Homemade Lobelia Tincture and Extract Recipe using Food Grade Ethanol

Lobelia is a distinctive botanical recognized for its historical use in traditional herbal preparations. Making a lobelia tincture allows for efficient extraction and preservation of its natural plant compounds in a convenient liquid form. This guide outlines how to create a high-quality tincture using 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol for optimal extraction.

What is Lobelia?

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also known as Indian tobacco, is a flowering plant from the Campanulaceae family. It features small, pale violet flowers and has been traditionally used in various herbal preparations.

Where is Lobelia Grown?

Lobelia is native to North America and thrives in open fields, meadows, and woodland edges. It is commonly found in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio, where it prefers moist, well-drained soil with partial to full sunlight.

Sourcing and Selecting Quality Lobelia

For the best tincture results, source organic, fresh, or dried lobelia leaves and flowers from reputable herbal suppliers, farmers’ markets, or cultivated home gardens. Choose bright green leaves and fresh flowers with an aromatic scent. Avoid plant material that is wilted, discolored, or overly dry, as these signs indicate diminished quality.

Preparing Lobelia for Tincture

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

Homemade Lobelia Extract Recipe

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Category

Herbal Extracts

Prep Time

48 hours

Creating a lobelia tincture at home is a simple and effective way to preserve plant compounds. Whether used for culinary or traditional herbal preparations, making a tincture allows for customized extraction.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce (28 g) of fresh or dried lobelia leaves and flowers, chopped

• 4 fl oz 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol

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Directions

Combine Ingredients

1. Place the chopped lobelia leaves and flowers 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 lobelia 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 Lobelia 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 Lobelia Tincture

Botanical & Herbal Applications

• Herbal Blends: May be incorporated into tincture blends with other botanicals.
• Aromatherapy & Natural Crafting: Some herbalists include lobelia extracts in handcrafted herbal formulas.

Garden & Botanical Study Uses

• Natural Gardening: Lobelia is often planted in gardens to attract pollinators.
• Botanical Exploration: Can be used in educational settings to study plant extraction techniques.

Final Thoughts on Crafting a Lobelia Tincture

Making a lobelia 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 studies, or natural gardening, lobelia 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.