Learn how to make a rosemary tincture using freshly harvested rosemary and vodka to create a concentrated herbal extract that promotes overall well-being.
Add rosemary flavoring to your drinks or enjoy the medicinal benefits of rosemary to improve your hair or memory. Packaged in a small dropper bottle, rosemary tincture is an herbal powerhouse you should explore.
Rosemary is an herb typically found in most gardens near Lac Leman. I remember when I first moved to this area almost ten years ago, I could smell it almost everywhere. Later I was able to plant rosemary in my garden. Every time I need it in my culinary creations, I have a bunch of rosemary. I use it when making rosemary tea or salt.
I just recently made this rosemary tincture recipe and new ways to use rosemary have just emerged. But let me start at the beginning.
Ingredients
Strong rosemary
This fragrant and medicinal plant belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The Latin name, Rosmarinus officinalis, means ‘dew of the sea’. You can use the needle-like evergreen leaves, dried or fresh, to flavor food or to accent your hair or even beard.
According to legend, none of the court physicians could help her when Queen Elizabeth of Hungary became paralyzed in 1235. A local healer cured her by rubbing rosemary ointment on her limbs. To make his medicine, he soaked a pound of rosemary in a quart of wine. This recipe later became known as Queen of Hungarian Water, which was very popular for centuries to treat skin and joint problems.
Rosemary is a valuable source of vitamins, minerals and volatile oils that contribute to its medicinal properties. Regular use of Rosemary Tincture has shown clinical effects on mood, relaxation, pain, anxiety and sleep. The easiest way to implement the benefits of rosemary into your daily routine is to drink it as a tea or make a rosemary tincture.
Solvent
Use 40% alcohol = 80-proof ethanol, ethanol, vodka, brandy or grain alcohol.
What is rosemary tincture
A rosemary tincture is a concentrated extract of rosemary leaves, using alcohol as a solvent. The rosemary is soaked in alcohol for several weeks, allowing the active substances to be extracted and dissolved in the solvent. Just a few drops of the tincture create a powerful concentrate with a long shelf life.
Medicinal properties of rosemary tincture
Tincture to improve memory
A study published in the journal Fitotherapy indicates that rosemary leaf extract may help with dementia and improve memory. Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food suggests that rosemary could improve cognition in the elderly.
Recent studies show that rosemary herb tincture inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical in the nervous system responsible for memory and reasoning. Rosemary may also promote memory function by increasing blood flow to the brain.
The IkariansCentenarians living in the Blue Zone, known for their remarkable longevity and vitality, attribute their vibrant health in part to their love of rosemary tea.
For hair growth
Rosemary is used to increase blood flow and stimulate circulation to promote hair growth. The main ingredient responsible for hair growth is ursolic acid, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles and makes hair grow and regrow faster.
Additionally, rosemary is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help nourish and soothe hair follicles. It also prevents dandruff.
Strengthen the immune system
Some proof suggest that regular use of rosemary tincture can help strengthen the immune system. Rosemary contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid and carnosol, which have analgesic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can support the immune system by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. In addition, help to reduce pain. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits and the appropriate dosages.
You can achieve a similar effect with lemon balm tincture.
How to make rosemary tincture
Ffirst step: prepare rosemary
Whether you grow your own rosemary or decide to purchase dry rosemary, you will need 1 cup of fresh rosemary or ½ cup of rosemary. dried rosemary for this herbal preparation.
Early morning is the best time to harvest rosemary as it helps preserve the volatile oils. Also collect rosemary before it begins to bloom, as the volatile oils and medicinal compounds in the leaves are most concentrated.
When making tinctures, I usually prefer to use dried herbs to prevent spoilage from moisture. However, rosemary does not have as much moisture and its volatile oils are strongest when used fresh.
Feel free to use dried material as it makes a very potent homemade tincture.
Second step: Combine with vodka
Chop fresh rosemary leaves to increase the surface area for maceration and place in a sterilized jar, filling it ¾ full.
