Today, I will guide you in making a dead purple nettle tincture using fresh and dried herbs, following the folk tradition.
As an herbalist, I find a deep sense of fulfillment in embracing the traditional, time-honored folk method of making tinctures. In today's fast-paced world, we often chase precision and efficiency, but when it comes to the gentle healing powers of plants, I am drawn back to the simplicity and deep connection of the old ways.
The folk method of making tinctures is a perfect reflection of this. He eschews strict measurements and formulas, inviting us instead to engage with the plant on a more intuitive level—noticing its color, aroma, and texture as it gradually infuses its essence into the alcohol. It's about feeling and intuition, feeling when the tincture has reached its peak in vivacity and strength.
This process of maceration, of gently extracting the vital energies of the plant, is extremely grounding for me. It is a call to slow down, to trust in the wisdom of nature and to respect the ancient traditions handed down by generations of herbalists and healers.
And what better way to introduce this method than with the often underrated purple dead nettle? This humble herb, often dismissed as a weed, has its secrets and strengths.
