Practical Potion Making

A Handy Guide for Witches

This guide is designed to be immediately useful. It focuses on practical potion recipes, safety and preservation, measuring and substitution, troubleshooting, and a potion log template you can use to record experiments. Whether you brew teas, anointing oils, charm vials or complex infusions, these steps make your craft reliable, repeatable and safe.

Basic Principles

• Intention first, clarity of purpose guides ingredient choices and technique.
• Keep it simple, start with few ingredients to observe effects clearly.
• Safety is primary, consider allergies, pregnancy, medications and legal restrictions.
• Cleanliness matters, sterilise vessels and tools to prevent spoilage.
• Record everything, a consistent potion log creates repeatable results.

Essential Supplies for Potion Making

• Glass jars and bottles with tight lids, amber or cobalt preferred for light sensitive brews.
• Small cast iron cauldron or stainless steel saucepan for heating.
• Mortar and pestle, or clean blender for herb preparation.
• Fine mesh strainer, muslin or coffee filters.
• Digital kitchen scale and measuring spoons.
• Labels, permanent marker and a potion journal.

Sterilisation and Preservation

Proper sterilisation extends shelf life and keeps potions safe.

1. Wash glassware with hot soapy water, rinse well.
2. Boil jars and lids for 10 minutes or use a dishwasher sanitise cycle.
3. For oils, ensure no water is present as it promotes spoilage.
4. Use alcohol or glycerine as preservatives where appropriate, or refrigerate aqueous brews.

Measuring, Dosage and Safety Guidelines

When potions are intended for topical use, start with low concentrations. For internal use, exercise caution and consult reliable herbal reference and medical advice.

• Topical oil, standard: 1 to 5% essential oil dilution in carrier oil (that is 1 to 5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil).
• Infused oil: 1 part dried herb to 2 parts carrier oil by weight is a common starting ratio.
• Herbal tea: 1 heaped teaspoon dried herb per cup of water, steep 5 to 10 minutes unless otherwise directed.
• Always patch test topical preparations on a small skin area and wait 24 hours for reaction.

Simple, Reliable Recipes

1. Basic Anointing Oil, for consecration and protection

Supplies, 30ml carrier oil, 10 drops rosemary infused oil or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 3 drops frankincense essential oil (optional).

1. Sterilise a 30ml amber bottle and tools.
2. If using dried herb, warm the carrier oil with herbs in a double boiler for 30 minutes on low, do not boil.
3. Strain into bottle, add essential oils, cap and label with date and purpose.
4. Shake before use, anoint pulse points sparingly.

2. Moon Water, simple charged water for ritual cleansing

Supplies, a clear glass bowl or bottle, filtered water.

1. Fill the vessel with water and cover with a breathable cloth to keep out insects.
2. Place outside or on a windowsill under the moon overnight, ideally full moon.
3. Store in a sealed bottle in a cool place up to one lunar month.

3. Dream Sachet Infusion, for dream work and gentle recall

Supplies, small muslin bag, 1 teaspoon dried mugwort, 1 teaspoon dried lavender, a few drops of chamomile infused oil.

1. Mix herbs, fill sachet, anoint lightly with infused oil, and place under pillow.
2. Replace monthly or when aroma fades.

4. Simple Charm Vial, portable magic on the go

Supplies, 5ml glass vial with cork, a small crystal chip, pinch of herb (rosemary or basil), tiny written intention.

1. Place items inside the vial, fold intention paper small and insert, seal tightly.
2. Charge under appropriate moon phase or planetary hour, carry as needed.

Substitution Table

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Cloudy infusion, may indicate microbial growth, discard and clean thoroughly.
• Unpleasant odour, can indicate rancidity in oils, discard and start fresh.
• Weak effect, consider potency of herbs, freshness or technique; increase herb quantity or infusion time gradually in experiments.

Potion Log Template

Keep a consistent log for repeatability. Use the template below in a dedicated journal or digital note.

Date:
Name of Potion:
Intention:
Moon phase/Planetary timing:
Ingredients (weights and measures):
Method (step by step):
Sterilisation steps taken:
Preservative or storage method:
Reaction observed/Notes:
Outcome after 1 day, 1 week, 1 month:
Adjustments for next batch:
  

Legal and Safety Notes

Never prescribe potions as medical treatments. For internal use, consult a qualified herbalist or medical professional and research contraindications. Be mindful of local laws regarding certain herbs or resins. When in doubt, prioritise topical or symbolic use rather than ingestion.

Closing Notes

Potion making marries domestic craft with sacred intention. By prioritising cleanliness, clear records and safety, witches create potions that are both practical and potent. Start small, record everything and allow your practice to develop through mindful experiment. May your brews be blessed and your craft steady.