HOW TO MAKE: Chamomile Tincture for Teething

I was looking for SOMETHING that actually helped with teething and, since I’m not a believer in those gorgeous amber necklaces (sorry, I think they’re bunk) and my daughter just can’t wrap her head about teething rings, I figured this chamomile tincture was worth a try. I’m so glad I did!

What is a tincture? It’s a herbal preparation made by steeping plant material in alcohol. As it steeps over several weeks the alcohol draws out all of the medicinal qualities of the plant.

I know, I know – booze and babies is not something that would normally go together but alcohol is a common solvent that’s used for over-the-counter, prescription, and herbal medicines. You’re only giving a drop or two so it’s okay. Check out this article about liquid extracts in pediatrics by Dr. Aviva Romm, an MD, midwife, and herbalist, if you’d like more of a reassurance than a radio announcer telling you it’s just fine 😉 Talk to your doctor about it!

The chamomile tincture is amazing for teething. Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mild astringent  and a mild sedative. When you apply it directly to where the new tooth is coming up, it numbs the area bit and has the handy benefit – since it’s chamomile (think Sleepy Time Tea!) – of helping your babe to relax and calm down too. I’ve also read it as being useful for colic but that something, thankfully, we haven’t had to worry about in our house yet. They say it’s great for menstrual cramps too!

All you need is:

Glass jar
1 cup dried whole-flower Chamomile
2 cups Vodka or Rum (DO NOT USE RUBBING ALCOHOL)
1 cup boiling water

Or basically, depending on the size of your jar and how much you want to make, the one part boiling water and one part dried chamomile, mixed with two parts of vodka.

1. Make sure your jar is clean. You can sterilize the jar by putting it in a pot with hot water that is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jar, and then boil for 10 minutes.
2. Place the dried chamomile in the jar. Pour boiling water over top until they’re covered then fill the rest of the jar with your alcohol.
3. Cover tightly with an airtight lid and store in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar every dail for 4-6 weeks.

That’s it. Yes, it sucks that it takes six weeks because that’s not going to help you with the tooth coming in right now that has your whole house wanting to tear their hair out, but it’s with you for the next one if you start now!

Super easy to use too. Put a drop or two of the tincture on your finger or a cloth and rub it where you think their tooth is trying to come in. You can also toss a couple drops into their water or right into their mouth while they’re nursing.

For toddlers or older children, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp can be taken 1-3 times a day while needed. It is especially useful for babies and young children who are having difficulty sleeping. A dose right before bedtime can help relax and sooth them for more peaceful sleep.

And, if you’re the one being kept up at night by something besides a crying baby, normal dose for adults is up to 1 tsp 1-3 times a day as needed.

I’m telling you, for my daughter, it works! AND she likes the taste of it so it’s not a battle to try and rub it on her gums. I filled bottles for all my friends with babies and now I’m making another batch because more friends want it. This stuff has a good long shelf like too. Stored in brown glass, in a cool dark place they should be good for at least two or three years, and probably much longer.