Category: How Tos

A multifractionation extraction (multifrac) is used when you need to extract multiple types of compounds from a plant that dissolve in different solvents or require different extraction techniques. This method is necessary when one solvent alone cannot extract all beneficial compounds effectively.

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When to Use a Multifrac Extraction

✅ When an herb contains both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds.
✅ When an herb has fat-soluble compounds that require oil or a non-polar solvent.
✅ When you need to separate different medicinal components from the same herb.
✅ When working with complex plants that contain multiple active constituents.

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Examples of When a Multifrac is Needed

Herb	Why Use a Multifrac?	Extraction Steps
Turmeric	Contains water-soluble polysaccharides and fat-soluble curcuminoids	1. Water extract for polysaccharides → 2. Alcohol or oil extract for curcumin
Echinacea	Contains alkaloids, polysaccharides, and essential oils	1. Water extract for polysaccharides → 2. Alcohol extract for alkaloids and oils
Mushrooms (Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane)	Polysaccharides are water-soluble, but triterpenes and sterols need alcohol	1. Hot water decoction for beta-glucans → 2. Alcohol extraction for triterpenes
Calendula	Contains water-soluble flavonoids and fat-soluble resins	1. Alcohol extract for resins → 2. Water or glycerin extract for flavonoids
Vanilla Beans	Flavor compounds dissolve best in alcohol, while polyphenols extract in water	1. Alcohol extract for vanillin → 2. Water extract for polyphenols

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How to Perform a Multifrac Extraction

1️⃣ Step 1: Extract Water-Soluble Compounds (Infusion or Decoction)

• Use hot water to extract polysaccharides, flavonoids, and tannins.
• Simmer roots, barks, and mushrooms for 20–60 minutes (decoction).
• Steep leaves and flowers in hot water for 15–30 minutes (infusion).
• Strain and save the liquid.

2️⃣ Step 2: Extract Alcohol-Soluble Compounds (Tincture)

• Use 40–95% alcohol for alkaloids, resins, and volatile oils.
• Cover strained plant material with alcohol and let it macerate for 4–6 weeks.
• Strain and save the liquid.

3️⃣ Step 3: (Optional) Extract Fat-Soluble Compounds (Oil Infusion)

• If the herb contains lipophilic (fat-soluble) compounds, infuse it in oil for 4–6 weeks (cold) or 3–6 hours on low heat (hot method).
• Strain and save the oil.

4️⃣ Step 4: Combine Extracts or Use Separately

• Some people mix the water and alcohol extracts together (e.g., dual-extraction tinctures).
• Oil extracts are usually kept separate for topical applications.

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Final Notes

• Multifrac is ideal for complex herbs like mushrooms, turmeric, and echinacea.
• It ensures no beneficial compounds are left behind.
• Different solvents target different healing properties.
• It takes longer but produces more effective extracts.

The choice between glycerin and alcohol as a menstruum (solvent) depends on the herb, intended use, extraction needs, and who will be using it. Below is a comparison to help determine when to use each.

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1. When to Use Alcohol (Ethanol) for Herbal Extracts (Tinctures)

✅ Best for: Strong, long-lasting medicinal extracts
✅ Best solvent for: Alkaloids, resins, volatile oils, and tannins
✅ Shelf life: 5+ years

Use Alcohol When:

• You need a highly potent extract (e.g., adaptogens, nervines, immune boosters).
• Extracting tough plant parts (roots, barks, resins, mushrooms).
• Extracting alkaloids, essential oils, and resins (e.g., echinacea, valerian, goldenseal, ashwagandha).
• Long shelf life is important (tinctures last 5+ years).
• You want rapid absorption into the bloodstream.

Common Herbs for Alcohol Tinctures:

Herb	Why Alcohol?
Echinacea	Strong immune-boosting alkaloids
Valerian Root	Potent sedative compounds
Ashwagandha	Adaptogenic properties require strong extraction
Goldenseal	Contains bitter alkaloids that dissolve best in alcohol
Reishi Mushroom	Tough, woody texture needs high-proof alcohol
Ginger Root	Extracts volatile oils and active compounds well

Tip: Use 40–50% alcohol for soft herbs (leaves, flowers) and 60–95% alcohol for roots, barks, and resins.

