Blue Lotus tincture is a potent extract made from the Nymphaea caerulea plant, known for its calming, mildly euphoric effects. Making your own tincture is a simple way to harness the benefits of Blue Lotus in a concentrated form that can be easily stored and used in small amounts.
What You’ll Need
- Dried Blue Lotus flowers: You can purchase dried Blue Lotus flowers online or from herbal suppliers.
- High-proof alcohol (like vodka or grain alcohol, 40% or higher): The alcohol will extract the active compounds from the plant material and act as a preservative.
- A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid: Make sure it’s clean and dry.
- A strainer or cheesecloth: To filter out the plant material after the extraction process.
- A dropper bottle: For storing the finished tincture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Blue Lotus
Begin by breaking up the dried Blue Lotus flowers into smaller pieces. This will help increase the surface area exposed to the alcohol, allowing for more effective extraction.
Step 2: Fill the Jar
Place the broken-up Blue Lotus flowers into the glass jar. Fill the jar about halfway with the plant material.
Step 3: Add the Alcohol
Pour the high-proof alcohol over the Blue Lotus in the jar, making sure the flowers are completely submerged. Leave some space at the top of the jar to allow for shaking and expansion.
Step 4: Seal and Shake
Seal the jar tightly with the lid and give it a good shake. This will help to start the extraction process by mixing the alcohol with the plant material.
Step 5: Store and Wait
Place the sealed jar in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard, and let it sit for 2-4 weeks. During this time, the alcohol will extract the active compounds from the Blue Lotus. Shake the jar once a day to ensure the flowers remain well-mixed with the alcohol.
Step 6: Strain the Mixture
After 2-4 weeks, the tincture is ready. Use a strainer or cheesecloth to filter out the plant material, pouring the liquid into a clean container. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible.
Step 7: Bottle the Tincture
Transfer the filtered tincture into a dropper bottle for easy use. Label the bottle with the date and contents.
How to Use Blue Lotus Tincture
Blue Lotus tincture can be taken directly under the tongue for quick absorption or added to water or tea. Start with a low dose (5-10 drops) to gauge your body’s response. The tincture is known for promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and enhancing meditation practices.
Storing Your Tincture
Blue Lotus tincture should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency. When stored properly, it can last for several years.
Conclusion
Making your own Blue Lotus tincture is an easy and rewarding process. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a powerful natural remedy to help relax the mind and body.
How long does it take to make Blue Lotus tincture?
It typically takes 2-4 weeks to make Blue Lotus tincture. This allows enough time for the alcohol to fully extract the active compounds from the dried Blue Lotus flowers. Make sure to shake the jar daily during this period to ensure even extraction.
What type of alcohol should I use for Blue Lotus tincture?
Use a high-proof alcohol, such as vodka or grain alcohol, with a concentration of 40% or higher. The alcohol acts as both a solvent for extracting the active compounds and as a preservative for the tincture.
How much Blue Lotus tincture should I take?
Start with a small dose of 5-10 drops to gauge your body’s response. You can increase the dose as needed, but it’s best to start low and see how you feel. Blue Lotus tincture can be taken directly under the tongue or diluted in water or tea.
How long does Blue Lotus tincture last?
When stored in a cool, dark place, Blue Lotus tincture can last for several years. The alcohol acts as a preservative, so there is no need to refrigerate the tincture. Just be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight to maintain its potency.