Herbal Vinegars from Gaia Garden

This week we teamed up with Vancouver Herbal Dispensary Gaia Garden to bring you information on herbal vinegars and a few recipes so you can make your own at home! This information was provided by Angie Shand and Bronwen Erickson, who both are Practicing Herbalists with over twenty years of combined experience. They are currently working at Gaia Garden Herbal Dispensary, 2672 West Broadway Vancouver BC (604-734-4372) http://www.gaiagarden.com/



How to Make Herbal Vinegars:

Pack a clean glass container (a canning jar, a discarded peanut-butter jar) loosely with the herbs you’ve chosen. Cover with vinegar warmed to room temperature.

Tamp the herbs down to release the air bubbles; then add more vinegar to completely submerge the plant material. Cap the container tightly, set in a dark, warm place, and let the herbs steep for a month to six weeks. Use a plastic cap or a piece of plastic film tied with a rubber band to prevent the acidic vinegar from corroding a metal top.

Strain out the herbs and repeat the process with more herbs if you want a stronger-flavored vinegar. Otherwise, decant the vinegar into a cork- or glass-stoppered container. Store your herbal vinegars in a dark, cool place.



Medicinal Plants used for making Herbal Vinegars:

Nettles are a plant rich in chlorophyll, it rebuilds the blood, stabilizes blood sugar and supports bone health, strengthening the whole body. Nettle is a rich source of antioxidants and Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, Quercitin and flavanoids. Nettle also contains calcium, iron, potassium and sulfur. Medicinally, nettles are astringent and toning and cleansing for the kidneys and blood.

Chickweed is an excellent source of vitamins A, D, B complex, C, and rutin (an accompanying flavenoid), as well as iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, sodium, copper, and silica. Chickweed is believed to help break up fat and fatty deposits in the body. Chickweed is a demulcent, helping to reduce inflamed tissue and joints, promoting a cleansing soothing tonic effect on the urinary system for relieving cystitis and urinary inflammation.

Red Raspberry is an excellent source of vitamins C, E, A, B complex, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, silicon, sulphur and calcium. Magnesium helps the absorption of calcium, and increases the absorption of certain hormones. These minerals additionally promote strong nails, bones, teeth, hair, and skin. It can be used as a mouthwash for sore throats, weak gums and mouth ulcers as well a great tea for children’s diarrhea. Traditionally known as a blood tonic and purifier, red raspberry possesses hormone-regulating and uterine-toning properties.

All of these herbs can be made into a herbal vinegar to use medicinally. Use 2 tsp to 3 tsp a day in water, on salads or other foods, and is safe for children. Apple cider vinegar helps to break down the minerals with its enzymes and increases the hydrochloric acid in the stomach which helps to absorb the minerals.


Gaia Garden is now owned and operated by members of the Gaia Garden team. Our mission is to provide the community with exceptional plant based medicine to cleanse and nourish the mind, body, and spirit. It is our responsibility to support and educate our community on their path to optimal health. We offer natural, organic, or wild crafted products to contribute to the health and sustainability of our planet. We are proud to facilitate peace, harmony, and good health to all Gaia’s beings.