How to Make Your Own Tinctures to Recover from a Late Night Out
After a lively night of cocktails and celebrations, your body might need some extra care to bounce back. Tinctures—concentrated herbal extracts made using alcohol—offer a natural, customizable way to support recovery. These simple, effective remedies can help ease the aftermath of a late night with ingredients designed to restore hydration, aid digestion, and promote relaxation.
What Are Tinctures?
Tinctures are liquid herbal extracts that capture the active compounds of plants in alcohol. They’re easy to make, portable, and offer a shelf-stable way to enjoy the benefits of herbs and mushrooms. While tinctures are traditionally alcohol-based, non-alcoholic versions can be made using glycerin or vinegar.
Choosing the Right Alcohol for Your Tincture
To create effective tinctures, use a high-proof, neutral alcohol such as vodka or grain alcohol. Look for:
80-100 Proof Vodka: A good all-purpose choice for most herbs.
190 Proof Grain Alcohol: Best for hardy roots and mushrooms, as it extracts more potent compounds.
Always choose high-quality, food-grade alcohol for safe and effective tinctures.
Sourcing Herbs and Mushrooms
When sourcing ingredients, opt for organic or wildcrafted options whenever possible. Here are some tips:
Local Herb Shops: Visit stores like Flower Power Herbs & Roots in NYC for high-quality dried herbs.
Farmers’ Markets: Seasonal herbs like mint, ginger, and chamomile can often be found fresh at local markets.
Online Suppliers: Look for trusted brands like Mountain Rose Herbs or Herb Pharm for dried plants and mushrooms.
Foraging: If you’re confident in plant identification, consider harvesting wild ingredients like dandelion root or burdock.
Tincture Recipes for "The Day After" Recovery
1. Ginger and Peppermint Tincture (For Nausea and Digestion)
Ingredients:
1 cup Fresh Ginger (sliced)
1 cup Fresh Peppermint Leaves
2 cups 80 Proof Vodka
Fill a jar with ginger and peppermint, then pour vodka to fully submerge the herbs. Seal the jar and let it steep for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain and store in a dark bottle. Take 1-2 droppers in water to soothe the stomach.
2. Milk Thistle and Dandelion Root Tincture (For Liver Support)
Ingredients:
1 cup Dried Milk Thistle Seeds
1 cup Dried Dandelion Root
2 cups 190 Proof Grain Alcohol
Combine ingredients in a jar and cover with alcohol. Let steep for 6 weeks, shaking weekly. Strain and store. Take 1-2 droppers daily to support liver detoxification.
3. Reishi Mushroom and Ashwagandha Tincture (For Stress and Fatigue)
Ingredients:
1 cup Dried Reishi Mushroom Slices
1 cup Dried Ashwagandha Root
2 cups 190 Proof Grain Alcohol
Simmer the mushrooms in water for 1 hour, then strain and combine the mushroom tea with alcohol and ashwagandha root. Let steep for 6 weeks. Strain and store. Use 1 dropper to promote calm and recovery.
4. Chamomile and Lemon Balm Tincture (For Relaxation and Sleep)
Ingredients:
1 cup Fresh Chamomile Flowers
1 cup Fresh Lemon Balm Leaves
2 cups 80 Proof Vodka
Steep chamomile and lemon balm in vodka for 4 weeks. Strain and store. Add a few drops to tea or water to promote relaxation.
How to Use Tinctures
Tinctures are concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Take 1-2 droppers diluted in water, tea, or juice. Adjust the dosage based on your needs and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Bounce Back Naturally
Making your own tinctures is a rewarding, natural way to recover from a late night out while supporting your body’s health. By choosing quality ingredients and tailoring blends to your needs, you can craft remedies that offer lasting benefits. Combine these tinctures with plenty of water, rest, and nourishing meals for a full recovery.
