TANSY VINEGAR

​I am truly proud of myself this year, as I have finally honed my herbal skills and crafted my very own tansy vinegar. The joy of collecting tansy in sun-drenched fields was an unforgettable experience. The excitement of creating this unique vinegar from scratch, all by myself, is immensely rewarding. With the tansy season in full bloom, now is the perfect time for you to try your hand at making it too.

My own tansy vinegar and some tansy bunches hanging out to dry.

Why should you even think of making your own tansy vinegar?

Well, I read about its advantages and honestly there are too many to list them all here so I am going to name just a few.

• Tansy has natural insect-repellent properties. Tansy vinegar can be used to deter insects such as flies and mosquitoes and most probably the most feared ticks.

• Tansy vinegar can be applied topically to help alleviate symptoms of various skin conditions. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it beneficial for reducing redness, inflammation, and bacterial infections associated with acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
• Additionally, it can be used for skin care. ​When diluted, tansy vinegar can be used as a toner for the skin, helping to balance pH and combat minor skin irritations.

• If you happen to have a dandruff problem tansy vinegar is definitely your solution. You can use it as a hair rinse and it  can help control dandruff and improve scalp health. Its antimicrobial properties can reduce scalp infections, while its acidic nature helps balance the scalp’s pH, promoting healthier hair.

• Tansy vinegar can be beneficial for joint and muscle pain, offering a natural alternative to synthetic anti-inflammatory medications. Its ability to calm inflammation also makes it effective in treating bruises and contusions, accelerating the healing process and alleviating pain.

The best place to gather tansy.

How to make your own tansy vinegar? 
​
First of all, I need to say that it is super simple. While I'll provide detailed instructions below, the process can be boiled down to three easy steps: pick tansy, place it in a jar, cover with apple cider vinegar, and let it steep for about two weeks. Here are the detailed instructions to ensure you get the best results:

• Harvest Tansy: Gather fresh tansy leaves and flowers. Ensure they are clean and free from dirt or pests.
  
• Prepare the Jar: Sterilize a glass jar by boiling it in water for a few minutes or washing it thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinsing well.
  
• Fill the Jar: Pack the jar about halfway with the fresh tansy leaves and flowers.
  
• Add Vinegar: Pour apple cider vinegar or white vinegar over the tansy until the jar is filled. Ensure all the plant material is submerged in the vinegar.
  
• Seal the Jar: Cover the jar with a non-metallic lid (vinegar can corrode metal) or place a piece of plastic wrap between the jar and a metal lid if that's all you have.
  
• Steep: Let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place for about 2-4 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to help with the infusion process.
  
• Strain: After the steeping period, strain the vinegar through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the tansy plant material.
  
• Bottle: Transfer the strained vinegar into a clean bottle. Label it with the date and contents.
  

Warning: tansy contains thujone, which can be toxic in large amounts. Use tansy vinegar with caution!