Challenge Entry
I took advantage of the full moon Sunday to make a couple of tinctures. They all have to sit for four weeks, so timing it with the full moon is an easy way for me to remember the timing. I also then made some natural cleaning/ clearing solutions.
Tincture #1: Headache Tincture
I am trying to find more natural remedies for my ailments. The most annoying/ debilitating one is my headaches/ migraines. I wanted to make a tincture that I could take in place of the ibuprofen/ Excedrin/ rizatriptan I currently live on.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dried feverfew
- 1 tbsp dried valerian root (optional)
- 1 tbsp dried lemon balm
- 1 tbsp dried chamomile
- Everclear or vodka
- small jar with a tight sealing lid
Directions
- Mix the herbs in the jar and pour the alcohol over to cover them.
- Seal with lid, shake it gently, swirling it in a clockwise motion, following the sun, while inviting the sun’s light and healing energy into the tincture.
- Store in a dark place for four weeks, pulling it out to shake as above at least once a week (daily is better).
- When the four weeks are up, strain out the herbs and compost. Transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle and store it for up to six months.
Dosing
At the first sign of a headache, drop a teaspoon’s worth into your mouth and hold it there for a moment. Take a deep, cleansing breath, swallow at the top of the breath, and then release the air from your lungs, sighing out tall that is causing you pain. Repeat every two hours as needed until the headache is gone.
Tincture #2: Two A.M Tincture
This tincture is to be used when you wake in the middle of the night and cannot fall back asleep. Much better than sleeping meds. Note: this one would be better to make on the new moon when sleep comes most easily, but I didn’t think of it till after I made it.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dried valerian root
- 1 tbsp dried lemon balm
- 1 tbsp dried chamomile
- 1 tbsp lavender
- Everclear or vodka
- small jar with a tight sealing lid
Directions
- Mix the herbs in the jar and pour the alcohol over to cover them.
- Seal with lid, shake it gently, swirling it in a counter-clockwise motion, invoking darkness and rest.
- Store in a dark place for four weeks, pulling it out to shake as above at least once a week (daily is better).
- When the four weeks are up, strain out the herbs and compost. Transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle and store it for up to six months.
Dosing
When you wake in the middle of the night, take a teaspoon into your mouth, then lay back. When your breath and heart rate have returned to their slow, sleepy rhythm, all the tincture to slip down your throat. Feel it settle and permeate your body - moving through your bloodstream. Let your body and mind rest.
Floor Wash
Floor washes date back to old-world magick. They are generally used on an already cleaned floor to spiritually clean. You can use it on windows and walls as well.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c pine needles
- 1/4 c rosemary
- 1/4 c sage (I used kitchen sage)
- 1/4 c basil (I used sweet basil)
- 1 tbsp. cloves
- 1 tbsp. peppercorns
- 1 tbsp. juniper berries
Directions
- Heat four (4) cups of water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the herbs and berries. Bring the mixture to a simmer for ten (10) minutes.
- Turn off the mixture and allow it to sit overnight, surrounded by selenite, tiger’s eye, rose quartz, fluorite, and amethyst.
- Strain and save in a glass jar.
Use
When you are ready to use the floor wash, ensure that you have already physically cleaned your home top to bottom. Heat a quart of water until it is hot, but not too hot - you need to be able to put your hands in it. Stir in a cup of the floor wash mixture.
Using a clean cloth, wipe down all surfaces. Start at the back of your home and work towards the front door. Spend extra time in the corners or dark places, or wherever negative energy tends to collect in your home. When you get to the front door, wipe it down both the inside and the outside.
Dispose of the water once done. You can use it to water any plants you have. 
Disinfectant spray
I made more of my disinfectant spray. This is simply 1 part white vinegar and three parts 99% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). You can add any essential oils you would like to this mix. I use lemon, tea tree, and peppermint. I also charge it by surrounding it with selenite, sunstone, and pyrite for one hour. Then use it as you would any store-bought sprays!
Clearing Spray
I use a clearing spray once a week after my weekly cleaning to cleanse my space of any lingering negative or unwanted energies.
Ingredients
- 30-40 drops of essential oils
- 1 c purified/distilled water (I used distilled bottle water that I have charged under moonlight)
- 1 tbsp. vodka or isopropyl alcohol (helps oils blend with the water)
Directions
- Choosing essential oils: Frankincense and sage are the most common for energy clearing; clove can be added for protection, sweet orange or rose for optimism, and peppermint/lemon/ginger for energy and clarity. Use what calls to you.
- Mix all ingredients in a ceramic bowl.
- Allow the bowl to rest overnight in the moon’s light, surrounded by selenite, black tourmaline, moonstone, and clear quartz.
- In the morning, pour the potion into a dark-colored glass spray bottle.
Use
To use, spray the air with the potion three times, or in multiples of threes, while holding the intention of releasing all that no longer serves you or your household.
These recipes come from, The Witchy Homestead: Spells, Rituals, and Remedies for Creating Magic at Home by Nikki van de Car. As the name suggests, it is a guide to creating a magickal homestead, no matter where you live. I highly recommend it.