune Booster

• 1 cup dried elderflowers

• 1 cup vodka

• Let it sit for 6 weeks, strain, and use at the first sign of illness.

3. Calendula Skin Healing Tincture

• 1 jar fresh calendula flowers

• Apple cider vinegar as a solvent

• Apply externally for skin irritations.

Final Thoughts

Flower-based herbal tinctures are a simple yet powerful way to harness nature’s healing properties. With proper selection, preparation, and usage, you can create natural remedies to support health and wellness. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any herbal remedy, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.