Passionflower and Chamomile Tincture

Sleep can be hard to come by and is desperately needed at various points in your life. When you are suffering from insomnia but do not feel comfortable resorting to medication, you do have some natural alternatives. Here is a tincture you can make and use that can help you achieve a good night's sleep without the nasty side effects of some commercial solutions. This tea can help regulate the body's natural sleep pattern, decrease the amount of time it takes to drift off to sleep and increase the efficiency of your sleep.

This recipe makes between 10 and 12 fluid ounces. The best approach while using it is to start with the lowest dose that works for you and to stay at that level. More is not always better, especially when dealing with herbs. Be sure to check for allergic reactions before using this or any combination of herbs. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Ingredients:

14 Fluid ounces of quality vodka

¼ Cup of sour cherries (fresh or dried)

¾ Ounce of valerian root (20 grams)

¾ Ounce of passionflower (20 grams)

¾ Ounce of chamomile (20 grams)

Directions:

1. Finely chop all of the dry ingredients. Be certain that they are chopped, but not powdered.

2. Place the dry ingredients in a large glass jar. Be sure that that jar has a secure sealing lid.

3. Add the vodka to the jar and seal securely.

4. Shake the jar a few times to mix the vodka and dry ingredients.

5. Label the jar with the date and ingredients.

6. Place the jar in a safe, dark location.

7. Shake the jar once a day for around three weeks.

8. Strain the contents of the jar. I usually use a mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.

9. Pour the resulting tincture into a clean amber bottle and seal.

10. Label the filled bottle with all of the ingredients and the date.

Dosage and Use:

Starting dose is two drops of the tincture at a time. Maximum dosage is one teaspoon. Start with the lowest dose and only increase if needed. Take one dose in the late afternoon and a second before going to bed. The tincture can be stored and be used for up to six months after being bottled.