Homemade Lamb’s Ear Tincture and Extract Recipe using Food Grade Ethanol

Lamb’s ear is a resilient and ornamental herb often used in botanical crafting, natural textiles, and garden landscapes. Creating a lamb’s ear tincture allows for the efficient extraction and preservation of its natural plant compounds in a convenient liquid form. This guide outlines how to make a high-quality tincture using 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol for optimal extraction.

What is Lamb’s Ear?

Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) is a perennial plant from the Lamiaceae (mint) family, recognized for its soft, velvety leaves and decorative appeal. It is widely cultivated in gardens for its aesthetic and practical applications.

Where is Lamb’s Ear Grown?

Lamb’s ear is not native to North America but has naturalized in many regions, thriving in dry, well-drained soils, meadows, and gardens. It is most commonly grown in Texas, New Mexico, California, Oregon, and Arizona, where it thrives in full sun and moderate moisture conditions.

Sourcing and Selecting Quality Lamb’s Ear

For the best tincture results, source organic, fresh, or dried lamb’s ear leaves from reputable growers, farmers’ markets, or cultivated home gardens. Choose vibrant green, soft leaves with a fresh herbal scent. Avoid plant material that is overly dry, brittle, or discolored, as this may indicate diminished quality.

Preparing Lamb’s Ear for Tincture

• Ensure the leaves are clean and free from debris.
• Gently crush or chop the leaves to improve extraction efficiency.

Homemade Lamb’s Ear Extract Recipe

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Category

Herbal Extracts

Prep Time

48 hours

Creating a lamb’s ear tincture at home is a simple and effective way to preserve plant compounds. Used for botanical crafting, making a tincture allows for customized extraction.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce (28 g) of fresh or dried lamb’s ear leaves, chopped

• 4 fl oz 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol

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Directions

Combine Ingredients

1. Place the chopped lamb’s ear leaves in a clean, dry glass jar.

2. Pour 4 fl oz of 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol on top of the plant material. Ensure it is fully submerged under the food grade ethanol.

3. Seal the jar tightly and shake gently to mix.

Wait

1. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 48 hours, shaking occasionally.

Strain and Store

1. After the extraction period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

2. Transfer the strained liquid into a dark glass dropper bottle for storage.

Recipe Note

Making a lamb’s ear tincture at home allows for a unique and versatile botanical preparation.

Store your tincture in a dark glass bottle, away from heat and sunlight, to maintain potency. Properly stored tinctures remain stable over time.

Best Practices for Storing Your Lamb’s Ear Tincture

Store your tincture in a dark glass bottle, away from heat and direct sunlight, to maintain its quality. When properly stored, the tincture can remain effective for up to two years.

Ways to Use Lamb’s Ear Tincture

Botanical & Herbal Applications

• Herbal Blends: Can be incorporated into botanical tincture blends.
• Natural Fabric Dyes: Used in traditional natural dyeing processes.

Culinary Uses

• Infusions: May be added to homemade herbal teas.
• Crafting: Some herbalists experiment with tinctures for botanical extract formulations.

Final Thoughts on Crafting a Lamb’s Ear Tincture

Making a lamb’s ear tincture at home allows for a unique and versatile botanical preparation. Using 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol ensures a high-quality extraction, free from unwanted additives. Whether used in botanical crafting, herbal infusions, or natural dyeing applications, lamb’s ear tincture is a valuable addition to any home apothecary.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a professional before using tinctures for any specific application. Individual reactions may vary.