How to Make a Sleepy-Time Tincture

"A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by

One after one; the sound of rain, and bees

Murmuring; the fall of rivers, winds and seas,

Smooth fields, white sheets of water, and pure sky -

I've thought of all by turns, and still I lie

Sleepless..."

~William Wordsworth

Oh, the importance of sleep! It gives refreshment to the overtaxed mind and gives rest to the weary body. Yet, as tired as one can be, sometimes sleep is hard to find! Using God's pharmacy, we can seek relief in a few well chosen herbs that can be transformed into a medicinal tincture. 

To begin, place 1 cup of chamomile flowers inside of a clean, quart sized, glass jar. Chamomile is excellent for relieving nervous stress and helps to aid digestion, both of which will support a beautiful bedtime! 

Next, add 1/3 cup of passionflower. A gentle but effective herb, passionflower is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, stress and depression. It is also useful as a pain reliever for headaches and menstrual pain, making it a very useful addition to a restful sleep blend!

Finally, add 1/3 cup of valerian root. I will not lie. This smells horrendous! However, it is one of the best herbs for those who suffer from stress, nervous systems disorders, restlessness and insomnia. For a stronger tincture, you can even double the amount of valerian. 

Other herbs that you can add into the tincture mix (or to replace with some of the herbs mentioned that you don't have) would include hops, lemon balm, catnip and oatstraw. 

Finally, finish your tincture by filling up the remaining jar space (leaving 1 inch from the top), with either 80-100 proof vodka or apple cider vinegar. Make sure the contents are completely covered with the liquid (if using vinegar, you may choose to warm it first for better results).

Note: Though alcohol will make the strongest tincture (please read this post if you have any concerns about the use of it in your medicine cabinet), you will find the pros and cons of both in our how to make a tincture post. You could also use food-grade glycerine, but will need to follow different instructions for the tincture which will be found in our how to make a tincture post.

• If using a metal lidded jar, cover jar with plastic prior to screwing on lid as you don't want the metal to be in contact with the tincture to corrode it.

• Label your jar with the name of herb, date and the medium used (i.e., alcohol or cider vinegar). 

• Store in a cool, dark area like your pantry. Let the mixture sit for 4 - 6 weeks for a nice, strong blend. Shake every few days to infuse the herbs into the liquid.

• When the time is completed, place a fine strainer over a glass bowl. Line the strainer with a piece of clean lightweight cotton or thin cheesecloth. Pour the contents through and strain. Your tincture is ready to use!

• If you have a clean dropper bottle, then pour some of your tincture inside and add it into your medicine cabinet. The remaining jar of tincture can safely be stored in your pantry for up to 5 years if using vodka (or longer) while the apple cider vinegar tincture will last up to a year.

• Make sure to label your final product with the name of tincture, date made and medium used (such as vodka, vinegar or glycerin).

Oh sleep! it is a gentle thing,

Beloved from pole to pole.

~Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The suggested dosage for adults would be to start off with one dropperful (aka 1/4 tsp.) before bedtime (if necessary, you may increase to 2-3 dropperfuls which is 1/2 - ¾ tsp.). If you notice any adverse affects, try making the tincture without the valerian (as a very small part of the population doesn't agree with it). 

"O bed! O bed! delicious bed!

That heaven upon earth to the weary head."

~Thomas Hood

It is wonderful to have a variety of these long lasting and all natural medicines in your pantry! When a need arises, we simply administer the proper mixture. Sending some sweet dreams your way and some pleasant preparations! This post is a part of our Make Your Own Apothecary ~ Home Pharmacy Series.

Disclaimers: I am not a certified herbalist but a homemaker interested in the arts of natural healing. The information I have learned has been gleaned through study of some of the following favorite books; Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, Grow Your Own Drugs by James Wong, The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs by Reader's Digest and websites of herbalists (such as the Bulk Herb Store Blog). As with all medicine, if problems still persist, discontinue the use of this remedy.

I am not a doctor. While I do seek scientific confirmation of the safety and effectiveness of the herbs and remedies I use, remember that using remedies is a personal decision. Nothing I say on this blog is approved by the FDA or intended to diagnose, treat or prevent disease. All things on this blog are my opinion or the opinion of others. Also, if you have a medical condition, are taking pharmaceutical drugs, or are pregnant, please consult your physician prior to taking herbs.

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