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Let’s make a blue vervain tincture!
Blue Vervain is one of the many native plants I grow in my bioregional garden. I have a strong affinity for it because it is a beautiful, vibrant plant that is easy to grow and has many important uses for human health. I hand-harvest the flowering tops and leaves of this plant as soon as they’re ready, usually in mid-to-late summer then immediately make a blue vervain tincture from the fresh plant in organic alcohol. Not only is blue vervain a great medicinal plant to have, but its brilliant blue flowers attract a variety of bees and make a great addition to any garden!
What is Blue Vervain Tincture Good For?
Blue Vervain is a lovely plant and an important nervine herb and makes an excellent tincture for anyone who tends to accumulate tightness and tension in the body, particularly in the upper back, shoulders, and neck. It is a powerful antidote for tension and stress, especially when the source of stress is trying to control things that are beyond your control. It helps you find peace in your body, mind, and emotions. This blue vervain tincture offers emotional and physical support to the nervous system and reproductive system of the body. It can help calm pre-menstrual agitation or symptoms associated with menopause.
Why Make Your Own Tincture?
Herbal tinctures are a great way to preserve the power of plants and keep their helpful qualities on hand for when you need them. We like to make our tinctures with organic alcohol, but you can also use vinegar or glycerin.
In order to make sure that my family and I are getting the most out of the medicinal herbs we consume, I prefer to make my own herbal tinctures at home. This allows me to control exactly which parts of the plant go into making my tinctures (usually: roots, stems, seeds, or leaves), what solvent or carrying agent I’m using (often alcohol), and how long I’m letting the herbs soak before straining them out (anywhere from two weeks up to several months). Making your own tinctures ensures you know exactly what you’re consuming!
Are you just getting started with herbalism? Check out this helpful article: Â Start an Amazing Home Apothecary with These 22 Must-Have Herbs and ToolsÂ
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Here's How To Make Blue Vervain Tincture:
- Hand harvest the beautiful flowering tops and delicate leaves (no stems or roots) of blue vervain in mid- to late summer. Make sure you only harvest from plants that have been organically grown and are not near any areas that may be contaminated with pesticides or other chemicals. After harvesting, trim off any flowers or leaves that are discolored or damaged.
- Chop them coarsely with a knife to expose the plant’s juices.Â
- Fill a jar about an inch less than full of fresh herb then cover all the way to the top with 100 proof vodka making sure that all parts of the plant are completely submerged. Using a jar large enough to fit all of your plant material with room to fill with vodka to the top will help to prevent oxidation or mold growth. You basically don’t want a lot of air space in your jar.Â
- Seal the jar and shake it. Tincture for 6-8 weeks, shaking every few days.Â
- Strain out the herbs and bottle in amber glass bottles for long-term storage. Unopened tinctures can last for several years if stored in a cool dark place.
To use your blue vervain tincture, take a few drops as needed under your tongue or added to water, tea or juice for fast absorption and maximum effectiveness.
Store in a cool, dry place away from light.
Below is a wonderful video on making a blue vervain tincture from April Graham, a fellow herbalist. She really breaks down the whole process and is real, honest, down-to-earth, and entertaining as heck too.Â
There you have it! A simple guide on how to make and use your own Blue Vervain tincture. Whether you’re new to holistic or alternative approaches to healing or have been making tinctures for years, my hope is that this post was helpful and informative. If you are interested in reading more about the benefits of blue vervain and its history, I encourage you to check out the following article: Blue Vervain: The Hidden Aspects Of A Magical Medicinal Herb. Also, check out some other herbal posts on our blog if you are interested in learning additional information.
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Disclaimer:
The Outdoor Apothecary website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is the reader’s responsibility to ensure proper plant identification and usage.
Please be aware that some plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for verification of nutritional information, health benefits, and any potential risks associated with edible and medicinal plants mentioned on this website.
Really disappointing you don’t have a general contact so here goes this it’s not related to this blog post but I feel you should know. Just a quick note to let you know I think you have a typo on your purple dead nettle article? You put something about how many tablespoons of the dried herb to use per 8 “hours” of boiling water.
Paula,
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I guess that proves that it sometimes doesn’t matter how many times you proofread lol. Also, there is a contact page link in the footer section of the page 🙂
If I use witch hazel for a tincure will it be ok to take dtops internally?
Katie,
Witch hazel in most situations is used topically. This is because witch hazel contains tannins that can cause stomach problems like nausea and vomiting if consumed in large amounts. Also, the witch hazel found in most stores contains Isopropyl alcohol which should never be ingested. If you are wanting to make a tincture for internal use, I recommend using 80-proof alcohol like vodka or brandy, or vegetable glycerin.
Hi, can you tell me how I know when it is ready? Does it get stronger the longer you leave it?
Thanks!
Is there any harm to leaving blue vervain leaves in the alcohol longer than 6wks and not straining it out? I left mine soaking for 30wks so far.
No harm in leaving longer.
Why not use the stems. When you order from the herbal supply stores you have stems. Are they not supposed to be used or are they unsafe? I can’t seem to find much information other than using all arial parts of the plant.
There’s really no harm in using the stems as well. There are a couple of reasons why I prefer not to. One is that the stems often contain fewer active compounds than the leaves and flowers. Including them might dilute the overall potency of the tincture. Also, stems can be tougher and may require more time or stronger solvents to extract the beneficial compounds effectively.