Tincture Handbook
by Jason Duke - Owner/Artisan
Fresh Content: January 10, 2024 22:49
A tincture is an easy-to-take concentrated fluid supplement
Herbal WisdomHerbal wisdom is when someone is being attentive of an important consideration in achieving success with herbs in herbalism for health and healing.
"An effective tincture is made in a balanced way to be taken consistently; therefore it has to be potent enough to work, but good-enough so that the bottle may be finished.
Tincturing is the overall process of making a tincture by macerating herbs through extraction methods into the menstruum and then discarding the unwanted precipitate and used marc.
Tincturing Words and Definitions
- Herb
- Extraction
- Macerate
- Menstruum
- Precipitate
- Marc
An herb is any edible non-intoxicating plant or plant part, including animals, bugs, seaweeds, probiotics, and minerals.
Extraction is the process of taking out the constituents and nutrients of herbs into the menstruum during a period of maceration which becomes the finished liquid extract.
(Go To Liquid Extract Definition)⇩
A menstruum is the fluid used to macerate soaking herbs over a period of time through extraction which will become a finished liquid extract; or a menstruum is the fluid solvent used to dissolve a powder extract of an herb.
To macerate herbs is to soak and soften herbs in a fluid menstruum over a period of time by extraction to make a finished liquid extract.
Precipitates are the combined herb particles that will settle to the bottom of the liquid extract over a few hours.
Semi-soluble precipitates are important constituents of some herbs that are not to be discarded, such as peptides, polysaccharides, etc.
The marc is the spent and used-up leftover herbs after extraction that are discarded after all extraction steps.
Two Main Methods of Making Tinctures
- Extraction
- Dissolved
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Fluid Extraction Tincture
An extraction tincture goes through a process of macerating and extracting spices, botanicals, and/or superfoods, which are collectively known as herbs in herbalism, directly into a fluid menstruum through a variety a methods that are either single, dual, or multi-step.
Fresh and Dried Herb Parts and Processing
Both fresh herbs or dried herbs or a combination of both fresh and dried are used in extraction tinctures.
(Go To Maceration Duration)⇩
Herb Plant Parts:
- Tops: flowers and small leaves near ends of stems
- Aerials: above ground portions stems, leaves, flowers
- Bark: exterior surface of tree trunks or roots
- Roots: below ground portions of plants including rhizomes, tubers, and bulbs
- Seeds: gathered and stored whole and dry when ready for harvest
- Berries: generally harvested ripe and may be dried
- Fungi: fruiting bodyThe fruiting body portion of fungi is the blooming above ground or exterior to the bark of a tree part. of edible fungi may be harvested at the appropriate time and dried
Fresh Herb Processing
Fresh herbs are harvested within the last few days before extraction, or weeks when refrigerated. Depending on the plant parts the herbs are are bruised, cut, smashed, crushed, mashed, or sliced before extraction:
Fresh flowers, leaves, and stem parts are bruised by being placed in a tightly tied cheesecloth and rolled under palm pressure on a dedicated wooden cutting board. Afterwards, they also may be be cut into 1cm size pieces to assist extraction.
Fresh berries are processed separately with a lighter touch so as not to release their liquid. Contain any juices released so that it may be added during extraction.
Fresh roots, bark, seeds, and fungi are either smashed by hand equipment or mashed with a mortar and pestle or thinly sliced with a sharp knife very carefully.
Dried Herb Processing
Dried herbs are easily purchased in bulk from many suppliers in whole form, cut-and-sifted, sliced, and powdered.
Whole dried is when the size of the herb and their parts are less than 1cm so they may extracted without further processing.
Cut-and-sifted is when any herbs and their parts are cut with blades in cutting machines to form whole small pieces, any powder or dust is sifted away from the cut pieces with a mesh screen.
Slicing is used for large and/or long leaves, roots, and fruiting body of fungi that are thinly sliced diagonally for maximum surface area during extraction.
Powdering may be done to any herbs by slow cutting/grinding to prevent heat degradation, but will still incur some degree of degradation and loss of potency in the fragile and volatile constituents. Herbs with tough cells walls, such as chitin, can be powdered to release more viable constituents. Herbal powders are for making tablets, capsules, and for a quick extraction tincture of lower quality that is needed within a few hours.
Cut-and-sifted is the Best Quality for Making Tinctures
Cut-and-sifted quality is generally best for extraction tinctures since the volatile constituents will be better preserved from evaporation and oxidation while in cut-and-sifted form so that an extraction will yield a potent and viable tincture.
Any powdering of an herbs will quickly release these volatile con
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Liquid Extracts (Fluid Extracts)
A liquid extract, also known as a fluid extract in literature, is the finished tincture, which is what the the fluid menstruum becomes after maceration and extraction of herbs.
(Go To Tincturing Words and Definitions)⇧
Fluid extracts that are unheated are of the best quality since they preserve many of the constituents that will degrade with heat application, but certain multi-step extraction methods, including dual-step, may benefit from heating during latter steps of the extraction process for greater concentration of constituents and nutrients for potency. For example: heat application will activate polysaccharidesA polysaccharide is a cluster of several sugar-type molecules bonded together. They are often found in plants that are classified as tonics which promote immune function. by increasing absorption and digestion.
