DIY: Teething Tincture

For quite a while, my family has been using a teething tea that has proven very safe and effective. It’s our best remedy for teething (and adult toothaches)! When my children were younger and still teething, I’d give them a cup or two of the tea, which they loved. They’d drink it, especially in the evenings, and it seemed to relieve their pain completely, resulting in less drooling and biting and much better sleep quality.

There were only a few minor problems with the tea:

• It wasn’t super portable

• Dosing for younger babies was tricky

• Some babies didn’t like the taste

That last one wasn’t a problem for us, but it’s one I’ve heard from others.

The portability issue? If it’s only needed at night, making a bag of the tea mix and taking it wherever we find ourselves is a simple solution. But maybe that’s not enough, and we need to be able to give it “as needed” during daytime outings; it would be tricky to make and carry it.

Plus, many babies start teething at 4-6 months before they are really eating solids, and they can’t simply sip a cup of tea. Many don’t even use a sippy cup (and I don’t recommend much liquid at that age, anyway; they mostly need breast milk or formula).

What’s my solution?

I make a tincture instead.

Like the idea of a teething tincture but not ready to make your own?

Earthley’s Teeth Tamer is a gentle, herbal option made to support your little one during the teething stage. Crafted with whole organic herbs and no synthetic additives, it’s a natural alternative to conventional products. We use ingredients traditionally trusted to promote comfort and calm during periods of tooth-related fussiness.

Why These Herbs?

We’ve carefully selected herbs known for their traditional use in supporting oral wellness and soothing tension in little bodies.

Clove (not to be confused with clove essential oil) has been used in herbal practices for its comforting and soothing properties. It’s also valued for its naturally occurring antioxidants and plant compounds. The whole herb is much safer than the essential oil, and we do not recommend ingesting essential oils. Learn more in Whole Herb Clove vs Clove Essential Oil.

Catnip is commonly used to help support relaxation and ease occasional discomfort. It’s a gentle herb that’s been loved for generations to help little ones unwind and settle more easily.

With just organic whole herbs and organic vegetable glycerin, Teeth Tamer offers a straightforward approach for parents seeking a clean, plant-based option. As always, consult with your child’s healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

This tincture involves the same ingredients as my tea, except it includes vegetable glycerin as an extractor and (natural) preservative. It’s also much more concentrated, so smaller doses are needed.

Ingredients:

1/2 tbsp. cloves
2 tbsp. catnip
2 oz. filtered water
2 oz. vegetable glycerin

Directions:

Step 1: Place the herbs in a glass jar.

Step 2: Pour in the glycerin.

Step 3: Add the water.

Step 4: Shake this mixture, cover it, and set it in a cool, dark place for about six weeks.

Step 5: Strain it out and keep it in a glass bottle. In a perfect world, brown glass. A small glass vial could go in a diaper bag or purse if needed on the go.

The dose is about 1 – 2 drops to start. Work up a drop at a time as needed. There’s nothing toxic about this combination. Thankfully, only a few drops should be needed, making this a cost-effective recipe to keep on hand!