Alright, gather round the metaphorical kitchen counter. We’re talking herbal tinctures, aka “how humans figured out how to trap plant goodness in a jar and call it medicine.” Just plants, patience, and a little alcohol doing the heavy lifting. So… what is a herbal tincture anyway? A tincture is basically herbs soaking in alcohol long enough to give up their secrets. The alcohol acts like that one friend who gets everyone talking at a party. You end up with a strong, shelf-stable liquid extract that lasts years, not weeks like tea. This is why herbalists love tinctures and why your cabinet starts to look suspiciously like a bar. What you need (nothing dramatic) A clean glass jar with a lid Mason jars are fine. No crystal required. Herbs Fresh herbs (chopped) Or dried herbs (even easier, less water) Alcohol Vodka is the crowd favorite. Brandy works. Everclear if you’re feeling bold and respectful of math. A label Because “mystery brown liquid” is not helpful later. Time. Not much effort. Just time. How to make it (the no-nonsense version) Step 1: Fill the jar If using fresh herbs: loosely fill the jar about ¾ full. If using dried herbs: fill about ½ full. Do not pack it like you’re stuffing a suitcase. Step 2: Add alcohol Pour alcohol over the herbs until they are completely covered, plus about an inch on top. Herbs floating above the liquid = sad herbs. Step 3: Seal it and wait Put the lid on. Shake it gently like you’re reassuring it. Store in a dark cabinet. Shake it once a day if you remember. If you forget, the herbs will forgive you. Step 4: Wait some more Let it sit 4–6 weeks. Yes, weeks. This is herbalism, not instant coffee. Step 5: Strain Strain through cheesecloth, a coffee filter, or a fine strainer. Squeeze the herbs. They’ve given everything they had. Pour the liquid into a clean bottle. Step 6: Label it Write: Herb name Alcohol used Date Future-you will thank present-you. How people actually use tinctures A few drops in water or tea

🌿 Alcohol-Free Tincture Options Vegetable Glycerin Tincture (Glycerite)This is the most popular alcohol-free method best for: Gentle herbs, kids, pets (with proper herbs), sensitive folks, daily useYou’ll need: Dried herbs (best choice) or fresh herbsFood-grade vegetable glycerinA clean jar with a lid How to do it: Fill your jar about ½–¾ full with herbsPour glycerin over the herbs until fully covered Stir to remove air bubbles Cap it and store in a cool, dark place Shake every day or whenever you remember Let it sit 4–6 weeksStrain, bottle, label Shelf life: About 1 yearTaste: Sweet, pleasant, very drinkable Apple Cider Vinegar ExtractThis one is underrated and very effective. Best for: Mineral-rich herbs, digestion herbs, everyday tonicsYou’ll need:Dried or fresh herbs Raw apple cider vinegarGlass jar (important, no metal lids touching liquid)How to do it: Fill jar with herbsCover completely with vinegar Cap loosely or use parchment under lid Store dark, shake occasionallyLet sit 3–4 weeks Strain and bottle Shelf life: 1–2 yearsTaste: Tangy, strong, no one pretends it’s candy Honey Infusion (Not a true tincture, but useful)More food than medicine, but still effective. Best for: Throat herbs, immune blends, cough formulasMethod: Cover herbs in raw honey, let sit 4–6 weeks, strain if desired. ~Lori

“Not everything that looks harmless is harmless, and not everything dangerous looks dramatic. Some plants earn their reputation quietly.” ~Lori I will be doing a more in-depth teaching you can get later on. What’s in the poisonous bouquet Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) Black, glossy berries and dusky purple flowers. Historically infamous. Beautiful, dramatic, and absolutely not your friend. The plant equivalent of “I warned you.” Hemlock (Conium maculatum) Fine, fern-like leaves and small white umbrella flowers. Looks innocent. Is not. Famous for being deadly while pretending to be parsley’s cousin. Wolfsbane / Monkshood (Aconitum) Tall spikes of deep blue-purple hooded flowers. One of the most toxic plants in Europe. Gorgeous, regal, and absolutely earns its reputation. Foxglove (Digitalis) Bell-shaped flowers in soft pinks and purples. Medicinal history when isolated and controlled, lethal when not. The plant that proves “natural” does not mean “safe.” Additional Nightshade Family Foliage Dark green leaves and clusters of berries. This family does not play nice. ~ Lori

🌿 Make a Calming Herb Bouquet Because your house has been through enough. Let’s be honest. Houses absorb everything. Bad moods. Weird conversations. That one argument that “wasn’t an argument.” Too much news. Too many people. Not enough naps. If your home feels a little on edge, it’s not haunted. It’s just tired. Enter: the calming herb bouquet. No ceremony. No rules. No pretending you live in a magazine spread. Just herbs in a vase doing their quiet, useful thing. What this bouquet is actually for This bouquet is for when: Everyone is slightly irritated and no one knows why The house feels noisy even when it’s quiet You want calm without making a big production out of it It helps take the edge off. Like herbal background noise, but pleasant. The herbs (don’t overthink this) Use what you like. This is not a purity test. Sage – smells clean and grounded Lavender – classic calm without trying too hard Rosemary – fresh, steady, and a little bossy Mint – brightens the mood immediately Lemon balm or thyme – softens everything so it plays well together If you only have three of these, congratulations. That’s still a bouquet. How to make it Rinse the herbs. Dirt belongs outside. Trim the stems so they fit in a vase without looking annoyed. Taller herbs in the middle. Softer ones around them. Add water. Put it somewhere people actually exist. You’re done. That’s the whole process. Where it works best Kitchens where everyone congregates for no reason Living rooms where people overthink Entryways where the day follows you inside Basically anywhere the vibe could use a deep breath. Why it helps Herbs smell familiar. Familiar smells tell your brain, “You’re fine. Sit down.” That’s it. That’s the science. Also, it looks nice. And sometimes that alone improves everyone’s mood more than a long talk ever could. Final thought If your house suddenly feels easier to be in, and no one can explain why, good. That’s the point. ~Herbalism with Lori

CONGRATULATIONS to our Herbalism with Lori Leaders! You magnificent plant-loving overachievers have officially risen to the top of the herb pile. How did you do it? By doing the absolute unthinkable: You liked things You commented like actual humans You showed up, said words, and didn’t lurk silently in the shadows like a suspicious fern Every like, every comment, every bit of interaction earns you points. Points lead to levels. Levels lead to glory. Glory leads to… well, bragging rights and my eternal appreciation, which frankly is priceless. This leaderboard isn’t about perfection, fancy words, or knowing Latin plant names. It’s about: Being curious Being kind Being present And clearly having excellent taste in herbal groups So if you see your name up there, strut a little. If you don’t yet, start tapping those likes and dropping comments like seeds in fertile soil. This is a living, breathing, growing garden. And participation is how the majick spreads. Now go forth, my herbal troublemakers. Touch the buttons. Earn the points. Climb the chart. 🌿 Herbalism with Lori