Homemade Spilanthes Tincture and Extract Recipe using Food Grade Ethanol
Spilanthes is a fascinating medicinal herb known for its immune-boosting, antimicrobial, and oral health-supporting properties. Making your own spilanthes tincture ensures that you can extract and preserve its beneficial compounds in a potent, easy-to-use liquid form. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a high-quality tincture using 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol for maximum potency and purity.
What is Spilanthes?
Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea), also known as toothache plant or electric daisy, is a flowering herb from the Asteraceae (daisy) family, recognized for its tingling, numbing effect when consumed. It has been widely used in herbal medicine, immune support, and oral health applications due to its rich content of spilanthol, alkylamides, and flavonoids, which contribute to its analgesic, antimicrobial, and immune-stimulating properties.
Why Make a Spilanthes Tincture Instead of Using Fresh or Dried Herbs?
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Higher Potency: A tincture concentrates spilanthes’s active compounds, making it more effective than fresh or dried plant material.
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Long Shelf Life: Fresh spilanthes degrades quickly, while an ethanol-based tincture remains stable for up to two years.
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Versatile Use: Can be taken internally for immune and oral health support or used externally for soothing pain relief.
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Precise Dosage: Allows for easy, controlled dosing of spilanthes’s benefits without consuming large amounts of the herb.
Traditional Uses and Benefits of Spilanthes
Spilanthes has been widely used in Traditional South American Herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Ayurvedic Medicine. It has been valued for its pain-relieving, antimicrobial, and immune-stimulating properties. South American healers traditionally used spilanthes for soothing toothaches and supporting digestion. TCM utilizes spilanthes for its ability to expel toxins and stimulate saliva production. Ayurvedic medicine recognizes spilanthes for its warming properties and its ability to enhance circulation and immune response.
Where is Spilanthes Natively Grown?
Spilanthes is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia, where it thrives in warm, humid climates with well-drained soil. It is now cultivated in Florida, Texas, California, and Hawaii, where it is grown for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Sourcing Spilanthes and How to Select Quality
For the best tincture results, source organic, fresh or dried spilanthes flowers and leaves from reputable herbal suppliers, farmers’ markets, or cultivated home gardens. Choose bright green leaves and vibrant yellow flowers with a fresh, strong scent. Avoid plant material that is wilted, discolored, or lacking fragrance, as these signs indicate diminished potency.
Preparing Spilanthes for Tincture
To prepare spilanthes for tincturing:
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Ensure the flowers and leaves are clean and free from debris.
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Gently chop or crush the plant material to improve extraction efficiency.
Recipe: Homemade Spilanthes Tincture and Extract
Ingredients:
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1 ounce (28 g) of fresh or dried spilanthes flowers and leaves, chopped
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4 fl oz (118 mL) of USDA Certified Organic Food Grade Ethanol
Instructions:
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Place the chopped spilanthes flowers and leaves in a clean, dry glass jar.
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Pour the ethanol over the plant material, ensuring it is fully submerged.
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Seal the jar tightly and shake gently.
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Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 48 hours, shaking occasionally to enhance extraction.
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After the extraction period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove plant material.
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Transfer the finished tincture into a dark glass dropper bottle for storage and easy use.
Note: Tinctures made with 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol are typically ready after the recommended steeping times, but allowing the tincture to soak longer can enhance potency and rarely produces negative effects. Many assume tinctures require lengthy extraction times, but with 200 proof food grade ethanol, extraction is significantly faster and more efficient.
Best Practices for Storing Your Spilanthes Tincture or Extract
Store your spilanthes tincture in a dark glass bottle away from heat and sunlight to maintain potency. When properly stored, the tincture remains effective for up to two years.
Suggested Uses and Dosage for Spilanthes Tincture
Spilanthes tincture is commonly used to support oral health, immune function, and pain relief. A standard dosage is 5-15 drops in water or tea, taken 1-3 times daily as needed. Externally, the tincture can be diluted with water and applied to sore gums or minor skin irritations. Always consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
Final Thoughts on Crafting Your Own Spilanthes Tincture
Making a spilanthes tincture at home is an effective way to harness its pain-relieving, immune-boosting, and antimicrobial properties. By using 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol, you ensure a high-quality, chemical-free extraction that preserves spilanthes’s valuable compounds. Whether for oral health, immune defense, or pain relief, incorporating spilanthes tincture into your routine is a natural and effective solution.
No health claims are made from the content of this blog post. Consult a medical professional before deciding to make or consume the tinctures and extracts discussed. Be aware of possible adverse effects or allergies, as individual reactions may vary.