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2. When to Use Glycerin for Herbal Extracts (Glycerites)

✅ Best for: Alcohol-free, sweet, child-friendly extracts
✅ Best solvent for: Mucilage, flavonoids, tannins, and water-soluble compounds
✅ Shelf life: 1–2 years

Use Glycerin When:

• The extract is for children, pets, or alcohol-sensitive individuals.
• You want a sweet and palatable tincture.
• Extracting mucilaginous (soothing) herbs.
• Making herbal skincare (glycerin is moisturizing).
• Preserving herbs with a mild antibacterial effect but no alcohol.
• The extract will be used short-term (1–2 years shelf life).

Common Herbs for Glycerin Extracts:

Herb	Why Glycerin?
Marshmallow Root	High in mucilage (soothing for digestion and throat)
Chamomile	Gentle for children and sleep support
Lemon Balm	Mild nervine, best for kids and stress relief
Licorice Root	Soothing for coughs and adrenal support
Nettle	Mineral-rich, good for nourishing extracts
Elderberry	Sweet glycerite for immune support

Tip: Use 60% glycerin + 40% distilled water for proper preservation and extraction.

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3. When to Use a Combination of Alcohol & Glycerin

✅ Best for: Herbs that extract well in both solvents and need a balanced taste & potency
✅ Example Ratio: 50% alcohol + 50% glycerin

Use Alcohol + Glycerin When:

• You want a longer shelf life but better taste than a full alcohol tincture.
• The herb contains both alcohol-soluble and water-soluble compounds.
• The extract is for mild medicinal purposes but needs some alcohol for potency.
• The herbal extract is for children, but alcohol is needed for preservation.

Herbs That Work Well with a Mix of Alcohol & Glycerin:

• Elderberry (immune support)
• Lemon balm (nervine, antiviral)
• Ginger (digestive aid)
• Licorice root (soothing, anti-inflammatory)
• Echinacea (immune-boosting, alcohol helps extract alkaloids)

Tip: If using alcohol and glycerin together, add alcohol first, then glycerin after maceration.

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Final Comparison Chart

Feature	Alcohol Tinctures	Glycerin Tinctures (Glycerites)
Best For	Strong medicinal extracts	Alcohol-free alternatives
Soluble Compounds	Alkaloids, resins, essential oils	Mucilage, flavonoids, tannins
Tough Plant Parts	Yes (roots, barks, resins, mushrooms)	No (best for soft plants)
Shelf Life	5+ years	1–2 years
Taste	Bitter, strong	Sweet, mild
Best for Kids?	No	Yes
Absorption	Fast (alcohol absorbs quickly)	Slower (coats throat, digestive support)
Preservation	Best (antimicrobial, long-lasting)	Moderate (mild preservation)
Best Used In	Tinctures, extracts, medicinal tonics	Glycerites, skincare, syrups

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Which One Should You Use?

✅ Use alcohol if you want a strong, long-lasting medicinal extract.
✅ Use glycerin if you want an alcohol-free, sweet, and kid-friendly extract.
✅ Use both if you want a balanced taste, mild alcohol preservation, and versatility.

Overview

A menstruum is the liquid solvent used to extract medicinal compounds from herbs. Choosing the right menstruum is essential for making effective herbal tinctures, glycerites, vinegar extracts, and oil infusions.

The most common menstruums include:

• Alcohol (for tinctures) – Extracts a wide range of compounds, including alkaloids, resins, and essential oils.
• Glycerin (for glycerites) – A sweet, alcohol-free alternative, ideal for children and sensitive individuals.
• Vinegar (for herbal vinegar extracts) – Ideal for extracting minerals and acids, commonly used in oxymels.
• Oil (for herbal-infused oils) – Best for extracting fat-soluble compounds for topical use.