Types of Liquid (Fluid) Extracts
Their are four main types of liquid extracts made by tincturing through the process of extraction.
- Hydroalcohol - Superior
- Glycerin and Water - Satisfactory
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Specific
- Oil - Specific
Herbal WisdomHerbal wisdom is when someone is being attentive of an important consideration in achieving success with herbs in herbalism for health and healing.
"A hydroalcohol extraction tincture is superiorA low alcohol tincture of 18% to 25% ABV will be superior in healing and health promotion properties when compared to a glycerite, because the low alcohol may be unnoticeable and the tincture may be very easy-to-take successfully in a large enough serving consistently over a long-period of time. compared any glycerite and has the most healing potential and capacity for promoting health from a more complete extraction into both alcohol and water, unless a specific purpose of use is necessary, therefore an apple cider vinegar or oil liquid extract will be the best choice. Glycerites can never out-perform a hydroalcohol tincture, nor is there any effectiveness to mixing alcohol and glycerin. Hydroalcohol is always superior to a dissolved tincture using a powder extract dissolved into any typeThere is no advantage to a powder extract being dissolved into alcohol and water over glycerite, nor is there any point to mixing alcohol and glycerin, since the limiting factor of potency is the powder extract process and potency drawbacks. type of fluid extract.
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Hydroalcohol Liquid Extracts for Tinctures
Hydroalcohol liquid extract is made by using a menstruum of edible alcohol (ethanol) and distilled water in the maceration and extraction of herbs.
Hydroalcohol tinctures are superior for extraction methods, since they easily extract nearly all of the constituents, especially the volatile constituents, while also becoming a carrier of the constituents for quick and complete absorption.
Understanding Alcohol and Water Usage in Tinctures
Alcohol preserves and easily extracts the volatile constituents from the macerated herbs without being oxidized, Highest potency hydroalcohol tinctures use whole, cut-and-sifted, and sliced quality herbs in the making of hydroalcohol tinctures.
Ethanol is ethyl-alcohol which is edible drinking alcohol. Any type of purified USPUSP is the abbreviation
"United States Pharmacopeia"
that is the highest-quality alcohol, for both purity and safety, for making medicine, and is best for making hydroalcohol tinctures. alcohol may be used for creating max
Distilled water is used with alcohol so that the pure water, without minerals and other particles, can extract the greatest concentration of constituents and nutrients from the macerated herbs into the menstruum.
Alcohol Content Measurement in the Menstruum
The alcohol content of a hydroalcohol menstruum is commonly and commercially measured in proof which can be converted directly to alcohol by volume abbreviated ABVABV is the abbreviation
"Alcohol by Volume" and represents the amount of alcohol in a tincture. For example: 40% ABV is 40% alcohol by volume and 60% water by volume which equal 100% when combined. .
Alcohol proof is the content of alcohol in the menstruum which is double the alcohol content by volume (ABV).
Alcohol proof to ABV examples:
- 50 proof alcohol = 25% ABV
- 80 proof alcohol = 40% ABV
- 100 proof alcohol = 50% ABV
- 150 proof alcohol = 75% ABV
Types of Hydroalcohol Tinctures
The alcohol content by volume (ABV) of the menstruum may vary depending on:
- Amount of ABV used
- Serving size and dosages
- Expiration timeframe
- Herbs and parts used
- Purpose of use
Low Alcohol
18% - 25% ABV
Larger Dosages
1-3+ droppers
Expiration is 2 years
Low alcohol is used in tinctures for more constituent and nutrient density, such as with superfoods, tonics, and adaptogens, while also being a method that is easier-to-take by sensitive people to herbs.
Moderate-low Alcohol
30% - 35% ABV
Large Dosages
1-3 droppers
Expiration is 3 years
Moderate-low alcohol is used for larger doses that can be taken on a consistent basis, while promoting some of the medicinal benefits, and still somewhat easy-to-take by sensitive people to herbs.
Moderate Alcohol
40% ABV
Medium Dosages
20-60 drops
Expiration is 5 years
Moderate alcohol is a common standard for high potency in making homemade and commercial tinctures that is used for well-rounded tinctures of any herb and herb part.
Moderate-high Alcohol
45% - 60% ABV
Small Doses
10-40 drops
Expiration is 7 years
Moderate-high alcohol tinctures are used when more of the immediate medicinal effects of the benefits are desired in relation to the nutrients, as with barks, roots, and tubers.
High Alcohol
65% - 75% ABV
Smallest Doses
5-15 drops and possible up to 30 drops
Expiration is 10 years
High alcohol is specifically used only for medicinal herbs where the immediate effects of the benefits of the main desired active constituents are to be the main purpose, as with flowers, leaves, and stems.
Test the Dropper
1ml dropper = 20-40 drops
Average 1ml dropper is 30 drops
Preparing the Alcohol and Water Content of the Menstruum
To achieve any degree of alcohol desired when making homemade tinctures, use high content alcohol, such as 190 proof (95% ABV) or more, and dilute with distilled water.
