It’s easy to use herbs when you’re home, but traveling with them requires some extra thought. If you are happy with loose herbs, there are generally no issues. Put them in a bag and go. However, if you like to use tinctures then further consideration must be taken. Tinctures are normally stored in 1 oz. amber glass bottles. For travel, some people choose to store their tinctures in plastic bottles. I am not a fan of plastic, so that’s not an option for our family. At first, I made a simple pouch out of bubble wrap, not very elegant but it did the trick. Then, I came across a simple homemade carrying case and decided to make one for Mike since he was traveling quite a bit. It was perfect ~ simple and easy to travel with tinctures. I finally made one for myself too.
materials
All you need is a placemat, thread and ribbon. I sewed it by hand but if you have a sewing machine, it can be made within minutes. I am a big fan of reusing and found 5 placemats at a 2nd hand store for only $1.00.
- Simply lay the placemat flat, fold the bottom up one third.
mark each seam with a pin
- Mark off every 3 inches and sew each segment as well as the outside seams up vertically. Most placemats average 18” in length. So, this will create 6 pouches and allows for storage of 6 tincture bottles ranging from 1oz. to 4oz. in size. Exact measurements are unnecessary ~ this design is very forgiving.
sew 6 pockets
- Cut a 40 inch ribbon. Fold in half and sew folded part into one side of the pouch’s outside seam.
- Insert tinctures, fold top over, roll and then tie with ribbon. That’s it ~ now go off and explore the world.
I have never had any problems with breakage or the TSA when traveling with tinctures. I do put the pouch in a zip-lock bag with other 1st aid items for extra peace of mind.
How do you travel with your tinctures? Please share and I will continue to share.
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For me, there is no doubt about it; Maine is indeed the way life should be. After returning from a glorious laid back vacation in Maine, I think I figured out how they do it ~ Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)! The roadsides and fields are covered with it, very similar to the abundant growth of Queen Anne’s Lace along the roadside of New York. I can honestly say I have never seen so much wild Valerian in my life. It was everywhere. It blooms from June through September (just in time for tourist season) and fills the air with a sweet intoxicating aroma (unlike the stinky sock smell of its roots) that will relax the beast in any strung out soul. This wonderful herb helps soothe tension while bringing a sense of calm and liberation from anxiety along with summoning a healing restful night. Yes indeed, that is the way life should be ~ relaxed and mellow.
