DIY Stinging Nettle tinctures dry & fresh

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Crafting a Holistic Tincture with Stinging nettle (Urtica incisa) is a powerhouse herb known for its numerous health benefits. One of the most effective ways to harness its medicinal properties of Stinging nettle is by making a Stinging nettle tincture. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a Stinging nettle tincture using 100% proof vodka, which is ideal for extracting all the beneficial compounds from the nettle.

Why Use 100% Proof Vodka? 100% proof vodka, which is 50% water and 50% alcohol, is perfect for tinctures because it effectively extracts both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds from the nettle. This balanced extraction ensures that you get a potent, full-spectrum tincture. Although 100% proof vodka can be hard to find, it's worth the effort for the best results. You can purchase it from [Harris Organic Wine]

Fresh vs. Dried Stinging nettle Using fresh Stinging nettle in tinctures can be a bit more challenging than using dried Stinging nettle due to the water content in fresh plants. The water in fresh Stinging nettle can dilute the alcohol, potentially compromising the extraction process. For a more in-depth understanding and calculations on using fresh nettle, you can refer to this [YouTube guide] by an alcohol expert.

Ingredients and Equipment - Fresh or dried stinging nettle leaves and stems - 100% proof vodka - Clean mason jar with a lid - Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth - Dark glass bottle for storage - Labels

Step-by-Step Instructions Stinging nettle tincture

1. **Prepare the Stinging nettle:**

- **Fresh Stinging nettle:** Wash and pat dry to remove any dirt or insects. Handle with gloves to avoid stinging.

- **Dried Stinging nettle:** Ensure it’s clean and free from any debris.

2. **Fill the Jar:** - Place the nettle (fresh or dried) in a clean mason jar, filling it about halfway.

3. **Add Vodka:** - Pour the 100% proof vodka over the nettle until it’s completely submerged. Ensure the nettle is fully covered by the vodka.

4. **Seal and Shake:** - Seal the jar tightly with the lid and shake it well to mix the contents.

5. **Steep:** - Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar occasionally to help with the extraction process.

6. **Strain:** - After the steeping period, strain the Stinging nettle liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the plant material. Pour the tincture into a clean, dark glass bottle.

7. **Label and Store:** - Label the bottle with Stinging nettle tincture the date and contents. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.

Using Stinging nettle Tincture

To use the Stinging nettle tincture, add a few drops to water, tea, or juice. It’s a versatile remedy that can support overall health, reduce inflammation, boost vitality, and more.

Benefits of Stinging nettle Tincture - **Full-Spectrum Extraction:** The 50/50 alcohol and water mix in 100% proof vodka ensures a comprehensive extraction of nettle’s beneficial compounds. - **Convenient and Potent:** Tinctures are easy to store and use, and they offer a concentrated form of the herb’s medicinal properties. - **Versatile Use:** Nettle tincture can be used in various health applications, from boosting immunity to supporting joint health. Creating a nettle tincture is a rewarding process that allows you to capture the full benefits of this powerful herb. Whether you choose fresh or dried nettle, following these steps will help you produce a high-quality tincture that supports your holistic health needs.

🌿Additional Resources For more information on using fresh Stinging nettle and adjusting for water content, check out this [expert video guide]