Example Equation:
-
(VOL Alcohol Proof) x
(% ABV) =
Total Alcohol VOL -
(Total Alcohol VOL) ÷
(Total Menstruum VOL) =
Total ABV -
(Total Menstruum VOL) -
(Total Alcohol VOL) =
Total Water VOL
VOL = volume
Example Math Work:
-
(20 oz. 190 proof) x
(95% ABV) =
19 oz. alcohol VOL -
(19 oz. alcohol) ÷
(Menstruum 32 oz.) =
59% or ~ 60% ABV -
(Menstruum 32oz.) -
(19oz. alcohol) =
13oz. Water VOL
oz. = ounce
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Glycerin Liquid Extracts for Tinctures
A tincture made with vegetable glycerin and water is called a glycerite and is the recommended way of extraction for low to moderate potency and very-easy-to-take tinctures which may be used orally, externally, mixed with cosmetics, and in cooking with food.
Glycerites are less effective for extraction than hydroalcohol for many of the volatile constituents found in herbs even though they are the recommended way for individuals who want to moderate the effects of herbs and and/or abstain from any alcohol consumption.
Powder extracts are the raw materials used to make supplements and may be dissolved in glycerin and water to make a glycerite for personal use or sold commercially.
(Go To Dissolved Tincture)⇩
Understanding Glycerin and Water Usage in Tinctures
Glycerin preserves and moderately extracts some of the constituents from the macerated herbs without being oxidized.
Rule of ThumbA rule of thumb is a general practice based on necessary experience and use to successfully accomplish something.
"The more water that is used in making a glycerite, the stronger the potency the glycerite is going to be. Usually, the most water that may be used is 50%, which will make a moderate potency tincture, whereas a 0% water glycerite will make a low potency tincture.
Distilled water is used with glycerin so that the pure water, without minerals and other particles, can extract the greatest concentration of constituents and nutrients from the macerated herbs into the menstruum.
Types of Glycerites Tinctures
The glycerite content of the menstruum may vary depending on:
- Amount of glycerin and distilled water used
- Serving size and dosages
- Expiration timeframe
- Desired potency and use
50/50 Glycerite
50% Glycerin and 50% Water
Medium Dosages
20-60 drops
Expiration is 18 months
A 50/50 glycerite with a 50% glycerin to 50% water menstruum is for making a moderate potency tincture and is used for all types of herbs, including medicinal herbs, and especially tonics, superfoods, and adaptogens.
2/3rds Glycerite
67% Glycerin and 33% Water
Moderately Large Dosages
1-2 droppers
Expiration is 24 months
A 2/3rds glycerite with a 67% glycerin to 33% water menstruum is for making a moderate-low potency tincture and may be used for all types of herbs.
3/4ths Glycerite
75% Glycerin and 25% Water
Large Dosages
1-3 droppers
Expiration is 24 months
A 3/4ths glycerite with a 75% glycerin to 25% water menstruum is for making a low-moderate potency tincture and is used for medicinal herbs and for people sensitive to herbs.
Full Glycerite
100% Glycerin
Largest Dosages
1-3+ droppers
Expiration is 24 months
A full glycerite with a 100% glycerin menstruum is for making a low potency tincture and is used for medicinal herbs and for people most sensitive to herbs.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Tinctures
Apple cider vinegar tinctures, also known as acetic tinctures, are a special class of liquid extracts that use raw apple cider vinegar as the menstruum.
Apple cider vinegar is made by crushing and juicing apples, first fermenting them to create alcohol, second fermentation to create acetic acid, the basis of vinegar.
Understanding Apple Cider Vinegar Tinctures
Apple cider vinegar preserves and easily extracts the volatile aromatics of herbs and spices, in addition to combining well with liver health and detoxification roots and formulas for maximum effectiveness. Apple cider vinegar can be used for the specific extraction of alkaloids from certain medicinal herbs.
Apple cider vinegar is not very effective for many medicinal herbs due to the specific narrow range of extracting only certain constituents, and not recommended for extraction of tonics, superfoods, or adaptogens.
Types of Apple Cider Vinegar Tinctures
All types of apple cider vinegar tinctures and their use varies on the inclusion of the herbs used.
- Serving size and dosages
- Desired use
Bitters Acetic Tinctures
Moderate Dosages
1-3 droppers
Expiration is 12 months
- Liquid Extract Ratio:
- More Aerials = 1:6
- More Roots =1:4
Bitters are classic herbal formulations of culinary spices, certain roots, berries, and aerials to promote stomach health, digestion, liver health, detoxification, and absorption of nutrients in food when taken with meals, including tonics, superfoods, and adaptogens.
Common Ingredients:
Spices: Ginger, Clove, Cinnamon, Garlic, Chili Peppers, Shallots, Fennel, Orange Peel, Lemon Peel, Horseradish, Mustard, Star Anise, Cardamom
Roots: Turmeric, Dandelion, Burdock, Yellowdock, Angelica, Astragalus, Licorice, Oregon Grape, Gentian, Elecampane
Aerials: Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Lemon Balm, Artichoke, Hops, Hawthorn Flowers and Leaves, Lobelia
Berries: Hawthorn Berries, Elderberries
(Go To Bitters Acetic Tincture Recipe Overview)⇩
Lobelia Acetic Tincture
Small Dosages
3-15 drops
Always start with small drop-sized doses and work up to larger doses. Avoid overconsumption which causes nausea.
