How to prepare wormwood tincture for fleas? - briefly
Mix dried wormwood leaves and 95 % ethanol in a 1:5 weight‑to‑volume ratio, seal, and let steep for 14 days, shaking the container once daily. After filtration, dilute the filtrate tenfold with water and apply the resulting tincture to the animal’s fur to repel fleas.
How to prepare wormwood tincture for fleas? - in detail
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains compounds that repel and kill fleas. The following procedure yields a potent ethanol‑based tincture suitable for topical use on pets and for environmental treatment.
Materials
- Dried wormwood leaves and stems, 100 g
- High‑proof food‑grade ethanol (95 % ABV), 500 ml
- Glass jar with airtight seal, 1 L capacity
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Dark‑glass dropper bottles, 30 ml each
- Labels for concentration and date
Preparation steps
- Weigh the dried herb and place it in the clean jar.
- Pour the ethanol over the herb, ensuring the plant material is fully submerged; a 1:5 (w/v) ratio provides optimal extraction.
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place.
- Agitate the mixture gently once daily for 14 days.
- After the maceration period, filter the liquid through the mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container, discarding the solid residue.
- Transfer the filtered tincture into dark‑glass dropper bottles, label with “wormwood flea tincture,” concentration, and preparation date.
- Store the bottles at 4–10 °C, away from direct sunlight; the tincture remains effective for up to 12 months.
Safety considerations
- Ethanol is flammable; keep away from open flames.
- Use gloves when handling the tincture to avoid skin irritation.
- Perform a patch test on a small area of the animal’s skin before full application; observe for adverse reactions over 24 hours.
- Do not administer orally; the preparation is intended for external use only.
Application guidelines
- Dilute the tincture 1:10 with water before spraying on the animal’s coat or on bedding, carpets, and baseboards.
- Apply the diluted solution to the pet’s neck, back, and tail base, avoiding eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Reapply every 3–4 days during an active infestation, and repeat treatment for at least two weeks after the last flea sighting to break the life cycle.
Quality control
- Verify ethanol concentration with a hydrometer; adjust with distilled water if necessary.
- Record batch number and preparation date for traceability.
Following this protocol produces a consistent, high‑potency wormwood tincture that can be integrated into a comprehensive flea management program.