A tincture is one of the simplest ways to keep lemon balm on hand. Lemon balm has a gentle lemony scent, and a home tincture lets you capture it from your own harvest.

Ingredients

1/2 cup freshly chopped lemon balm leaves, or 1/4 to 1/3 cup dried lemon balm leaves
1 cup 80 proof vodka

Directions

Place the lemon balm leaves in a clean 16 ounce mason jar.
Pour the vodka over the leaves. Once they settle, there should be at least 1/2 inch of alcohol above the leaves. Add a little more if needed, then cap and shake well.
Keep the jar in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks. Strain out the leaves, then label the jar.

Grower's tip: lemon balm is easy to grow, and the leaves are most fragrant just before flowering. Harvest in the morning after the dew dries, and cut the plant back to keep fresh growth coming.

Keep out of reach of children. Shared for traditional and educational use only. This is not medical advice and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not a treatment for any medical condition. Please talk to a qualified healthcare provider before using herbs medicinally, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.

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