Expiration is 12 months
- Liquid Extract Ratio:
- Fresh aerials = 1:8
- Dried aerials = 1:6
A lobelia acetic tincture is a specific extraction of the aerial portions of the Lobelia inflata plant specifically made to extract the alkaloids lobeline, lobelanine, and lobelanidine which promote respiratory, liver health, and activates other medicinal remedies, when taken in small doses concurrently.
How to Use a Lobelia Acetic Tincture
A lobelia acetic tincture may be added to any other serving of a tincture, such as in a glass with a small amount of water of 1-2oz. (30-60ml) and sipped, or taken with tea, in small drop doses of 3-10 drops to enhance the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies by increasing acceptance and temporarily reducing bodily resistance, thereby promoting greater effectiveness and healing.
Lobelia Acetic Tincture Recipe Notes
Use a single-step extraction method with either fresh or dried lobelia or both fresh and dried. When making a lobelia acetic tincture, follow the recipe steps of melissa tincture and substitute raw apple cider vinegar.
- Raw Apple Cider Vinegar 16oz. (500ml)
- Fresh Lobelia 2oz. (60g)
- Dried Lobelia 2.5oz. (75g)
- Fresh and Dried Lobelia 2oz. (60g)
(Go To Melissa Tincture Recipe Steps)⇩
When adding fresh or washed herbs, be sure to dry out fresh herbs and completely dry the herbs after washing before adding them to apple cider vinegar, otherwise your extract will degrade from any water entering the process of extraction.
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Oil Tinctures
Oil tinctures are made by macerating cut and sifted quality herbs that have oil soluble medicinal constituents in extra-virgin olive oil so that they may be taken orally, applied directly to skin, scalp, and hair, and mixed with cosmetics.
When making oil tinctures, always use cut-and-sifted to avoid powder from being held in suspension and creating a gritty tincture.
An oil menstruum is not to be combined with water, alcohol, and glycerin since they will separate into layers during extraction, including difficulty achieving a potency required for oil tinctures.
Understanding Oil Usage in Tinctures
Oil preserves and extracts the oil soluble constituents of herbs so that a medicinal remedy of the those specific active constituents can be made and stored.
Types of Oil Tinctures
Always choose herbs that have oil soluble active constituents for oral use and/or are being used on the skin, scalp, or hair. Use dried quality herbs to avoid water from molding in the extract; freshly dried herbs may be used with great success:
- Tincture ingredients
- Serving size and dosages
- Expiration timeframe
- Purpose of oil tincture
St. John's Wort Oil Tincture
Extra-virgin olive oil
Dried cut-and-sifted St. Johns Wort aerials
Medium Dosages
20-60 drops
Expiration is 12 months
Can be taken orally for circulation and relaxation from the lipid based triterpenes, applied on the skin to promote circulation for minor discomfort in the muscles and joints, and also added to cosmetics.
Reishi Oil Tincture
Extra-virgin olive oil
Dried cut-and-sifted small sized reishi fruiting body chunks
Large Dosages
1-2 droppers
Expiration is 12 months
Specifically taken for the lipid based triterpenes that promote pectoral circulation throughout the chest, shoulders, and heart for the de-stress and relaxation benefits.
(Go To Liquid Extracts Start)
(Go To Fluid Extraction Tinctures Start)
Liquid Extract Ratios
A liquid extraction ratio is a numerical representation, which may include unit measures, that denotes the potency of a liquid extract by comparing amount of herbs to liquid used, the herb to menstruum, and is necessary for referencing serving size and dosage.
There are two methods to determine the ratio of a liquid extract.
- Standard
- Non-standard
Standard Extraction Ratio Method
The standard extraction ratio method of determining the potency of an extraction tincture that is homemade or manufactured uses either the traditional English unit measure of same ounce units weight to volume or metric unit measure of grams to milliliters.
Standard extraction ratio unit measuring methods for tincturing:
- English Unit MeasureThe English measurement system is used in the United States and includes ounces, quarts, gallons, pounds, inches, yards, etc...
- Metric Unit MeasureMetric unit measure is the decimal measurement system adopted by most countries of the world and includes grams, liters, and meters.
English Units Extraction Ratio Standard
The English unit measure for tincturing has been used for hundreds of years by matching units of 'herb weight' extracted into matching 'liquid volume', i.e. ounce(s) herb weight extracted into ounce(s) liquid volume.
For example: 8 ounces of an herb is extracted into 1 quart (32 ounces) of water and alcohol to make a 1:4 tincture which is read as "1 ounce of herb into 4 ounces of liquid".
Metric Units Extraction Ratio Standard
Metric unit measure for tincturing uses relative relation of the size of herbs to the space of liquid by using the weight of herbs in grams that are able to be extracted into a relative volume of milliliters.
For example: 250 grams of an herb is extracted into 1000 milliliters of water and alcohol to make a 1:4 tincture which is read as "1 gram of herb into 4 milliliters of liquid".
