Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Herbal Concoction: Brain Tonic Tincture


Among the many gorgeous, incredibly fresh herbs I received from Mountain Rose Herbs I got the ingredients I needed to make a Brain Tonic Tincture. This tincture is excellent for calming and strengthening the nervous system and increasing memory. You won't wake up overnight feeling like Einstein, but after consistent use (daily for anywhere between one to three months) there will be a subtle but noticeable increase in memory and mental alertness. I figured since I'm studying herbalism, this would be a great introductory tincture for me!

Herbs included in this tincture include: Gota Kola, Gingko Leaf, Peppermint, Sage, and Rosemary. The herbs are being extracted in vodka for six to eight weeks. You can see in the picture above how the herbs settle to the bottom of the jar: a simple shake daily keeps the herbs and vodka mixed.

People say that I must be very patient for making chain maille. Making maille doesn't need patience, but working with herbs does! It takes time for them to work their magic.

8 comments:

mermaiden said...

be ready for the vodka brain buzz when you take your tincture. added bonus!

Peldyn said...

I haven't done any tinctures in a while. I should make this one for my husband :)

Karri said...

Hmmmm...which herb induces the calming? Oh, the Vodka...didn't know it was an herb...LOL

Sounds like quite a lovely mix....and easy too!

Thanks for the post.
Blessings,
Karri

Athena's Armoury said...

Actually, the amount of vodka in a standard dose is pretty negligible. Sadly. ;) There are other tincture making methods that use a different menstruum like glycerin for those who want to avoid the alcohol altogether.

Peldyn, funny you should say that... when I told my man what I made, he said "Are you trying to say something?" I actually made it for myself, but now that he mentioned it... lol.

Kristin Aquariann said...

Neat! Anything submerged in vodka is a friend of mine. ;D

Athena's Armoury said...

I think it's funny that everyone is getting excited about the vodka. =D

Moonlit Herbals said...

Ooh, I love making tinctures! I usually make batches of tinctures, twice a year; once in the Spring and then in the Fall.

Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful tincture recipe. :)

Athena's Armoury said...

I'm making as I learn. The problem with that, of course, is that I'm a little behind. I'm making stuff for cold & flu season, but it won't be ready until the middle of the season. I'll know for next time, I guess.