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Step-by-Step Process for Making a Menstruum

1. Choose the Menstruum Based on Extraction Needs

Menstruum	Best For	Ratio Guide
Alcohol (Vodka, Everclear, Brandy)	Alkaloids, Resins, Essential Oils	40–95% alcohol
Glycerin (Vegetable Glycerin)	Sweet extracts, child-safe remedies	60% glycerin + 40% water
Vinegar (Apple Cider, White Vinegar)	Minerals, Acids, Digestive Support	100% vinegar or 50% vinegar + 50% water
Oil (Olive, Coconut, Almond)	Fat-Soluble Compounds, Skin Use	100% carrier oil

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2. Determine Alcohol Strength for Tinctures

If using alcohol as a menstruum, choose the right alcohol-to-water ratio:

• 40% (80-proof vodka/brandy) → Best for soft herbs (flowers, leaves, aerial parts)
• 50–60% (100–120 proof alcohol) → Best for roots, barks, and tough plant material
• 85–95% (170–190 proof Everclear) → Best for resins, gums, and high-alkaloid herbs

Example: A 1:5 ratio (1 part dried herb to 5 parts menstruum) is commonly used for tinctures.

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3. Create a Glycerin Menstruum (for Alcohol-Free Extracts)

• Mix 60% food-grade glycerin + 40% distilled water.
• Shake well to combine before use.

Tip: Glycerin extracts are sweeter and work best for mucilaginous herbs like marshmallow root.

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4. Prepare a Vinegar-Based Menstruum

• Use 100% apple cider vinegar for maximum potency.
• OR Dilute 50% vinegar with 50% distilled water for a milder extract.

Tip: Herbal vinegar extracts are great for mineral-rich plants like nettle or dandelion.

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5. Prepare an Oil-Based Menstruum

• Choose a carrier oil (e.g., olive, coconut, almond).
• For dried herbs, use 100% oil.
• For fresh herbs, wilt them first to remove moisture and prevent spoilage.

Tip: Herbal oils are best for salves, massage oils, and skin applications.

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Final Notes

✅ Always use food-grade solvents for safety.
✅ For stronger extracts, let herbs macerate for 4–6 weeks before straining.
✅ Store your menstruum in a cool, dark place to preserve potency.

(Soaking Herbs in Hot Water or Oil for Medicinal Use)

Overview

A herbal extract is a concentrated liquid preparation that extracts the medicinal properties of herbs using water or oil as a solvent. This process can be done using hot water (for teas and decoctions) or oil (for infused herbal oils).

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Method 1: Water-Based Herbal Extract (Hot Infusion or Decoction)

Best for: Leaves, flowers, roots, and barks

This method is similar to making an herbal infusion or decoction, but with a longer steeping time for stronger extraction.

Materials Needed

• Dried or fresh herbs (e.g., chamomile, ginger, nettle, licorice root)
• Filtered or spring water
• Heatproof glass jar or pot
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Glass bottle for storage

Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose and Measure Herbs
   • Soft herbs (leaves, flowers): Use 1 tablespoon per cup of water.
   • Hard herbs (roots, bark): Use 1 teaspoon per cup of water.
2. Heat the Water
   • For delicate herbs (flowers, leaves): Use hot but not boiling water (~190°F/88°C).
   • For harder herbs (roots, barks): Simmer gently in boiling water for 20–45 minutes.
3. Steep or Simmer the Herbs
   • Infusion (for leaves/flowers): Cover and steep for 30–60 minutes for a stronger extract.
   • Decoction (for roots/barks): Simmer for 30–45 minutes, then let cool.
4. Strain and Store
   • Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
   • Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Usage

• Drink as a tea or tonic (1–2 cups daily).
• Use as a base for syrups or compresses.

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Method 2: Oil-Based Herbal Extract (Herbal Infused Oil)

Best for: Making salves, balms, and massage oils

This method extracts fat-soluble compounds from herbs into a carrier oil.