Standard Extraction Ratios Based on Herbs and Plant Parts
Different types of herbs and/or any specific type of plant parts are best suited for certain types of extraction ratios.
Rule of ThumbA rule of thumb is a general practice based on necessary experience and use to successfully accomplish something.
"In practice and regardless of the tincture recipe, the weight of the herbs is always exceeded by the volume of the liquid, so that the macerating herbs are always covered by the menstruum."
Tincture Ratios
A tincture ratio determines the recipe for tincturing an herb and the potency of the final liquid extract. Different plant parts are extracted at different ratios depending on the density of the herb and type of extraction best suited for the herb.
Tincture Ratio for Herb Density
The more dense an herb is the lower the tincture ratio; from least dense (1) to most dense (7):
- Flowers/Tops
- Leaves
- Fungi
- Berries
- Seeds
- Bark
- Roots
Tincture Ratio for Tincture Type
The more steps and stages to extraction the lower the tincture ratio; from single-step (1) to multi-step (3):
- Single-step
- Dual-step
- Multi-step
- Flowers and small leaves
- 1:10
- Single
- 3oz. herb per 1 qt.
- 100g per 1000ml
- Tops and medium leaves
- 1:8
- Single
- 4oz. herb per 1 qt.
- 125g per 1000ml
- Stems and larger leaves
- 1:6
- Single
- 5.5oz. herb per 1 qt.
- 167g per 1000ml
- Berries and seeds
- 1:5 (and 1:4)
- Single
- 6.5 oz. herb per 1 qt.
- 200g per 1000ml
- Roots and barks
- 1:4 (and 1:3 and 1:2)
- Single, Dual, Multi-step
- 8 oz. herb per 1 qt.
- 250g per 1000ml
- Superfoods
- 1:2
- Dual, Multi-step
- 16 oz. weight per 1 qt.
- 500g per 1000ml
- Tonics, adaptogens, and fluid extracts
- 1:1
- A single-step 1:1 ratio is known as a fluid extract (requires a tincture press)
- Dual, Multi-step
- 32 oz. weight per 1 qt.
- 1000g per 1000ml
- Tonics and adaptogens
- 2:1
- Multi-step
- 64 oz. weight per 1 qt.
- 2000g per 1000ml
oz. = ounce; qt. = quart
g = gram; ml = milliliters
Non-standard Extraction Ratio Method
Non-standard extraction ratios are used for batches sizes or an increment thereof, or comparing the herb used to the final volume of the liquid extract and not the initial menstruum, or for marketing dissolved tinctures with a ratio that is not comparable to an extraction tincture ratio.
Multi-step Units Ratio
A manufacture may use a non-matching unit ratio to make their multi-step micro-batches of "1 pound into 1 quart". This converts to a liquid extract ratio of 16 ounces weight extracted into 32 liquid ounces which is read "1 ounce of herb into 2 ounces menstruum". NOT to be confused with standard herb to menstruum extraction ratios.
Herb to Final Volume Ratio
A manufacture may use a non-standard final volume ratio to represent after an extraction of the liquid extract has been completed. Two examples are: "herb equivalency", such as 500mg per 1ml, or "extraction rate", such as 167mg per 1 dropper, which are different than the standard starting ratio of herb weight to initial menstruum, since this non-standard method is herb weight to final volume of the liquid extract.
Powder Extract Dissolved Tincture Ratio
A manufacturer may use a ratio designating their dissolving process of a 4:1 powder extract by stating that their tincture is 8:1, which reads, by their own batching and marketing method, as "8 pounds initial herb weight per 1 gallon final volume". To do this, they obtain a powder extract of 4:1, which is "4 pounds into 1 pound" and use 2 pounds of the 4:1 powder extract dissolved into one gallon, so that the initial herb weight represented is equivalent to 8 pounds. In actuality this is actually "236mg powder extract into 1ml" and therefore not a true extraction tincture, but a dissolved tincture.
Solvent Reduction Tincture Ratio
A manufacturer may use a solvent reduction ratio to show the concentration process of their tincture, but without an herb weight, this is entirely meaningless and unnecessary for an extract ratio. For example: 20:1 solvent reduction reads a "20 ounces solvent reduced to final volume of 1 ounce." This is actually a step that may be used in multi-step methods of extraction, yet, in this example a 20:1 reduction is excessively large.
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Types of Extraction Tinctures
There are three types of extraction tinctures:
- Single-step
- Dual-step
- Multi-step
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Single-step Tinctures
Single-step tinctures are effective remedies that are the traditional do-it-yourself homemade medicinal tinctures, which can be commercially manufactured and sold. They may be made by using a tincture press or by percolation method with whole herbs, cut-and-sifted quality, and/or powdered herbs.
Single-step tinctures work by the herbs main studied active constituents which have specific benefits. Generally single-step tinctures have very little nutritional value in the form of vitamins, minerals, because they focus on the active constituents.
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Maceration Duration - Herb Extraction Time
The time it takes to tincture an herb during maceration depends on how it is processed.
(Go To Herb Parts and Processing)⇧
When doing homemade tinctures the bottle containing the macerated herbs should be flipped over back and forth gently several times daily to disturb the herbs and assist extraction.
