The mimosa tree (Albizia juliafrissin), also known as the “silk tree” or “happiness tree,” is cherished in herbal traditions for its potential to uplift the spirit and calm the mind. Its beautiful pink blossoms and delicate leaves hold compounds believed to support emotional balance. Creating your own mimosa tincture is a wonderful way to harness these properties, and you have options for your menstruum (the solvent that extracts the beneficial compounds): alcohol or glycerin.
Important Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medications.
Mimosa Tincture with Vegetable Glycerin
For those who prefer to avoid alcohol, or for use with children (under professional guidance), a glycerin-based tincture (glycerite) is an excellent alternative. Glycerin is a sweet, viscous liquid that also has extractive properties.
What You’ll Need:
* Fresh or Dried Mimosa Bark/Flowers: Sustainably harvested and finely chopped.
* Vegetable Glycerin: Food-grade.
* Distilled Water:
* Glass Jar with Tight-Fitting Lid: Sterilized.
* Fine-Mesh Sieve or Cheesecloth: For straining.
* Dark Glass Dropper Bottles: For storage.
Instructions:
* Prepare Mimosa: Fill your clean glass jar about one-quarter to one-half full with the mimosa plant material.
* Create Glycerin/Water Solution: For a glycerite, a common ratio is 60-80% glycerin to 20-40% distilled water. For example, for every 8 parts glycerin, use 2 parts distilled water. Mix the glycerin and distilled water thoroughly in a separate container.
* Cover with Solution: Pour the glycerin/water solution over the mimosa material, ensuring it’s completely submerged. Leave about an inch of headspace.
* Seal and Shake: Seal the jar tightly and shake well.
* Infuse: Store in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks, shaking daily for the first week, then a few times a week thereafter. Glycerin extractions can take a bit longer than alcohol.
* Strain: After the infusion period, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or several layers of cheesecloth into a clean bowl, squeezing out all liquid.
* Bottle and Store: Transfer to dark glass dropper bottles, label clearly, and store in a cool, dark place. Glycerites typically have a shorter shelf life than alcohol tinctures, usually around 1-2 years.
Herbal Benefits (Glycerin Tincture – Not Medical Advice):
Glycerin extracts different compounds than alcohol, often resulting in a milder flavor and a gentler action. Mimosa glycerite is often chosen for its traditional use in supporting emotional well-being, particularly for those seeking a gentle upliftment or help with occasional feelings of sadness or restlessness. The sweet taste of glycerin can also make it more palatable, especially for those sensitive to alcohol.
Whether you choose a vodka-based or glycerin-based mimosa tincture, you’re embracing an ancient tradition of plant-based wellness. Remember to always listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Tags: #DIYHerbalism, #GlycerinTincture, #HerbalRemedies, #HomemadeTincture, #MimosaExtract, #NaturalWellness, #VodkaTincture