Materials Needed

• Dried herbs (e.g., calendula, lavender, arnica, comfrey)
• Carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil)
• Heatproof glass jar
• Double boiler or slow cooker (for heat infusion)
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Dark glass bottle for storage

Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose and Measure Herbs

• Use 1 cup dried herbs per 2 cups of oil.
• DO NOT use fresh herbs (they contain water, which can cause spoilage).

2. Choose an Infusion Method

✅ Hot Infusion (Fast Method – 3–6 Hours)

• Place herbs and oil in a double boiler or slow cooker.
• Heat on low (120–140°F or 50–60°C) for 3–6 hours.
• Stir occasionally and do not let it boil.

✅ Cold Infusion (Slow Method – 4–6 Weeks)

• Place herbs in a glass jar and cover completely with oil.
• Seal the jar and place it in a warm, sunny spot for 4–6 weeks.
• Shake daily to distribute the extraction.

3. Strain and Store

• Strain through cheesecloth and squeeze out excess oil.
• Store in dark glass bottles in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Usage

• Use as a massage or healing oil.
• Blend with beeswax to make a salve.
• Apply directly to skin for nourishment.

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Additional Tips

✅ For stronger extracts, repeat the infusion process with fresh herbs in the same oil.
✅ For medicinal oils, use anti-inflammatory herbs like arnica or comfrey.
✅ For an edible herbal extract, use food-safe herbs and oils (like rosemary in olive oil).

(Incorporating Herbs into a Thick, Sweet Liquid)

Overview

A herbal syrup is a concentrated, sweet herbal preparation made by combining a strong herbal infusion or decoction with a natural sweetener (such as honey or sugar). Syrups are commonly used for coughs, colds, immune support, digestion, and general wellness.

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Materials Needed

• Dried or fresh herbs (e.g., elderberries, ginger, thyme, echinacea, licorice root)
• Filtered or spring water
• Sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar)
• Stainless steel or glass pot
• Measuring cup or scale
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Dark glass bottles (with lids)
• Label and marker

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Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose Your Herbs

Select herbs based on their intended benefits:

Condition	Recommended Herbs
Cough & Sore Throat	Elderberry, Thyme, Licorice, Marshmallow Root
Immune Boosting	Echinacea, Elderberry, Ginger, Astragalus
Digestion	Fennel, Ginger, Chamomile, Peppermint
Sleep & Relaxation	Lavender, Chamomile, Lemon Balm
Cold & Flu Support	Ginger, Cinnamon, Clove, Elderberry

2. Make a Strong Herbal Decoction or Infusion

• For roots, barks, and berries (decoction method):
  • Use 1 cup dried herbs (or 2 cups fresh herbs) per 4 cups of water.
  • Simmer gently for 30–45 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
• For flowers and leaves (infusion method):
  • Pour hot water over herbs and steep for 20–30 minutes.
• Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

3. Add Sweetener

• Measure the strained herbal liquid.
• Add 1 cup of honey, maple syrup, or sugar per 2 cups of herbal liquid.
• Warm gently over low heat (do not boil) until fully dissolved.
• For added preservation, add 1–2 tablespoons of brandy or vodka.

4. Store the Syrup

• Pour into dark glass bottles.
• Label with herb name, date, and dosage.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

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Dosage & Use

• Adults: Take 1–2 teaspoons up to 3 times daily.
• Children: Take ½ teaspoon up to 3 times daily (ensure herbs are child-safe).
• For colds and flu: Take every 2–3 hours as needed.

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Additional Tips

✅ For a thicker syrup, let it simmer longer before adding sweetener.
✅ For an alcohol-free version, skip the brandy/vodka.
✅ For a shelf-stable syrup, use a 2:1 ratio of sweetener to liquid.
✅ Elderberry syrup is a popular immune-boosting herbal syrup.

(Boiling Harder Plant Material in Water for Longer Than an Herbal Infusion)

Overview

A herbal decoction is a method of extracting medicinal compounds from hard plant materials, such as roots, bark, seeds, and tough berries, by simmering them in water for an extended period. This process helps break down fibrous tissues and release beneficial compounds that a regular infusion cannot extract.