Fresh herbs tend to extract faster than dried herbs and smaller and thinner cuts tend to extract faster than larger and thicker cuts; powders extract fastest.
Fresh Herb Maceration
Fresh flowers, leaves, and stem parts will macerate and finish extraction depending on their thickness.
- Hydroalcohol: 1-3 days
- Glycerite: 7-14 days
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 7-14 days
- Oil: 1 month
Fresh berries will macerate in depending on the overall surface area with larger berries taking longer.
- Hydroalcohol: 2-7 days
- Glycerite: 7-14 days
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 7-14 days
- Oil: 1 month
Fresh roots, bark, seeds, and fungi will macerate depending on the size of the pieces of the parts.
- Hydroalcohol: 3-7 days
- Glycerite: 10-21 days
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 14-21 days
- Oil: 1 month
Dried Herb Maceration
Whole dried maceration depends on how fibrous the parts are before extraction.
- Hydroalcohol: 5-18 days
- Glycerite: 10-21 days
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 month
- Oil: 1 month
Cut-and-sifted will macerate with leaves taking the least amount of time, berries taking a moderate amount of time, and bark and roots taking the longest.
- Hydroalcohol: 3-14 days
- Glycerite: 7-21 days
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 3-4 weeks
- Oil: 1 month
Slices of roots will maceration time depends on the thickness.
- Hydroalcohol: 5-14 days
- Glycerite: 10-21 days
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 3-4 weeks
- Oil: 1 month
Powder will macerate in a very short period of time. Glycerites and oil extraction tinctures are not recommended for powdered herbs since they will form a gritty out-of-balance impartial extraction with much of the marc remaining in the liquid extract.
- Hydroalcohol: 4 hours up to 3 days
- Glycerite: not recommended
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 8 hours up to 3 days
- Oil: not recommended
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Single-step Tincture Recipes
There are several kinds of single-step tinctures that extract and work very well. Every herbalist should have a core group of tinctures that calm and strengthen the nerves, cleansing the blood, detoxify the liver, boost the immune system, and improve digestion.
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Melissa Tincture Recipe Overview
The Melissa officinalis plant has the common name lemon balm and is part of the mint family, similarly having a pungent scent that is instead lemony.
Melissa is a great easy-to-use stand-alone herbA stand-alone medicinal herb can be taken by itself without any other herbs in formulation, because of the balanced properties to support health and promote healing of a particular organ and/or glandular system in relation to the rest of the body. for a beginning herbalist who is making their first very effective single-step hydroalcohol tincture.
Melissa Tincture Benefits
Melissa is an herb that will gain additional benefits and become more medicinal when tinctured.
Melissa has only mild relaxing and stomach digestion benefits when taken as tea and added to meals, but, when tinctured, melissa becomes a gentle calming nerve tonicMelissa is the guiding herb for understanding a nerve tonic from the properties of building-up nerve strength, in both the stomach and rest of the body, by promoting a more calm and relaxed feeling that promotes digestion and absorption of food, resistance to stress, rest, recovery, and sleep. and mild adaptogen that can be taken freely and consistently.
Melissa Tincture Recipe Instructions
You may use either fresh or dried melissa aerials in the making of your tincture; side-by-side instruction will be given for either. A fresh melissa tincture will be gently calming and more aromatic than the dried version making it good for digestion from the volatile oils. The dried melissa tincture will be stronger in calming effects, as a nerve tonic, and more adaptogenic.
Specifications:
Fresh herb tincture ratio 1:8
Dried herb tincture ratio 1:8
40% ABV
Dosage:
- Fresh: 1-3 droppers
- Dried: 1-3 drops
Expiration is 5 years
What you need:
- At least 16oz. (500ml) of 80 proof alcohol (40% ABV) for menstruum
Tip: to decrease the alcohol content to 30%, take 12oz. (375ml) 80 proof alcohol and add 4oz. (125ml) distilled water.
- Melissa officinalis aerials
- 2oz. (60g) fresh and bruised
- or
- 2oz. (60g) dried and cut-and-sifted
- 32oz. (1000ml) quart jar
- Cheesecloth (grade 100)
- Large 8-12 inch fine wire mesh strainer
- Large sanitized bowl with pour spout
- Spoon
- A 1 oz. (30ml) or 2 oz. (60ml) tincture bottle with dropper
- Blank labels and clear tape
- Optional funnel for tincture bottle
- Optional clear squeeze bottle
- Rubber or nitrile gloves
oz. = ounce
g = gram; ml = milliliters
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams
Recipe Steps; always use gloves for sanitation when directly handling herbs:
- Add herb to jar. Press and pack into jar gently, do not break apart the plant parts into crumbs.
- Pour menstruum over the herb until reaching the top of jar. Not all of the menstruum will be used, perhaps 75%.
- Seal jar tightly and gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth a dozen times.
- Put in a room-temperature place in a dark area without sunlight.
- Let sit about 24 hours, check fluid level and top off to the top of the jar if necessary and reseal.
- Everyday gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth six times.
- The fresh tincture will finish in 2 days; the dried tincture will finish in 5 days.
