Homemade St. John’s Wort Tincture and Extract Recipe using Food Grade Ethanol
St. John’s Wort is a flowering herb widely used in botanical preparations and herbal traditions. Making a homemade St. John’s Wort tincture allows you to create a concentrated herbal extract using 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol, which helps preserve the plant’s naturally occurring compounds.
What is St. John’s Wort?
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a perennial herb from the Hypericaceae family, recognized for its bright yellow flowers and distinctive perforated leaves. Native to Europe, this plant has naturalized across North America, thriving in meadows, grasslands, and roadsides.
Why Make a St. John’s Wort Tincture?
- Concentrated Botanical Extract: A tincture efficiently extracts St. John’s Wort’s plant compounds.
- Long Shelf Life: Ethanol-based tinctures remain stable for extended periods.
- Versatile Applications: Can be incorporated into herbal infusions, topical preparations, and more.
Where Does St. John’s Wort Grow?
St. John’s Wort grows abundantly in California, Oregon, Montana, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for home cultivation or responsible foraging.
Sourcing and Selecting Quality St. John’s Wort
For the best tincture results, source organic, fresh, or dried St. John’s Wort flowers and leaves from reputable herbal suppliers, farmers’ markets, or cultivated gardens. Look for:
- Bright yellow flowers
- Green leaves with tiny translucent perforations
- A fresh, herbal aroma
Avoid wilted, discolored, or overly dry material, as these may have diminished botanical quality.
Preparing St. John’s Wort for Tincture
- Ensure the flowers and leaves are clean and free from debris.
- Lightly chop or crush the plant material to increase surface area for better extraction.
Recipe: Homemade St. John’s Wort Tincture
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce (28 g) of fresh or dried St. John’s Wort flowers and leaves
- 4 fl oz (118 mL) of USDA Certified Organic Food Grade Ethanol
Instructions:
- Place the chopped St. John’s Wort flowers and leaves in a clean, dry glass jar.
- Pour the ethanol over the plant material, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly and shake gently.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking occasionally.
- After extraction, strain the mixture through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove plant material.
- Transfer the finished tincture into a dark glass dropper bottle for storage and easy use.
Note: Ethanol-based tinctures efficiently extract botanical compounds within the recommended steeping time. Allowing the tincture to soak longer may enhance the depth of extraction.
Best Practices for Storing Your St. John’s Wort Tincture
Store your tincture in a dark glass bottle away from heat and sunlight to maintain its quality. When properly stored, tinctures can remain effective for up to two years.
Ways to Use St. John’s Wort Tincture
Herbal & Culinary Applications
- Herbal Infusions: A few drops may be added to tea blends.
- Natural Crafting: Can be incorporated into DIY botanical formulations.
Topical Preparations
- Skin Applications: Often blended into herbal skincare products.
- Oil-Based Preparations: Can be infused into carrier oils for external use.
Final Thoughts on Crafting a St. John’s Wort Tincture
Making a St. John’s Wort tincture at home allows for a high-quality, concentrated extract that can be used in various herbal applications. Using 200 Proof Food Grade Ethanol ensures a pure and efficient extraction process.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a professional before using tinctures for any specific application. Individual reactions may vary.
