How to Make a Black Walnut Tincture
Tinctures are made with an alcohol-and-water mixture as the solvent. Simply put, an herb is soaked in the solvent for a specified time, and a solution is the result. The solution is then pressed, yielding the tincture. Black Walnut tincture is a valuable herbal remedy for many ailments, and moderately simple to make.
In the case of black walnut tincture, the green hull of the black walnut holds within it the most juglone (the desired herbal ingredient). It is important to recognize that the green hull of the black walnut is necessary in order to craft an effective tincture.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 4 black walnuts (with green hulls)
- 1 wide-mouthed quart jar, or crock, and lid
- 1 pint 100-proof vodka
- Sieve
- Mixing bowl
- Several small bottles with tight-fitting caps
Instructions
-
Making the Tincture
-
1
Place walnuts in the quart jar. (You can pick the walnuts from the tree yourself in the fall, when their hulls are green.)
-
2
Pour vodka over the walnuts, being sure to completely immerse them. Place lid on jar.
Store in a cool, dark place (such as under the sink or in a closet).
-
-
3
Wait seven to 10 days, shaking gently every day or two.
-
4
Remove lid. Over a large mixing bowl pour the solvent through the sieve and firmly press (with a spoon or gloved hand) the softened hulls to extract all the liquid.
-
5
Discard the solids. The remaining liquid is your tincture. The color should be a very dark green.
-
6
Pour into clean bottles, cap and store in a cool dark place.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
It is easier to find unblemished green hulls by picking the black walnuts rather than waiting for them to fall.
Black walnuts, hulls and all extracts will stain. Avoid contact with clothing!
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Paul Wray: Bugwood.org