- Once the extraction time has elapsed, fold and layer the cheesecloth 3 times in the mesh strainer and pour fluid extraction off the herbs into the large bowl.
- Dump the herbs into the cheesecloth lined mesh strainer and pull up all the sides of the cheesecloth only around the marc and twist-and-twist the cheesecloth until it presses the fluids completely out of the herbs, all the while holding the herb filled cheesecloth over the mesh strainer and bowl. Repeat pressing the fluids out by loosening the herb-filled cheesecloth and twist-and-twist to tighten down more so on the herbs.
- Pour and strain the melissa tincture into a jar, with a 6-times folded cheesecloth to remove unwanted precipitates.
- You will have about 65% of the original menstruum as the final tincture for dried melissa tincture, which is around 10oz. (300ml). The fresh melissa tincture will yield about 100% of your original menstruum.
- Seal main jar of tincture with lid.
- Label main jar of tincture with the following information:
- Name of herb in common name and Latin botanical
- Denote whole plant or plant parts used
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 40% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
- Add some of the gently stirred, with a spoon, melissa tincture to a measuring cup and then pour, with a funnel if you have one, into a tincture bottle with dropper or use a clear squeeze bottle to fill up many tinctures from your batch; be sure to leave enough space for the dropper to be inserted without overflowing.
- Label tincture bottle with dropper with the following information:
- Name of herb in common name and Latin botanical
- Denote whole plant or plant parts used
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 40% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date used on the main jar
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
These above step-by-step recipe instructions may be used a as basis for making many different types of tinctures, including acetic tinctures with apple cider vinegar. For example, in making a lobelia acetic tincture to enhance the potency of many herbal remedies.
(Go To Lobelia Acetic Tincture)⇧
Directions: take tincture up to 3 times a day under the tongue or in a small glass of water or juice, preferably with meals and/or before bedtime. Do not add to hot liquids as this will destroy the volatile constituents that are preserved in the alcohol that make the tincture work.
(Go To Single-step Tincture Recipes Start)
Red Clover Tincture Recipe Overview
Red Clover is the common name for the Trifolium pratense plant that has purple-pink colored flowers and is in the legume family. It is often used to preserve and mineralize soil for greater fertility in growing plants.
Red clover is the preeminent blood cleanser that is a very effective stand-alone herbA stand-alone medicinal herb can be taken by itself without any other herbs in formulation, because of the balanced properties to support health and promote healing of a particular organ and/or glandular system in relation to the rest of the body. which defines an entire category of blood cleansing herbs from its highly regarded rank and use within herbalism and herbal medicine that includes the ability to promote tissue healing. Being high in minerals makes red clover an herb that will not weaken the body from long-term consumption, as is the case with other blood cleansing and detoxification herbs.
Red Clover Tincture Benefits
As a blood cleanser, red clover will assist the body in the removal of environmental toxins and stress hormones for processing in the liver to promote greater health and healing. Additionally, red clover is a mineralizer herb that has nutrients for maintaining the integrity and health of the blood and tissues during cleansing support.
Red clover benefits the skin, lungs, and tissues throughout the body to have a cleaner internal enviroment for healing without the damaging and hindering effects of toxins on cellular metabolism. Used for promoting clear skin, breathing health, immune health, healthy hormones, and overall bodily healing.
Red Clover Tincture Recipe Instructions
You may use either fresh or dried red clover blossoms or aerials in the making of your tincture for all of the benefits of red clover; side-by-side instruction will be given for either. A red clover tincture from fresh parts will assist breathing health more than a tincture made from dried red clover. A red clover made from dried parts will be a stronger blood cleanser than a tincture made from fresh.
Specifications:
Fresh herb tincture ratios:
- Blossoms and tops ~1:10
- Aerials ~1:8
Dried herb tincture ratios:
- Blossoms and tops ~1:8
- Aerials ~1:6
40% ABV
Dosage:
- Fresh: 1-3 droppers
- Dried: 20-60 drops
Expiration is 5 years
What you need:
- At least 16oz. (500ml) of 80 proof alcohol (40% ABV) for menstruum
Tip: to decrease the alcohol content to 30%, take 12oz. (375ml) 80 proof alcohol and add 4oz. (125ml) distilled water.
- Trifolium pratense
- Blossoms and tops
- 1.25oz. (35g) fresh and bruised
- or
- 1.5oz. (45g) dried and cut-and-sifted
- Aerials
- 2.0oz. (60g) fresh and bruised
- or
- 2.5oz. (75g) dried and cut-and-sifted
- 32oz. (1000ml) quart jar
- Cheesecloth (grade 100)
- Large 8-12 inch fine wire mesh strainer
- Large sanitized bowl with pour spout
- Spoon
- A 1 oz. (30ml) or 2 oz. (60ml) tincture bottle with dropper
- Blank labels and clear tape
- Optional funnel for tincture bottle
- Optional clear squeeze bottle
- Rubber or nitrile gloves
oz. = ounce
g = gram; ml = milliliters
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams
Recipe steps; always use gloves for sanitation when directly handling herbs:
- Add herb to jar. Press and pack into jar gently add dried, do not break apart the plant parts into crumbs.