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Materials Needed

• Dried or fresh herbs (e.g., ginger root, licorice root, cinnamon bark, dandelion root, astragalus root)
• Filtered or spring water
• Stainless steel or glass pot with a lid
• Measuring scale or spoon
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Glass jar or mug for serving/storage

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Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose Your Herbs

Select herbs based on their medicinal benefits:

Condition	Recommended Herbs
Digestion & Gut Health	Ginger root, Licorice root, Fennel seeds
Immune Boosting	Elderberry, Astragalus root, Echinacea root
Stress & Adaptogens	Ashwagandha, Reishi mushroom, Ginseng
Detox & Liver Support	Dandelion root, Burdock root, Milk thistle seeds
Circulation & Anti-inflammatory	Cinnamon bark, Turmeric root, Clove

2. Measure the Herbs

• Dried roots, barks, or seeds: Use 1–2 tablespoons per cup of water.
• Fresh roots or barks: Use 2–3 tablespoons per cup of water.
• For a larger batch: Use 1 ounce of dried herbs per quart of water.

3. Combine Herbs and Water

• Place the herbs in a pot.
• Add cold water (starting with 1 cup of water per tablespoon of herb).

4. Simmer the Herbs

• Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat.
• Once boiling, reduce to a low simmer and cover.
• Simmer for 20–60 minutes (depending on the herb).

Herb Type	Recommended Simmer Time
Soft roots (ginger, licorice)	20 minutes
Hard roots & barks (dandelion, cinnamon)	30–45 minutes
Tough seeds & berries (elderberry, milk thistle)	45–60 minutes

5. Strain and Store

• Remove from heat and let the decoction cool slightly.
• Strain the liquid using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
• Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Drink warm or cold, up to 2–3 cups per day.
• Add honey, lemon, or cinnamon for flavor.

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Additional Tips

✅ For a stronger decoction, simmer longer or let it steep overnight.
✅ For a more potent formula, combine decoction with an herbal infusion (e.g., decoct roots first, then add leaves/flowers after).
✅ Store extra decoction in the fridge for up to 72 hours.
✅ For resinous herbs (like myrrh), add a small amount of alcohol to help extraction.

Overview

A herbal infusion is a method of extracting the medicinal properties, flavors, and nutrients from herbs by steeping them in hot water. Infusions are commonly used for teas, tonics, and medicinal remedies, especially for delicate plant parts like leaves, flowers, and soft stems.

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Materials Needed

• Dried or fresh herbs (e.g., chamomile, peppermint, nettle, lemon balm, elderflower)
• Filtered or spring water
• Teapot, heatproof glass jar, or French press
• Kettle or pot for boiling water
• Strainer or fine mesh sieve
• Mug or glass bottle for drinking/storage

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Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose Your Herbs

Select herbs based on their medicinal benefits:

Condition	Recommended Herbs
Relaxation & Sleep	Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Lavender
Digestion	Peppermint, Fennel, Ginger
Immunity Boost	Elderflower, Echinacea, Thyme
Energy & Focus	Green Tea, Yerba Mate, Rosemary
Detox & Cleansing	Nettle, Dandelion, Burdock Root

2. Measure the Herbs

• Dried herbs: Use 1–2 teaspoons per cup of water.
• Fresh herbs: Use 1–2 tablespoons per cup of water (since they contain more moisture).

3. Heat the Water

• Bring water to a gentle boil (around 190–205°F or 88–96°C).
• For delicate herbs (like flowers & leaves): Use water just off the boil (not boiling) to avoid destroying volatile oils.
• For tougher herbs (like roots & barks): Boiling water is needed, or consider making a decoction instead.

4. Steep the Herbs

• Pour the hot water over the herbs in a heatproof container.
• Cover with a lid (to prevent essential oils from evaporating).
• Steep for 5–15 minutes for a light infusion (tea).
• Steep for 30 minutes to several hours for a strong medicinal infusion.

5. Strain and Serve

• Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove plant material.
• Drink warm, or let it cool and refrigerate for later use (up to 24 hours).

