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How to Make Your Own Herbal Sleep Tincture

7:52 am by Seeking Joyful Simplicity 17 Comments

How to Make Your Own Herbal Sleep Tincture

 

Herbal remedies have become a regular part of our life. We use herbs for first aid, nourishment to keep us healthy, and to help with cold and flu. I enjoy using tinctures because they work quickly, are convenient, easy to use, and they last a long time. Making your own tinctures is really quite easy once you get started, and ordering dried herbs in bulk means you can save money as you build your home apothecary. This homemade herbal sleep tincture recipe is a wonderful way to quiet a busy mind, unwind from stress, and enjoy peaceful sleep.

 

I enjoy using tinctures because they work quickly, are convenient, easy to use, and they last a long time. Making your own tinctures is really quite easy once you get started, and ordering dried herbs in bulk means you can save money as you build your home apothecary. This homemade herbal sleep tincture recipe is a wonderful way to quiet a busy mind, unwind from stress, and enjoy peaceful sleep.

 

 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase through these links I receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Seeking Joyful Simplicity ~ Michelle

 

Homemade Sleep Tincture – Ingredients

This herbal sleep tincture recipe is a combination of herbs that offer a variety of benefits. You can read more about my favorite 5 Herbs for Better Sleep and why I chose these herbs. And if you regularly struggle with sleep problems, try these Simple Strategies for Better Sleep.

You will need:

Pint sized jar

Dried Passionflower – leaves and flowers

Dried Skullcap – leaves and flowers

Dried Milky Oats or Oat Straw

Dried Catnip

Dried Valerian Root

80 – proof alcohol (Brandy is a good choice)

 

I enjoy using tinctures because they work quickly, are convenient, easy to use, and they last a long time. Making your own tinctures is really quite easy once you get started, and ordering dried herbs in bulk means you can save money as you build your home apothecary. This homemade herbal sleep tincture recipe is a wonderful way to quiet a busy mind, unwind from stress, and enjoy peaceful sleep.

 

How to Make a Sleep Tincture

  1. Combine equal parts of your dried herbs in a pint-sized jar. The herbs should almost fill the jar, but not be crammed too tightly.
  2. Add enough alcohol to fill the jar and cover your herbs completely. Put the top on the jar and give a shake to help settle the herbs. Add more alcohol if needed to cover all the herbs.
  3. I like to use these plastic canning jar lids to prevent corrosion of the metal lids from the alcohol.
  4. Label and date your tincture and let it sit for four-to-six weeks.
  5. Strain the herbs using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and bottle your tincture.

I purchased a 12 pack of 4-ounce amber tincture bottles, and these tiny funnels for filling them.  Having a dropper bottle makes taking the tincture much easier, and I can wash and reuse the bottles as needed.

 

I enjoy using tinctures because they work quickly, are convenient, easy to use, and they last a long time. Making your own tinctures is really quite easy once you get started, and ordering dried herbs in bulk means you can save money as you build your home apothecary. This homemade herbal sleep tincture recipe is a wonderful way to quiet a busy mind, unwind from stress, and enjoy peaceful sleep.

 

How to use your homemade sleep tincture

The combination of herbs in this tincture is relaxing and lightly sedative. If you have difficulty settling into sleep at night, take 1 – 2 dropperfuls about an hour before you plan to go to bed. If you are still feeling restless at bedtime, take another dropperful. You can place the tincture straight on your tongue, or in a small glass of water.

If you struggle with waking during the night and find yourself unable to fall asleep again, keep the tincture beside your bed and take another 1 – 2 dropperfuls to help you return to sleep.

If you want to make a non-alcoholic tincture, glycerine can be substituted for the alcohol. However, the shelf-life of glycerine tinctures is only a few months, while the alcohol  tinctures last indefinitely. Mountain Rose Blog has a tutorial on How to Make Glycerine Extracts.

Do you have difficulty sleeping? What’s your favorite remedy?

