How to Make an Ashwagandha Tincture (Plus Benefits!)
Ashwagandha is an incredible medicinal herb used for over 3,000 years in Ayurvedic healing traditions. The botanical name is Withania somnifera and is also referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. Ashwagandha belongs to the nightshade family and is native to parts of Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The main part used therapeutically is the root which is dried and powdered to make potent herbal remedies. Ashwagandha root contains a unique class of compounds called withanolides that account for the many health and healing effects when consumed.
One of the most effective ways to harness the benefits of ashwagandha is by making a concentrated liquid extract known as a tincture. Tinctures use alcohol to draw out and preserve the plant’s beneficial phytochemicals for convenient and fast-acting herbal supplementation. Read on to learn how to easily craft your own ashwagandha tincture at home plus all the ways it can enhance your health.
The Healing Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been revered in Ayurveda for its rejuvenating and anti-aging effects. It is classified as an adaptogen which refers to herbs that improve resilience to all forms of stress. Regular consumption provides these wellness advantages:
– Alleviates stress and anxiety
– Enhances brain function and memory
– Boosts energy, endurance and vitality
– Acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever
– Modulates immune function
– Regulates hormones and reproductive health
– Promotes healthy aging and longevity
The unique compounds in ashwagandha called withanolides are responsible for most of the effects. They work by balancing key neurotransmitters and hormones throughout the body and brain. The most abundant withanolide, withaferin A, reduces cortisol levels to control stress and anxiety. These adaptogenic properties make ashwagandha helpful for most health conditions, particularly those aggravated by stress.
Selecting High Quality Ashwagandha Root
The first step in making a homemade ashwagandha tincture is sourcing high quality raw materials. Look for organic ashwagandha root powder or coarsely ground root pieces. Ideally, they should be sustainably wildcrafted in the plant’s natural habitat for maximum potency and purity. Mountain Rose Herbs and Starwest Botanicals offer organic ashwagandha root.
When selecting ashwagandha, look for:
– Organic and ethically wildcrafted
– Fresh, untreated raw root powder
– Grown in ideal climate like northern India
– Proper Latin name on label
– Free of additives or diluents
– Recent production batch for freshness
Avoid ashwagandha root filled with stems or leaves, bleached powders, or anything processed or standardized. Getting the highest quality root will ensure an extraction rich in medicinal compounds.
Ashwagandha Tincture Ingredients
Making a tincture requires just two main ingredients – the herbs and the liquid solvent used to extract them:
– Ashwagandha root – This will provide the medicinal phytochemicals. Use 1-2 ounces of dried root powder.
– Food-grade alcohol – The solvent draws out the plant compounds. Use 80-100 proof vodka or rum, or pure food-grade ethanol.
You will also need:
– Quart size glass jar with tight lid
– Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
– Dark glass bottles for storing finished tincture
As a solvent, grain alcohol like vodka or rum works best to extract the broad spectrum of ingredients from the ashwagandha. Higher proof alcohol creates a stronger extraction.
Equipment for DIY Ashwagandha Tincture
A few basic kitchen tools are needed for efficiently making your own ashwagandha tincture:
– Digital kitchen scale – For accurately weighing dried herbs
– Wide-mouth quart jar – To hold herbs and alcohol during extraction
– Funnel – For cleanly decanting finished tincture into bottles
– Fine mesh strainer – To filter out plant material when done
– Glass dropper bottles – For storing and dispensing the finished tincture
– Label for dating and contents
Take care to sanitize all equipment first with boiling water or diluted vinegar to ensure purity. Then assemble tools before getting started.
Ashwagandha Tincture Recipe
Once you have acquired quality ashwagandha root and the necessary supplies, follow these simple steps to make the tincture:
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces dried ashwagandha root powder
– 1 cup (250ml) 80-100 proof vodka or rum
Directions:
1. Measure out ashwagandha root using a kitchen scale and add to a clean, dry quart jar.
2. Pour alcohol over the herbs until completely covered by a few inches.
3. Seal jar tightly and shake vigorously for a minute to blend.
4. Store jar in a cool, dark place and shake daily for 4-6 weeks.
5. After desired extraction time, strain mixture through a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.
6. Compress herbs to squeeze out all liquid extract.
7. Filter again if necessary to remove sediment.
8. Pour finished extract into storage bottles and label with contents and date.
This simple process allows the alcohol to slowly draw out all the medicinal components from the ashwagandha root. Be patient waiting the full 4-6 weeks to develop maximum concentration and potency.