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Additional Tips

✅ For a stronger infusion, steep overnight and drink throughout the next day.
✅ Add honey, lemon, or spices for extra flavor and medicinal benefits.
✅ Store extra infusion in the fridge and consume within 24 hours for freshness.
✅ For roots and barks, simmer for 15–30 minutes instead of steeping (this is called a decoction).

Overview

A poultice is a moist herbal preparation applied directly to the skin to treat wounds, inflammation, infections, muscle pain, or other skin conditions. It involves crushed fresh or dried herbs, sometimes mixed with water, oil, or other soothing ingredients, and wrapped in a cloth or directly applied to the skin.

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Materials Needed

• Fresh or dried herbs (e.g., comfrey, plantain, calendula, chamomile, turmeric, ginger)
• Water, oil, honey, or vinegar (for mixing)
• Mortar & pestle, blender, or knife (for crushing herbs)
• Cheesecloth, gauze, or a clean cloth (for wrapping)
• Bowl (for mixing)
• Bandage or medical tape (to hold the poultice in place)

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Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose Your Herbs

Select herbs based on the intended use:

Condition	Recommended Herbs
Wounds & Cuts	Calendula, Plantain, Yarrow
Bruises & Swelling	Arnica, Comfrey, Turmeric
Infections & Boils	Garlic, Onion, Goldenseal
Joint & Muscle Pain	Ginger, Cayenne, Mustard
Burns & Skin Irritations	Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Marshmallow Root

2. Prepare the Herbs

• Fresh Herbs: Chop finely or crush with a mortar & pestle.
• Dried Herbs: Grind into a fine powder or rehydrate with warm water.

3. Mix the Poultice Base

• For water-based: Add warm water to moisten the herbs into a thick paste.
• For oil-based: Mix with coconut or olive oil for extra nourishment.
• For honey-based: Add raw honey for antimicrobial properties.
• For vinegar-based: Use apple cider vinegar for drawing out infections.

4. Apply the Poultice

• Spread the herbal paste directly on the skin (if safe) or onto a cloth/gauze.
• Cover with a bandage or wrap to hold it in place.
• Leave on for 20 minutes to a few hours, depending on the condition.

5. Remove & Clean

• Gently wipe away the poultice with warm water.
• Apply a moisturizer or healing salve if needed.
• Repeat as necessary (2–3 times daily for acute conditions).

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Additional Tips

✅ For stubborn conditions, apply a warm compress over the poultice to enhance absorption.
✅ For infections, use antimicrobial herbs like garlic or goldenseal.
✅ For deep tissue pain, use warming herbs like cayenne or ginger.
✅ For sensitive skin, test on a small area first to check for irritation.

Overview

A glycerite is a tincture made using vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol. Glycerin-based tinctures are great for children, alcohol-sensitive individuals, and those looking for a sweeter alternative. While glycerin does not extract as many medicinal compounds as alcohol, it is effective for flavonoids, tannins, mucilage, and some alkaloids.

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Materials Needed

• Dried or fresh herbs (e.g., chamomile, elderberry, echinacea)
• Vegetable glycerin (food-grade, organic if possible)
• Distilled water (for dilution)
• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• Measuring scale or cup
• Knife or mortar & pestle (for fresh herbs)
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Dark glass bottles with droppers
• Label and marker

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Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose and Prepare Your Herb

• Dried Herbs: Crush or grind for better extraction.
• Fresh Herbs: Chop finely; if juicy, let them wilt overnight to remove excess water.

2. Determine the Glycerin-to-Water Ratio

Glycerin is thick and must be diluted with water for better extraction:

• For dried herbs: Use 60% glycerin + 40% distilled water.
• For fresh herbs: Use 80% glycerin + 20% distilled water (less water since fresh herbs contain moisture).

3. Determine the Herb-to-Glycerin Ratio

• Dried herbs: Use a 1:5 ratio (1 part herb to 5 parts glycerin mixture).
• Fresh herbs: Use a 1:2 ratio (1 part herb to 2 parts glycerin mixture).