Pour 40% = 80 proof vodka or an ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol at the very top of the jar to cover the rosemary.
You can also make homemade alcohol-free tinctures and use glycerin or apple cider vinegar instead of alcohol.
Third step: let it infuse
I think so glass jar with a plastic lid are best for this, but if you don’t have one, use parchment paper between them to prevent corrosion.
Cover the jar and place it in a cool, easily accessible place. You will need to shake it occasionally to help break the herb’s cell walls. Also make sure that the leaves are completely covered with alcohol, as the alcohol can evaporate. The entire extraction process can take 6-8 weeks.
Fourth step: tension
Strain the tincture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a sterilized jar. Do not leave herbs in the tincture as they can cause mold and spoilage.
Store the tincture in the dark bottle with dropper in a cold place. It can take up to 5 years.
Label your rosemary extract with the name and date you made it.
Uses of rosemary tincture
Oral
The most beneficial way to use this liquid extract is to take it orally to relieve a widespread problem range of health issues. Take the drops directly under the tongue so that the tincture enters the bloodstream directly. If it is more convenient for you, you can also dilute it in water, tea or juice
Dosage of rosemary tincture
The recommended dosage is between 15 and 30 drops, one to three times a day. Research shows that a dose of 60 drops per day has the best potency and therapeutic effect.
For hair growth
Dilute this rosemary tonic in your own hair products such as shampoo, conditioner or hair rinse to give your hair an extra boost. Add 1 full dropper (½ tablespoon) per 8 ounces to the hair product of your choice.
When cooking
This rosemary tincture is best used when making drink infusions, sweets or sauce. Add as many drops to your final recipe as you need for the desired strength!
Uses of rosemary tincture
Cocktails with rosemary tincture
Rosemary extract is aromatic and just a few drops can add a spicy twist to traditional drinks or cocktails such as Murderous queen or Gin fizzes
In the same way I make cocktails with orange or lemon extract.
How to make rosemary tincture without alcohol
If you want to make an alcohol-free botanical extract, you can replace alcohol with vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar.
If properly stored in a dark and dry place, away from direct sunlight, such as a kitchen cupboard, it can last up to 5 years.
Where can I buy one?
You can also buy ready-made rosemary tincture if you prefer.
Active time
10 minutes
Extra time
1 month
Total time
1 month 10 minutes
Difficulty
Simple
Instructions
- Whether you grow your own rosemary or decide to purchase dry rosemary, you will need 1 cup of fresh rosemary or ½ cup of rosemary. dried rosemary for this herbal preparation. Early morning is the best time to harvest rosemary as it helps preserve the volatile oils. Also collect rosemary before it begins to bloom, as the volatile oils and medicinal compounds in the leaves are most concentrated. When making tinctures, I usually prefer to use dried herbs to prevent spoilage from moisture. However, rosemary does not have as much moisture and its volatile oils are strongest when used fresh. Feel free to use dried material as it makes a very potent homemade tincture.
- Chop fresh rosemary leaves to increase the surface area for maceration and place in a sterilized jar, filling it ¾ full. Pour 40% = 80 proof vodka or an ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol at the very top of the jar to cover the rosemary. You can also make homemade alcohol-free tinctures and use glycerin or apple cider vinegar instead of alcohol.
- I think so glass jar with a plastic lid are best for this, but if you don’t have one, use parchment paper between them to prevent corrosion. Cover the jar and place it in a cool, easily accessible place. You will need to shake it occasionally to help break the herb’s cell walls. Also make sure that the leaves are completely covered with alcohol, as the alcohol can evaporate. The entire extraction process can take 6-8 weeks.
- Strain the tincture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a sterilized jar. Be careful not to leave any herbs in the tincture as they can cause mold and spoilage.
Comments
- Store the tincture in a dark bottle with a dropper in a cold place. It can take up to 5 years. Label your rosemary extract with the name and date you made it.
- You can make an alcohol-free tincture with vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar. It’s great for kids
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