How to Make Bladderwrack Tincture

The herb known as bladderwrack is a member of the kelp family, and has been used throughout the ages for weight control, joint pain and thyroid regulation. A tincture is one of the most effective ways to utilize this herb. Bladderwrack tinctures are very versatile in that you may drink them straight, mixed with a little water or juice or even added to hot teas. Tinctures are alcohol-based concoctions, made by soaking an herb in alcohol such as vodka for an extended period of time.

Things You'll Need

• Finely ground dried bladderwrack
• Quart-size glass container with tight-fitting lid
• 1 pt. 80-proof vodka
• Cheesecloth
• Funnel
• Large bowl
• Pint-size dark-colored jar with tight-fitting lid or stopper

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Instructions

• 1

  Place 4 oz. finely ground dried bladderwrack in a quart-size container. Herbs that are finely ground will discharge more of their healing constituents into the tincture. Bladderwrack can be found at your local health food store.

• 2

  Pour 1 pt. of 80-proof vodka into the quart jar and cover the herb completely. Other food-grade alcohols may be used, but vodka lends the least amount of unpleasant flavor to the tincture.

• 3

  Cap the quart jar tightly and shake vigorously. Store the jar for two weeks, shaking twice each day. Shaking well every day will leach out all the beneficial constituents contained within the bladderwrack.

• 4

  Strain the bladderwrack tincture into a large bowl using a funnel lined with cheesecloth. Fold the cheesecloth over several times so it will catch all the loose herb. The tincture should be free of any large particles.

• 5

  Pour the completed tincture into a dark-colored pint-size jar using the cleaned funnel. Cap the jar tightly or use a rubber stopper, and store in a dark, cool place. Tinctures stored in dark containers may stay fresh up to two years.