Blackthorn tincture is one of the suggestions for preserving the medicinal properties of this plant throughout the year. Blackthorn is a slightly forgotten plant, but in the past it was often used to treat diarrhea, internal hemorrhages and gastritis. See how to make blackthorn tincture.

Tarnina(Prunus spinosa) is a primeval plum variety that forms dense thickets on marshy meadows and forest edges. Its twigs have distinctive long thorns.

The fruits ripen at the end of summer. Under a navy blue skin with a bluish coating, there is a green, tart-bitter flesh.

Healing properties of sloe fruits:

Includes, among others tannins, antioxidants, vitamin C and provitamin A. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal properties.

Note:the seeds contain a lot of hydrogen cyanide (3 to 6 percent). They must not be chewed or swallowed.

For the tincture, it is best to collect the fruit after the first frost (or put it in the freezer for a day).

Ingredients for blackthorn:

• 1 kg of sloes

• 0.5 l of alcohol 96 percent.

• 0.5 l of vodka 40%

• a glass of sugar

Recipe for blackthorn tincture:

1. Rinse the fruit, drain it and pour in alcohol.

2. Keep in a warm, dark place for one month, shaking every 2-3 days.

3. Drain the alcohol, refrigerate.

4. Cover the fruit with sugar, keep warm until a syrup forms.

5. Combine it with alcohol, filter it after a week and pour it into bottles.

6. The tincture should mature for at least 3 months.

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