In health,
~Michelle
Herbalist Courses for all levels

 

 

Filed Under: Healing Herbs, Simple DIY Tagged With: Herbal sleep tincture recipe, Homemade sleep tincture, how to make a sleep tincture

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jordan says

    at 11:22 am

    I needed this today! I’ve had trouble sleeping the past few nights and found your post on the Homestead Blog Hop this morning. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Alicia Owen says

    at 3:06 pm

    Tinctures are so easy to make. I’m hoping I remember to try some out this year. I could definitely use a sleep aid one, that’s for sure!

    Reply
    • Seeking Joyful Simplicity says

      at 6:14 pm

      I really love my sleep tincture. I keep it beside the bed for those nights when I wake up and can’t stop thinking. The herbs are so gentle and effective. Wishing you restful sleep Alicia.

      Reply
  3. Anne In The Kitchen says

    at 11:30 pm

    As a night nurse, I have chronic sleeping problems. Thanks, for sharing!

    Reply
    • Seeking Joyful Simplicity says

      at 9:13 am

      Try the herbs Anne, especially the skullcap and passionflower. Most sleep teas you can buy are nice, but the tincture is stronger. Take care.

      Reply
  4. Bonnie Spiker says

    at 7:19 am

    Hops has a sedative effect and is good for sleep,It tastes horrible though 😉

    Reply
    • Seeking Joyful Simplicity says

      at 8:03 am

      Yes, hops are used in a lot of sleep aides, and I agree, they don’t taste the greatest!

      Reply
  5. Steph says

    at 5:13 pm

    Are tinctures addictive? I have tried a few and love them- but I stray away from medicines because of their addictive qualities. What do you think?

    Reply
    • Seeking Joyful Simplicity says

      at 11:08 am

      This is a good question. I have never heard of anyone becoming addicted to tinctures. Addiction to tinctures has never come up in any of my research, courses, none of my teachers have spoken of it, and although I have used tinctures for many years now, a feeling of ‘addiction’ has never been a part of my personal experience with herbal remedies. It’s an interesting thought though, and I wonder if anyone has ever done any research…

      Reply
  6. Nina L Puluso says

    at 1:45 pm

    What is the shelf-life of the tincture and where should it be stored?

    Reply
    • Seeking Joyful Simplicity says

      at 4:30 pm

      Alcohol-based tinctures have a shelf-life of five years (the alcohol is a great preservative). Glycerine-based tinctures from 2-3 years. Stored out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources is best.

      Reply
  7. Deborah says

    at 7:51 am

    Question what if your severely allergic to valerian is there an alternative herb

    Reply
    • Seeking Joyful Simplicity says

      at 4:45 pm

      You can omit the valerian! If you wanted you could substitute other herbs like – hops, lavender, or chamomile.

      Reply
  8. Becky says

    at 3:39 am

    Hi is there anything else I can use instead of glycerine?

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Five Herbs for Better Sleep says:
    at 7:20 am

    […] you want a convenient way to use herbs for better sleep, consider making your own herbal sleep tincture. It’s really quite simple and a very effective way to use herbs for […]

    Reply
  2. How to Sleep Better – Simple Strategies for Better Sleep says:
    at 7:23 am

    […] your health and addressing some of the common causes for insomnia. And read here to learn how to make your own herbal sleep tincture – tinctures are easy to make and […]

    Reply
  3. 4 Herbal Remedies for Stress says:
    at 8:10 am

    […] And some plants are most soluble in alcohol, vinegar, or oil, and that’s where tinctures, vinegars, and oils are used. You can read about the five best herbs for better sleep and how easy it is to make a wonderful herbal tincture for better sleep. […]

    Reply

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Disclaimer and Disclosure

The information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical advice and care. It is simply my perspective for you to consider as you make good choices for you and your family’s health. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and maintaining health. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care. The information provided has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose any disease, nor is it intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Seek the support and care of a physician and/or complementary care practitioner you trust, and above all, listen to and trust in yourself. Be well!

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