This natural sleep tincture recipe features some of my favorite herbs that help with relaxation and better sleep. It comes in handy when kids are sick or when we’re traveling and schedules get crazy. It’s suitable not just for kids but also for adults struggling with sleepless nights and anxiety. Along with keeping up magnesium levels and getting enough sunlight, this tincture can enhance your rest.
A tincture extracts the beneficial properties from herbs into a concentrated liquid form. If you’ve ever tried “sleepy time tea” and found it helpful, a tincture can be even more effective. It uses alcohol to draw out and preserve the herb’s active components.
Here’s how I generally make a tincture. If you have an herb garden, you probably already have many of the ingredients. I use tinctures for various issues, such as tummy problems, colic, teething, sore throats, and even as a multivitamin. I have a postpartum care tincture as well.
If you prefer to skip alcohol, you can make a glycerite or herbal-infused vinegar, which won’t last as long but will still be good for a couple of years. Some people put a dose of an alcohol tincture in hot water to let the alcohol evaporate slightly, but this only reduces the alcohol a little and might cause you to lose some beneficial components.
Each herb in this blend serves a specific purpose. Here’s a breakdown:
– Yarrow: Enhances circulation, improving nutrient delivery throughout the body.
– Catnip: Acts as a calming sedative, comparable to valerian root.
– Chamomile: A gentle but powerful relaxant, helpful for restlessness and anxiety.
– Stevia: Adds sweetness, but is optional.
– Oats: Helps restore the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve resilience and sleep.
– Peppermint: Supports digestion, circulation, and relaxation, with a refreshing flavor.
– Hops: Promotes sleepiness and is traditionally used for peaceful rest.
Tinctures have been used safely for ages in herbal remedies, but it’s important to research thoroughly before trying new combinations. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe in concentrated forms.
Here’s a safety note about the herbs used:
– Yarrow: Avoid during pregnancy and its safety during breastfeeding is unclear.
– Catnip: Not recommended during pregnancy due to its effect on menstruation.
– Oatstraw: May contain gluten due to cross-contamination; seek certified gluten-free if needed.
– Peppermint: High amounts may affect acid reflux and reduce breastmilk supply.
– Chamomile: Use cautiously with blood thinners and certain medications; may cause allergies.
– Hops: Contains compounds similar to estrogen; avoid during pregnancy and for young children.
Pregnant women should avoid hops, yarrow, and catnip, especially in the first trimester, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider. Breastfeeding moms might want to skip yarrow and mint, though these are generally considered safe. Children can use this tincture but should avoid hops.
For adults, the usual dose is 2-3 droppers full, and for kids over two, it’s 1 dropper full. Start small and increase if needed. This tincture typically works well in low doses.
Store alcohol tinctures in a cool, dark place to extend their shelf life for several years. If the rubber on the dropper starts to degrade over time, switch to a screw-on lid or glass jar for long-term storage. Top off the dropper bottle as needed from a larger reserve.
I source many of my herbs from my garden and buy the rest online. Local stores or high-quality online vendors, like Starwest Botanicals, are good options.
If you enjoy having homemade tinctures, try exploring other recipes! While I know tinctures aren’t for everyone, there are also homeopathic sleep tablets that are convenient and tested for safety, like those from Genexa, which work well for my kids. If you prefer buying, Herbpharm offers a quality alcohol-free sleep glycerite.
Remember, this advice is not to replace medical consultation. Always discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns. How do you handle sleepless nights?
