Herbal tincture is an excellent way to preserve the beneficial ingredients of herbs longer. Actually, with it, you will get an herbal extract.
The properties of the herbs are passed to alcohol in 4-6 weeks, the time needed tincture to brew. In this case, this ingredient is the blue essential oils from chamomile. These essential oils are the reason why chamomile is so healthy. I wrote about this topic in my previous post blogs Chamomile – What Makes It Healthy?, and Chamomile Tea Benefits and Side Effects.
Chamomile tincture is used for better sleeping and upset stomach. You can add it to tea or under your tongue if you don’t like the taste. It is often used to soothe inflamed gums by rubbing them with it.
In traditional medicine, this tincture is used on children for a calming effect or better sleeping. This has yet to be proven by modern science, so be careful giving it to kids.
Due to the calming effect of chamomile and the disinfectant effect of alcohol, this tincture is great for skin infections. Put it on a cotton ball and apply it on the infected area. Leave it until the alcohol has evaporated or shorter. You can also dilute it in water and wash the infected area with it.
It is a straightforward recipe. All you need is 80 proof with at least 40% alcohol like vodka and dried or fresh herbs. As you can see in the video, I use rakia instead of vodka. It is traditional alcohol, specific for the Balkan. You can freely use vodka; it doesn’t matter.
If you decide to use fresh herbs, leave them overnight from harvesting time to when you put them in alcohol to evaporate the remaining moisture.
- Put the flowers in a previously sterilized glass jar.
- Pour them with the alcohol.
- Close the jar and place it to a place not to be exposed directly to sunlight.
- Leave it for about 40 days with occasional shaking.
- After that period, drain through cloth.
- Store in a glass jar or bottle in a cold and dark place.
- Take one teaspoon before sleep, or when you have an upset stomach. You can add a few drops in a tea for better aroma and effect.
The ratio between chamomile flowers and alcohol should be as in the videos. That is, the level of alcohol should be up to the level of chamomile, maybe a bit higher.
Now, do these teas work on children or is it not safe to give them it?
Chamomile is generally safe for children. Normally there are exceptions for allergic reactions, so it is necessary to be careful with the first use by taking a small amount.