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Make a Basil Tincture

A Practical and Magical Way to Make a Basil Tincture

Basil isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s a time-honoured herb in both healing and magic. Known for its uplifting energy and soothing properties, basil is as much a remedy for the body as it is a balm for the spirit. If you’re looking to create something easy, powerful, and practical, learning how to make a basil tincture is a great place to start.

Whether you’re easing digestion, calming your nerves, or layering magic into your herbal practice, this basil tincture recipe is both earthy and effective.


Why Make a Basil Tincture?

When you make a basil tincture, you’re crafting a concentrated herbal extract that captures the plant’s most potent properties. Basil is naturally anti-inflammatory, calming, and gently energising. In magical terms, it’s associated with protection, abundance, and harmony.

From a witchy perspective, this is kitchen magic at its best—simple, nourishing, and deeply connected to the earth.


What You’ll Need

  • A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (like a mason jar)

  • Fresh basil leaves (enough to fill the jar about two-thirds full)

  • Vodka (minimum 40% ABV, enough to cover the basil)

  • A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

  • A dark glass dropper bottle for storage


How to Make a Basil Tincture

1. Prep the Basil
Rinse the basil gently to remove dust or bugs. Pat dry thoroughly.

2. Chop and Pack
Roughly chop the basil to release its natural oils. Pack it loosely into your jar, leaving room at the top.

3. Add Vodka
Pour vodka into the jar until the basil is fully submerged. Leave about 1cm of space at the top. The alcohol will extract and preserve the basil’s properties.

4. Shake and Store
Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake. Store it in a cool, dark place like a cupboard. Shake it every few days to encourage the infusion.

5. Wait 4–6 Weeks
Allow the tincture to steep for at least four weeks. Six is even better.

6. Strain and Bottle
Strain out the plant material using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Pour the finished tincture into a dark glass dropper bottle for storage.


How to Use Basil Tincture

Once you make a basil tincture, it becomes a versatile addition to your herbal kit. Here’s how to use it:

  • Digestive Aid: Take 30–60 drops before meals to support digestion and relieve bloating.

  • Stress & Anxiety: Add 30–60 drops to water or tea up to three times a day. Basil helps ease tension and emotional overload.

  • Anti-inflammatory Support: Use it to ease aches and reduce internal inflammation—particularly good after exercise or long days.

  • Respiratory Support: Add to warm water or herbal tea to soothe coughs or sinus pressure.

  • Daily Wellness: Take a daily dropperful to support immune balance, mental clarity, and energetic protection.


Magical Uses of Basil Tincture

Not just for physical wellness—this tincture is magical too. Use it to:

  • Anoint your altar or sacred tools for harmony and protection

  • Dab a little on your pulse points before money or luck spells

  • Add a drop to bath water to clear negative energy and uplift your spirit

Tinctures hold concentrated energy. When infused with intention, even a single drop becomes part of your spellwork.


Final Thoughts

To make a basil tincture is to step into the long tradition of kitchen witchery: practical, powerful, and made with love. This small bottle of green goodness supports your health, calms your energy, and brings a magical layer to the everyday. It’s a must-have for herbalists and witches alike.

From my Lancashire hearth to yours—may your jars always be full, your herbs potent, and your magic grounded in care.

Looking for more witchy herbal goodness?
Explore my magical remedies or browse the Lancs Green Witch Etsy shop for spell kits, oils, and seasonal blends made with heart.


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