Basil is not only a delightful culinary herb but also a powerful ally in herbal remedies and magical practices. Crafting a basil tincture at home is a simple process that captures the essence of this aromatic plant, making it easy to incorporate its benefits into your daily life. In this post, I will guide you through the steps to create your own basil tincture using fresh basil and vodka, along with ways to use it as a remedy.

What You’ll Need

• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (a mason jar works well)
• Fresh basil leaves (enough to fill the jar approximately 2/3 full)
• Vodka (at least 40% ABV, enough to fill a jar)
• Strainer (fine mesh or cheesecloth)
• Dark glass dropper bottle for storage

How to Make Basil Tincture

1. Prepare the Basil: Rinse the fresh basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Gently pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. Macerate the Leaves: Chop the basil leaves coarsely to release their essential oils. Place the chopped basil in your glass jar.
3. Add Vodka: Pour enough vodka over the basil leaves to completely submerge them, leaving a small amount of space at the top of the jar. This ensures that the alcohol can effectively extract the beneficial properties of the basil.
4. Seal and Store: Tightly seal the jar and shake it gently to mix the contents. Store the jar in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard or pantry, for about 4-6 weeks. Remember to shake the jar gently every few days to help with the extraction process.
5. Strain the Tincture: After 4-6 weeks, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or jar. Squeeze the cloth to extract as much liquid as possible from the basil. Discard the solid plant material.
6. Transfer to Dropper Bottles: Pour the strained tincture into dark glass dropper bottles for easy use and to protect the tincture from light.

How to Use Basil Tincture as a Remedy

Basil tincture offers a variety of health benefits, and here are some suggested uses along with recommended doses:

1. Digestive Aid: Take 1-2 dropperfuls (approximately 30-60 drops) of basil tincture before meals to help alleviate digestive discomfort and stimulate appetite.
2. Stress Relief: For stress and anxiety, take 1-2 dropperfuls (30-60 drops) in a glass of water up to three times a day to promote a sense of calm.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Support: Use 1-2 dropperfuls (30-60 drops) of basil tincture in water or tea to help reduce inflammation and ease minor aches and pains.
4. Respiratory Relief: For respiratory issues, take 1-2 dropperfuls (30-60 drops) in a glass of warm water or tea to soothe coughs and support overall respiratory health.
5. Daily Wellness: For general health, you can take 1-2 dropperfuls (30-60 drops) daily as part of your wellness routine.

Final Thoughts

Making a basil tincture is an excellent way to harness the benefits of this powerful herb for both health and magical practices. Whether you use it to support your digestion, relieve stress, or incorporate it into your rituals, a basil tincture is a versatile addition to your herbal arsenal. Remember to store it in a cool, dark place, and enjoy the myriad of benefits that basil has to offer! It can also be used for a range of magical purposes.

Don’t forget to check out my Etsy Shop for spell & ritual kits