Brief Lesson: How to Make an Iron-Building Herbal Tincture
This simple at-home tincture blends Indian sarsaparilla root and stinging nettle to support iron levels and overall vitality. If you're looking to build a more mineral-rich, plant-forward wellness routine, this one's for you. Below is a step-by-step guide to infuse, extract, and use this tincture.
๐ฌ Why These Herbs?
Indian Sarsaparilla Root (Hemidesmus indicus): LINK
Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine as a blood purifier and tonic, this root is thought to support hemoglobin production and detoxification pathways.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica): LINK
A mineral powerhouse, nettle contains plant-based (non-heme) iron, vitamin C (which helps iron absorption), calcium, magnesium, and other co-factors that nourish the blood and tissues.
๐งช Materials
Dried Indian sarsaparilla root
Dried stinging nettle
190-proof organic grape alcohol (or another high-proof neutral alcohol)
Mason jar with plastic or parchment-lined lid (to avoid corrosion)
Dark cabinet for storage
Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for bottling
๐ All recommended ingredients and tools are linked [here].
๐ Methods
Fill your jar: Add approximately 2 parts Indian sarsaparilla root to 1 part stinging nettle. Fill the mason jar a little more than halfway with the dried herbs.
Add your solvent: Pour the organic alcohol over the herbs until they are fully submerged. This creates roughly a 1:2 herb-to-alcohol ratio.
Seal & label: Cover the jar with a parchment-lined or plastic lid to prevent corrosion. Label your jar with the date and ingredients.
Infuse: Store in a cool, dark cabinet for 4โ6 weeks. Gently shake the jar once daily to encourage full extraction.
Strain & bottle: Once infused, strain out the herbs using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. Bottle the finished tincture in a dark glass dropper bottle and store in a cool place.
๐ง How to Use
Take 1โ2 dropperfuls daily under the tongue or diluted in a small glass of water. This tincture is a gentle, botanical way to support iron levels over time. Consistency is key.
โ ๏ธ Notes
Always consult your healthcare provider before adding new herbs to your routine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication.
This is for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.
๐กTip: Combine this with iron-rich meals and plenty of hydration for best results.
Let your wellness journey be both rooted in tradition and guided by science.