PAIN RELIEF TINCTURE

Written January 2017

This pain relief tincture is my go to formula for the whole family. It probably should be called all-purpose tincture as it has so many attributes.

+ digestive upsets
+ general aches & pains
+ headache
+ hyperactive children
+ menstrual cramps
+ restlessness
+ teething baby

Most any herb that is safe for an adult is safe for a child. Each of the herbs used in this tincture formula can safely be used over a long period of time with no harmful side effects. When using herbs for children, consistency is key when treating chronic health problems. 

Tinctures are concentrated extracts of herbs. I prefer using alcohol as my solvent for longer shelf life and potency. The amount of alcohol used in tinctures is minute enough that it doesn’t raise any concerns with me when giving to my own children. If it makes you uncomfortable you can add tincture dosage to a hot liquid and the alcohol portion will evaporate.

CALIFORNIA POPPY:
Mild pain relieving opiate with alkaloids similar to opium poppy. Although less powerful, it is a safe non-addictive herb, and makes a gentle effective sedative for children. Improves sleep quality and can be helpful with bedwetting. Excellent in establishing equilibrium and calming nerve stress and excitability.

Analgesic, anti-neuralgic, hypnotic, sedative

LAVENDER:
A gentle strengthening tonic of the nervous system. Provides systematic support, helping relax tensed and aching muscles. Works for menstrual cramps and pain. Calms digestive upsets such as bloating, belching, and irritable bowel symptoms. Its calming qualities soothes nervous over-activity, stress related headache and migraines.

Analgesic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, carminative, rubefacient, sedative

PASSIONFLOWER:
Takes the edge off worry and anxiety, bringing relief to a racing heart and tension headache. A mild analgesic, it can help with migraines and neuralgic pain. Safe and non-addictive sleep remedy enabling one to relax and slip off to sleep.

Anodyne, antispasmodic, hypnotic, hypotensive, mild sedative, relaxant, relieves pain

LEMON BALM:
Is a relaxing tonic for helping to relieve spasmodic pains and is specifically used for stress related stomach disorders such as acidity, indigestion, colicky pain, gas and bloating. A boon for reducing feelings of panic and is a valuable remedy for palpitations.

Antispasmodic, antiviral, calmative, carminative, diaphoretic, relaxant, relieves gas, stomachic

RECIPE:
Equal parts or weighed
1.75oz California Poppy
1oz Lavender
1oz Passionflower
.85oz Lemon Balm
80 Proof Vodka

Put herbs in a quart jar. Cover herbs with vodka leaving 1” head space. Put a lid on and allow it to infuse in a dark spot for 4-6 weeks. Shake bottle occasionally to prevent herbs from packing down on the bottom of jar. After macerating, strain tincture using a large strainer lined with cheesecloth, be sure to squeeze the last bit before composting the herb mixture. Bottle and label with herbs and date. Tincture will keep almost indefinitely.

Determining dosage for children, decide which best suits your child based on childs size, general wellbeing, nature of illness, and herbs being used.

A. Young’s Rule: Child’s age divided by 12 plus the age. Example: 4 year old child 4/12+4 = 4/16 = 1/4 of adult dosage

B. Cowlings Rule: Year number of next birthday is divided by 24. Example: 3 turning 4 years old 4/24 = 1/6 of adult dosage

C. Dosage Chart

1. When adult dose is one teacupful
Children 1 year or less…2 tsp
Children 2 to 4 years…3 tsp
Children 4 to 7 years…4 tsp
Children 7 to 11 years…2 tbsp

2. When adult dose is one teaspoonful or sixty grains/drops
Children 3 months old or less…2 drops
Children 3 to 6 months…3 drops
Children 6 to 9 months…4 drops
Children 9 to 12 months…5 drops
Children 12 to 18 months…7 drops
Children 18 to 24 months…8 drops
Children 2 to 3 years…10 drops
Children 3 to 4 years…12 drops
Children 4 to 6 years…15 drops
Children 6 to 9 years…24 drops
Children 9 to 12 years…30 drops

Adult Dosage:

Chronic problems are long term health issues such as arthritis, back pain, insomnia, and long standing bronchial symptoms. Take ½ to 1 tsp tincture 3x’s daily.
Acute problems are sudden, needing immediate attention such as toothache, migraine, sudden onset of cold or flu. Take ¼ to ½ tsp tincture every 30 to 60 minutes until symptoms subside.

References:

Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar

Herbal Remedies by Andrew Chevallier

The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D.