Mary's Kitchen: How I Make Cayenne Tincture

Saturday, January 3, 2015

How I Make Cayenne Tincture

This post was originally shared at Back to the Basics. Cayenne Tincture is one of the simplest tinctures to make and is my "go-to" tincture for immune system, circulatory and joint inflammation.

Making your own herbal home remedies is easy. Herbal tea is a great start but Tinctures can be a much stronger alternative. The cost to purchase 2 ounces in the store is almost 4 times what it would cost to make your own. Some are even 7 times more expensive! Source

What is a Tincture?
An herbal tincture is simply an herbal extract. Herbal remedies have been used throughout history to treat illnesses and ailments without "modern medicine" and pharmaceuticals. Tinctures are easy to make, home remedies. If properly prepared and stored, your tincture will last indefinitely. Source

What are the benefits of Cayenne?
From a previous post, Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which can open up your sinuses, fight inflammation, cardiovascular support, helps with ulcers, boosts immune system and metabolism.
"Cayenne pepper's bright red color signals its high content of beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Just two teaspoons of cayenne pepper provide 47% of the daily value for vitamin A. Often called the anti-infection vitamin, vitamin A is essential for healthy epithelial tissues including the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, lungs, intestinal tract and urinary tract and serve as the body's first line of defense against invading pathogens." source

To get started you'll need: A clean jar with a lid, vodka or Everclear, herb(s), measuring cups and/or scale and labels.
If you purchase a DIY Tincture Kit from Mary's Heirloom Seeds, the herbs, jar with a lid. labels and dropper bottle are all included. All you need to do is measure out your menstruum and combine!

We now offer Herbal Kits (without the jar) for your herbal pleasure!

Let's get started making our Tincture!

DIY Organic Cayenne Pepper Tincture
Ingredients and tools:
1 clean jar with a lid (quart size)
3-4 cups of vodka or everclear
1 ounce of organic Cayenne Powder

Directions:
1. Start with a cleaned and sterilized glass jar. Place organic Cayenne Powder in your GLASS jar.
2. Measure out 3-4 cups of vodka or other menstruum and place inside your jar.
*If you choose to use ACV or Vegetable Glycerin, be aware that your Tincture will have a limited shelf life of approx 6 months*
3. Place the lid back on your jar and mix thoroughly.
4. Label your homemade Tincture with the Date and Ingredients.
5. Store in a cool dry place such as a kitchen cabinet
*Shake your brewing tincture regularly. I prefer to shake my tinctures 2-3 times per week.*

Start straining and consuming Cayenne Tincture after 3-4 weeks.
I take approx 1/8 teaspoon up to 3 times daily for approx 3 weeks.

Disclaimer: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We cannot and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before consuming any product(s).