Herbalism
Selah: A Herbal Tincture for Rest & Relaxation
Selah — a word that invites us to pause and rest. This tincture blends valerian root and hops, two herbs long treasured for calming the body and quieting the mind at the end of a full day.
In the video below, I walk you through the whole process using the Doc Jones ratio method — a simple, reliable way to measure your herbs to alcohol so every batch comes out consistent. No guessing nor trying to figure it out.. just a jar, your dried herbs, and a little patience.
Combine the herbs in a clean pint jar, cover them with vodka or brandy, and let the mixture steep in a cool, dark cupboard for one to six weeks, giving it a gentle shake each day. Then strain the tincture, place it into amber dropper bottles or mason jars, and keep it on the nightstand for evenings that need a softer landing.
Selah Valerian & Hops Sleep Tincture
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
—
Additional
4–6 weeks steeping
Total
6 weeks
Servings
About 12 oz
Ingredients
- 10 grams valerian root
- 16 grams hops
- 260 grams (80–100 proof) vodka
Instructions
- 1Wipe the jar clean and dry it completely — any water shortens the shelf life.
- 2Add the valerian root to the jar, breaking up any large pieces first.
- 3Layer in the hops.
- 4Pour the alcohol over the herbs until they are submerged by at least two inches.
- 5Press the herbs down gently with a clean spoon to release trapped air.
- 6Seal the jar and label it with the date and contents.
- 7Store in a cool, dark cupboard away from direct sun.
- 8Shake the jar once daily or remember you tend to remember.
- 9Let the tincture steep for a full 1 - 6 weeks.
- 10Strain through muslin into a clean bowl, squeezing the herbs to get every drop.
- 11Funnel the finished tincture into amber dropper bottles.
- 12Label with the date and dosage, and store away from heat and light.
Notes
- Begin with 1 tsp an hour before bed and increase slowly from there as needed.
- Avoid combining with sedative medication or alcohol; ask your care provider first.
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