How to Take Ashwagandha Tincture
Ashwagandha tinctures are easy and convenient to use. Follow these dosing tips:
– Standard dose is 1 mL (about 30 drops)
– Take dose directly in mouth or mixed with few ounces of water
– Best consumed twice per day – morning and evening
– Shake well before each use and store in cool location
– Adjust amount based on individual needs and sensitivity
Effects are felt within 20 to 30 minutes after ingesting with more prominent benefits after several weeks use. Be sure to source high quality organic ashwagandha root and extract for at least a month to make a potent, therapeutic tincture.
Ashwagandha Tincture Health Benefits and Uses
Harnessing ashwagandha in a concentrated liquid extract like a tincture allows for easy absorption and rapid effects. Here are some of the top ways an ashwagandha tincture can be used:
Stress – The powerful adaptogenic properties help normalize cortisol and balance the nervous system. Take daily to reduce anxiety, depression and exhaustion.
Sleep – Having a calming, balancing effect on the body, it alleviates insomnia and prevents middle of the night waking.
Cognition – Ashwagandha enhances memory, sharpness and brain health. The antioxidant effects support healthy neural function.
Pain – The anti-inflammatory abilities help reduce muscle aches, joint pain, fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions.
Immunity – Consuming regularly prevents infections, eases sore throats and boosts overall immune function.
Hormones – Ashwagandha improves thyroid hormone, supports fertility and enhances libido in both men and women.
Heart Health – It helps manage cholesterol levels and blood pressure along with increasing energy and endurance.
Diabetes – Having a stabilizing effect on blood sugar, it prevents spikes and crashes in diabetics.
In addition to taking it orally, ashwagandha tincture can also be added to lotions, salves and toner recipes for external use on the skin. Always shake well before using and store in a cool, dark location to preserve potency.
Special Considerations for Using Ashwagandha Tincture
Ashwagandha is very safe when used appropriately by most healthy adults. However, some important precautions apply:
– Not recommended with sedative medications due to additive effect
– Avoid in pregnancy except under medical guidance
– May increase effects of immunosuppressant drugs
– Can intensify thyroid hormone levels so monitor with medication
– Start with small doses and increase gradually to assess tolerance
– Seek medical advice if on medication or if pregnant/nursing
While very well tolerated by most, be conservative with dosage when first starting out. Discontinue use if any signs of reactions occur. Ashwagandha may cause drowsiness so refrain from driving or operating machinery after taking.
Shelf Life and Storage
With proper storage methods, the ashwagandha tincture should remain potent for many years. Follow these tips:
– Store in amber or cobalt glass bottles out of direct light
– Keep bottles tightly sealed after each use
– Place in a cool, dry location away from heat and moisture
– Avoid freezing or refrigerating to prevent sedimentation
– Shake well before each use to redistribute any settling
Over time, some particulate may form at the bottom but it remains safe and effective. For best potency and shelf life, plan to remake fresh ashwagandha tincture annually.
Recipes for Ashwagandha Extract Combinations
The earthy, bitter taste of ashwagandha is quite strong which some find unpalatable. Luckily, it can be easily combined with other beneficial herbs in tincture recipes. Here are some tasty ashwagandha tincture blends:
Ashwagandha + Reishi – Combine with immunomodulating reishi mushrooms for even greater adaptogenic and anti-aging effects.
Ashwagandha + Rhodiola – Mix with energizing rhodiola root for enhanced physical and mental performance.
Ashwagandha + Holy Basil – Add calming holy basil for amplification of the anxiety and stress relieving properties.
Ashwagandha + Schisandra Berry – Blend with ADHD and concentration boosting schisandra for mental clarity.
Ashwagandha + Hawthorn Berry – Include heart tonic hawthorn berries to improve cardiovascular function and circulation.
Experiment with ratios to create custom ashwagandha blends catered to your health goals. Most additions will pair nicely to provide synergistic benefits.
Experience the Power of Ashwagandha Tincture
With the simple DIY process detailed here, anyone can reap the advantages of this ancient herb in the form of a potent liquid extract. Ashwagandha tincture is one of the fastest ways to harness the remarkable healing properties of the root for full mind-body balance and restoration. Just a small daily serving delivers powerful adaptogenic compounds to beat stress, enhance energy and performance, boost immunity and promote long-term wellness.
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