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Chrysanthemum It is one of my favorite herbs because of its delicate scent and great taste in teas. This is my absolute favorite herb for kids and I always kept a jar of Chamomile to treat any childhood aches and pains.
Switching to a food-based diet has helped us get rid of ear infections and stuffy nose (although Chamomile does the same thing!) But some things, like teething pain, can’t be overcome with healthy foods!
Chrysanthemum alcohol
The type of chamomile I use in the tincture is German chamomile, also known as Matricaria chamomilla, chamomilla recutita, or Matricaria recutita. Chamomile is also available, but it is not used as often and comes in a different flavor. Different types of chrysanthemums also have slightly different properties, so I will focus only on German chamomile here.
How to use Roman chamomile
Chamomile is a natural soothing herbal remedy that relaxes nerves and relieves pain. It is known to have a calming effect on the stomach, reducing bloating and colic in babies. I use it to calm fussy babies, soothe upset toddlers and bruises.
Adults can use Chamomile as a sleep aid, menstrual pain relief, headache relief, digestive health benefits and soothing nervous tension. It is also very good for the skin. especially eczema, and can even lighten hair naturally. Chamomile helps support the nervous system and may boost the immune system.
One small trial found that chamomile could help ease pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis. Like turmeric, chamomile can help reduce inflammation. The liquid extract contains antioxidant flavanoids, such as apigenin, which help fight inflammation and improve sleep.
Chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal teas, but sometimes it’s quicker to just grab a glass of wine. Homemade chamomile tincture is super easy to make and is my favorite baby gift for new parents. I took it to the hospital when I had the baby (mostly for me during labor!).
Alcohol-free chamomile extract
Not everyone wants herbal extracts from chamomile made with alcohol. Herbal glycerin uses vegetable glycerin as an alternative and is another option. While I feel safe giving chamomile tincture to my babies and children, here’s how to make glycerides if you want.
Homemade chrysanthemum tincture
This quick and easy chamomile tincture is the perfect carry-on for both kids and adults.
Productivity: 28 ounces (approximately)
Guide
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Bunch of chrysanthemums into a clean glass jar about one liter.
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Fill the rest of the jar with vodka or rum (don’t use rubbing alcohol or unconsumable alcohol!) and cover tightly with a tight-fitting lid. If using fresh chrysanthemum flowers instead of dried flowers, use 190 degrees alcohol.
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Store in a cool, dark place and shake daily for 2-4 weeks. This will create a powerful tincture!
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After 2-4 weeks, remove from cupboard and pour over cheesecloth or filter mesh. Store in a vial or in a dropper bottle for easy use.
Note
Warehouse: Store your chamomile tincture in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
Chamomile Tincture Dosage
- Infant: just a few drops. Often it can be rubbed into the gums or stomach during teething or colic.
- Toddlers and older children: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon can be taken 1-3 times a day as needed. It is especially useful for infants and young children who are experiencing difficulty sleeping. A dose just before bed can help relax and soothe them for a more peaceful sleep.
- Adults: up to 1 teaspoon 1-3 times a day as needed.
Any herb can be preserved using this method, and this is usually the most cost-effective way to use herbs. I grow a lot of my own herbs, but I would get organic chamomile or other herbs from here if it wasn’t in my garden.
Chamomile tincture variations
Sometimes I will concoct a single herb, but having some mixes on hand is also great. Chamomile also pairs well with basil, perilla, mint, or fennel. Catnip and perilla both have a calming effect on the nerves. Mint and cumin help soothe digestive upsets.
Another alcohol that I keep on hand is my own Herbal medicine for digestive ailments. This one uses both mint and fennel, but you can also add some chamomile. The nice thing about homemade herbal supplements is customizing them to my exact needs!
What homemade tincture do you make? Share below!
Source:
- Srivastava, JK, Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: An herb of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Report, 3(6), 895–901.
- Shoara, r., et al. (2015). Efficacy and safety of topical Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) oil for knee arthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial, Complementary therapies in clinical practice21 (3), 181-187.
