How to prepare a wormwood tincture for fleas? - briefly
Mix dried wormwood leaves with 70% ethanol at a 1:5 ratio, seal, and let steep for 2–3 weeks, shaking the container daily. Filter the infusion, dilute with water if needed, and apply the resulting tincture to the animal’s fur to combat fleas.
How to prepare a wormwood tincture for fleas? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains compounds that repel and kill fleas. Preparing a potent tincture requires precise measurement, proper solvent, and safe handling.
Gather materials:
- Dried wormwood leaves, 100 g (coarse‑cut)
- High‑proof ethanol (95 % vol.) or 80 % food‑grade ethanol
- Clean glass jar with airtight lid (minimum 500 ml)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Dark glass bottles for storage
- Label and pen
Procedure:
- Place the dried herb in the jar, filling it no more than two‑thirds of the volume.
- Pour ethanol over the herb until it is completely submerged, leaving at least 2 cm of liquid above the plant material.
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a dark, cool place (15‑20 °C) for 2 weeks. Agitate the mixture gently once daily to improve extraction.
- After 14 days, filter the liquid through the strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container, pressing the herb to extract remaining fluid.
- Transfer the filtered tincture into dark glass bottles, label with preparation date and concentration, and keep it refrigerated.
Application guidelines:
- Dilute the tincture 1:5 with water before use to reduce skin irritation.
- Apply 5 ml of the diluted solution to the pet’s coat, focusing on the base of the tail and hindquarters, once daily for a week.
- Re‑evaluate after 7 days; if flea activity persists, repeat the treatment for another 5‑day cycle.
- Do not use undiluted tincture directly on skin; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Safety precautions:
- Use gloves when handling concentrated ethanol.
- Keep the tincture out of reach of children and other animals.
- Discontinue use if the animal shows signs of redness, itching, or distress; consult a veterinarian.
Shelf life:
- Stored in a dark, refrigerated environment, the tincture remains effective for up to 12 months. Discard any preparation that develops an off‑odor or cloudiness.