Example:

• If using 100g dried herb, add 500ml of glycerin/water mix.
• If using 100g fresh herb, add 200ml of glycerin/water mix.

4. Combine Ingredients

• Place the herbs in a clean glass jar.
• Pour the glycerin-water mixture over them, ensuring they are fully submerged.
• Seal the jar tightly and shake well.

5. Let It Macerate

• Store in a dark, cool place for 4–6 weeks.
• Shake the jar once daily to help extraction.

6. Strain and Filter

• After maceration, strain the mixture using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
• Press the plant material to extract all liquid.
• Optional: Filter through a coffee filter for a clearer glycerite.

7. Bottle and Store

• Transfer the glycerite into dark glass dropper bottles.
• Label with herb name, glycerin percentage, date, and ratio.
• Store in a cool, dark place; glycerites last 1–2 years.

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Dosage & Use

• General dose: 1–2 dropperfuls (30–60 drops) in water or tea, 2–3 times daily.
• Children’s dose: ½ adult dose, diluted in water or juice.
• Adjust as needed based on the herb and individual needs.

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Final Notes

• Use food-grade vegetable glycerin (never synthetic or soap-grade).
• Glycerites are sweeter than alcohol tinctures, making them more palatable.
• For a stronger extraction, try the warm maceration method (keep the jar in a warm water bath for a few hours weekly).
• Label everything clearly for safety and reference.

Overview

A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract made using alcohol as a solvent. Alcohol effectively extracts alkaloids, flavonoids, volatile oils, and other medicinal compounds, making tinctures one of the most potent and long-lasting herbal preparations.

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Materials Needed

• Dried or fresh herbs (e.g., echinacea, chamomile, valerian root)
• High-proof alcohol (80–95% ethanol, such as vodka, rum, or Everclear)
• Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
• Measuring scale or cup
• Knife or mortar & pestle (for fresh herbs)
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Dark glass bottles with droppers
• Label and marker

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Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose Your Herb and Prepare It

• Dried Herbs: Chop or crush to increase surface area.
• Fresh Herbs: Chop finely; if juicy, let them wilt overnight to remove excess water.

2. Select the Right Alcohol Strength

The type of alcohol you use depends on the herb:

• 40–50% (80–100 proof vodka) – Good for soft herbs (leaves, flowers).
• 60–70% (120–140 proof alcohol) – Best for tougher materials (roots, bark).
• 85–95% (170–190 proof Everclear) – Best for resins and gums; dilute before use.

3. Determine the Herb-to-Alcohol Ratio

• Dried herbs: Use a 1:5 ratio (1 part herb to 5 parts alcohol by weight).
• Fresh herbs: Use a 1:2 ratio (1 part herb to 2 parts alcohol by weight).

Example:

• If using 100g of dried herb, add 500ml of alcohol.
• If using 100g of fresh herb, add 200ml of alcohol.

4. Combine the Ingredients

• Place the herbs in a clean glass jar.
• Pour the alcohol over them, ensuring they are fully submerged.
• Seal the jar tightly and shake well.

5. Let It Macerate

• Store in a dark, cool place for 4–6 weeks.
• Shake the jar once daily to help extraction.

6. Strain and Filter

• After maceration, strain the mixture using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
• Press the plant material to extract all liquid.
• Optional: Filter through a coffee filter for a clearer tincture.

7. Bottle and Store

• Transfer the tincture into dark glass dropper bottles.
• Label with herb name, alcohol strength, date, and ratio.
• Store in a cool, dark place; tinctures last 5+ years.

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Dosage & Use

• General dose: 1–2 dropperfuls (30–60 drops) in water or tea, 2–3 times daily.
• Adjust as needed based on the herb and individual needs.

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Final Notes

• Use food-grade alcohol only (no rubbing alcohol).
• For alcohol-free versions, substitute glycerin for a glycerite tincture.
• Dilute high-proof tinctures in water before consumption.
• Label everything clearly for safety and reference.