DIY Peppermint "Pick Me Up" Tincture Blend

"When you are stressed, depressed, and worn out, the last thing you need is to have your system roused with caffeine-rich foods, sugar, or drugs -- all common "remedies" for the blues. Instead, mild herbs that gently and surely nourish and spark the system are appropriate; they activate the nerve endings by increasing circulation, providing nutrients, and increasing vitality and zest. They neither provoke the system nor agitate it."

~ Rosemary Gladstar, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

I love to experiment with herbs in the kitchen and concoct! Once you learn their specialized properties, you can create your own medicinal mixtures based on your individual needs.  I am particularly drawn to the everyday necessities of the busy homemaker, for as I age, I notice my energy levels aren't what they used to be (and I am highly enticed by another cup of coffee!). Most of the time, I drink our Homemaker's Helper Tea and this blend keeps me feeling strong and capable. However, when my schedule gets thrown off due to unforeseen situations, family emergencies and so forth, there isn't time for that cup of tea. This is why our "pick me up" tincture was born.

This simple recipe uses the "nerve" nourishing properties of peppermint, lemon balm and nettle.  The peppermint acts as a natural stimulant, increases circulation, provide nutrients and increases vitality. Lemon balm is a strengthening nerve tonic which is high in calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and protein. And lastly, nettle is another excellent tonic herb for women. It is a rich source of iron, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin A. With this trio, your body will receive many of the vitamin and minerals that have been zapped from stress and will revitalize and refresh you! Another bonus is that peppermint is a digestive aid and will help with any sluggishness you suffer because of poor digestion (thus providing you with more energy!).

1. To prepare our "pick me up" blend, simply place 1/2 cup each of the following dried herbs inside of a clean, quart sized, glass jar (if using fresh herbs, use a heaping 1/2 cup):

• nettle leaf (if you have allergies, you may also want to use the nettle leaf for this allergy tonic)

• lemon balm (this is a base-ingredient in our homemaker's helper tea also)

• peppermint leaf  (you can also make your own peppermint extract with this herb)

2. Next, add either 80-100 proof vodka or apple cider vinegar to the jar until it is 3/4 of the way full.

• 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 vodka and vinegar in our how to make a tincture post.

• You could also use food-grade glycerine (in lieu of vodka and vinegar), but will need to follow different instructions for the tincture making process which will be found in our how to make a tincture post. Just use the herb amounts from this post but omit the honey. Glycerine is sweet enough!

3. Fill the remaining of the jar with raw honey (leaving about 1-inch head space from the top of jar).  I included the honey for the happy flavor and because it is a natural energy booster. Feel free to omit it from the recipe if you like.

4. Cap the jar tightly and shake well to blend the mixture. If using a metal lidded jar, cover jar with a piece of plastic or wax paper prior to screwing on the lid. You don't want the metal to be in contact with the tincture to corrode it.

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

6. 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.

Final Notes:

• When the time is completed, place a fine strainer over a glass bowl. Line the strainer with a piece of clean, lightweight cotton or muslin. 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, 2 years if using the glycerin, while the apple cider vinegar tincture will last up to 1 year.

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

Now remember, I am not an herbalist... but here is how I would take the tincture -- You can start off with one dropperful (aka 1/4 tsp.) for 3 times a day (if necessary, you may increase to a 2 dropperful dose which is 1/2 tsp. for 3 times a day) when the need arises. This can be added to water, tea, raw honey or even coffee (shh!!! well... if you are going to have it, a minty one would be more helpful).

Unlike caffeine which gives you a false burst of energy, these herbs give you a gentle boost because they are nourishing your depleted body. Keep in mind that the longer you use these herbs, the better the results will be as they begin to build and restore your energy. It is wonderful to have a variety of these long lasting and all natural medicines in your pantry!  Happy herbal-crafting!

"For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God..."

~ Hebrews 6:7

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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