DIY: Herbal Multivitamin Tincture
One question we often get is, “What vitamin supplements do you recommend?” Frankly, we can’t really recommend any mainstream brands on the market – although we’re not familiar with all of them, and some may be decent options! Most supplements have many problems, which make them less-than-ideal solutions for getting the recommended nutrients.
They may have:
- Too much sugar
- Many supplements are made with synthetic vitamins and minerals, which are not well absorbed (only around 10% actually gets used by the body)
- High amounts of isolated vitamins making them out of balance (certain nutrients “compete” in the body, and one prevents absorption of another).
- Ingredients that we don’t trust or want
- Many are made with stearates, which bind with the nutrients, making them less well-absorbed (especially gummy varieties).
- Many can be dangerous in isolation, leading to a deficiency of another vitamin.
They’re not “living” foods and don’t contain enzymes and other factors that increase absorption rates. That is why the owner and lead herbalist at Earthley, Kate Tietje, started developing her own herbal multivitamin line. Like the idea of a herbal multivitamin but not ready to make your own? Earthley’s Nourish Naturally Herbal Multivitamin Line has an herbal multivitamin for everyone. It’s an organic way to help your body get the necessary nutrients. Formulated to provide vitamins and minerals your body can easily absorb! It is made from actual, whole herbs – no isolates or synthetics.
Benefits of the Herbs
Before we go over the directions, let’s discuss the health benefits of this tincture, which combines five herbs (alfalfa, dandelion, catnip, nettle, and spearmint).
Alfalfa is used for its high vitamin and mineral content. Additional health benefits of alfalfa include:
- Rich in nutrients
- Antioxidant properties
- May lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- May improve metabolic health
- May provide menopause symptom relief
- May increase breastmilk production
Dandelion is used because it promotes healthy blood sugar levels and aids in supporting liver function. Additional health benefits of dandelion include:
- Highly nutritious
- Rich in antioxidants
- May boost your immune system
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- May aid in controlling blood sugar
- May reduce cholesterol
- May lower blood pressure
- Anticancer properties
Catnip is used because it is calming for everyday life challenges. Additional health benefits of catnip include:
- May promote sleep and relieve insomnia
- May relieve stress and anxiety
- May relieve coughs, colds, fevers, and asthmatic symptoms
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- May help with gastrointestinal disorders
- Anticancer properties
- Insecticidal properties
Nettle is used because it’s an anti-inflammatory full of vitamins and minerals. Additional health benefits of nettle include:
- May boost blood antioxidant levels
- May lower blood pressure
- May help control blood sugar levels
- May support wound healing
- May reduce bleeding
- May treat hay fever/allergy symptoms
Spearmint is used for its ability to help improve memory. Additional health benefits of spearmint include:
- May help with digestive upsets
- Rich in antioxidants
- Antibacterial properties
- May help reduce stress
- May improve arthritis pain
- May lower blood sugar levels
- May help lower blood pressure levels
- May aid women with hormonal imbalances
Herbal Multivitamin Tincture
This formula is safe for children and pregnant women and can be used instead of standard prenatal vitamins – in Kate’s opinion, but talk to your health professional! It’s very easy and quick to make, and it’s sweet so that children will take it. It’s an ideal way to get your vitamins! For best results, take it with cod liver oil (we recommend Earthley’s Cod Liver Oil) so that the fat-soluble vitamins will be best absorbed.
Ingredients:
- 6 tbsp. alfalfa
- 6 tbsp. dandelion
- 3 tbsp. catnip
- 3 tbsp. nettle
- 1.5 tbsp. spearmint
- 2 cups vegetable glycerin
- 2 cups filtered water
Directions:
Step 1: Add all of these herbs to a quart glass jar. Step 2: Add the glycerin and water and shake to mix. Step 3: Shake this mixture, cover it, and set it in a cool, dark place for about six weeks. Step 4: Strain it out and keep it in a glass bottle. In a perfect world, brown glass.
Usage & Storage:
- Safe for all ages.
- Take ¼-½ teaspoon per day. This is more for older than younger people, but needs vary by season or nutritional status. We recommend starting with a lower dose (1/8 teaspoon) for younger children. It will last about two years when stored in a cool, dark place like a cabinet. If you notice visible mold at the top, it has gone bad. Disclaimer: This post is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and nothing in this post is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure anything. If you have questions, please do your own research or seek advice from a health professional.