- Pour menstruum over the herb until reaching the top of jar. Not all of the menstruum will be used, perhaps 75%.
- Seal jar tightly and gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth a dozen times.
- Put in a room-temperature place in a dark area without sunlight.
- Let sit about 24 hours, check fluid level and top off to the top of the jar if necessary and reseal.
- Everyday gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth six times.
- The fresh tincture will finish in 2 days; the dried tincture will finish in 5 days.
- Once the extraction time has elapsed, fold and layer the cheesecloth 3 times in the mesh strainer and pour fluid extraction off the herbs into the large bowl.
- Dump the herbs into the cheesecloth lined mesh strainer and pull up all the sides of the cheesecloth only around the marc and twist-and-twist the cheesecloth until it presses the fluids completely out of the herbs, all the while holding the herb filled cheesecloth over the mesh strainer and bowl. Repeat pressing the fluids out by loosening the herb-filled cheesecloth and twist-and-twist to tighten down more so on the herbs.
- You will have about 65% of the original menstruum as the final tincture for dried red clover tincture, which is around 10oz. (300ml). The fresh red clover tincture will yield about 100% of your original menstruum.
- Pour and strain red clover tincture into a jar, with a 6-times folded cheesecloth to remove unwanted precipitates.
- Seal main jar of tincture with lid.
- Label main jar of tincture with the following information:
- Name of herb in common name and Latin botanical
- Denote whole plant or plant parts used
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 40% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
- Add some of the gently stirred, with a spoon, red clover tincture to a measuring cup and then pour, with a funnel if you have one, into a tincture bottle with dropper or use a clear squeeze bottle to fill up many tinctures from your batch; be sure to leave enough space for the dropper to be inserted without overflowing.
- Label tincture bottle with dropper with the following information:
- Name of herb in common name and Latin botanical
- Denote whole plant or plant parts used
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 40% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
Directions: take tincture up to 3 times a day under the tongue or in a small glass of water or juice, preferably after complete meals. Do not add to hot liquids as this will destroy the volatile constituents that are preserved in the alcohol that make the tincture work.
(Go To Single-step Tincture Recipes Start)
Fresh Burdock Root Tincture Recipe Overview
Fresh burdock root is the common name for the Arctium lappa plant that has prickly burrs with purple flowers and grows long straight roots deep into the ground. You may be able to find these in the specialty product section of your grocery store also under the Japanese name Gobo.
Fresh burdock root is a common easy-to-use and easy-to-take herb that can be added to any herbalist's tincture collection. Fresh burdock root is high in inulin (up to 50% by weight) and a great herb to take for the benefits of inulin, and may help to curb the cravings of a sweet-toothA sweet-tooth is a when someone craves eating an excess of sweet foods daily as part of meals and snacks that can lead to overconsumption of carbohydrates in the diet and reduce nutrient-density, which may lead to weight-gain .
Fresh Burdock Tincture Benefits
Fresh burdock root is an herb that is both a blood cleanser and liver detoxification herb. Burdock is one of the best herbs for the skin to clear blockages, sluggishness, and toxicity in the lymphatic system that is important for maintaining, supporting, promoting tissue and cellular health. The deep roots of burdock root are able to grab up minerals from the soil, such as iron, calcium, and trace minerals, to strengthen the blood, while cleansing and detoxifying.
Because fresh burdock root has both blood cleansing and detoxification attributes, it is not overly strong in either, and thus a balanced herb when compared to other blood cleansing or detoxifying herbs.
Blood cleansing and detoxification herb comparison.
- Red Clover Flowers and Aerials
- Mild - take anytime and often
- Blood cleanser
- Lung and skin health
- Relaxing
- Burdock Root
- Moderate - take everyday
- Blood cleanser
- Liver detoxification
- Skin health
- Dandelion Root
- Strong - take in long cycles
- Liver detoxification
- Blood cleanser
- Digestive
- Oregon Grape Root
- Very Strong - take in short cycles
- Liver Detoxification
- Fat metabolism
- Bowel movements
Fresh Burdock Tincture Recipe Instructions
You will use fresh burdock root in the making of a very easy-to-take low-alcohol tincture (20% ABV) that is a tonic full of burdock root's benefits which can be taken everyday. Higher alcohol, such as 40% ABV, will make a fresh burdock root tincture more potent and medicinal as a predominantly liver detoxifying remedy and lessen the strengthening tonic properties possible with a lower alcohol tincture. This tincture recipe may be used for just about any other fresh root, such as horseradish root (@ 40% ABV) or dandelion root (either @ 20% ABV or 40% ABV).
Specifications:
Fresh herb tincture ratio:
- Root ~1:2
~20% ABV
Dosage:
- Fresh: 1-3 droppers
Expiration is 2 years
What you need:
- 8oz. (250ml) of 80 proof alcohol (40% ABV) + 6oz. (200ml) distilled water for menstruum
- or
- 3.5oz. (100ml) 190 proof organic cane alcohol (95% ABV) and 10.5oz. (400ml) distilled water for menstruum
- Arctium lappa
- Root
- 8oz. (250g) fresh grated
- 32oz. (1000ml) quart jar
- 16oz. (500ml) pint jar
- Cheesecloth (grade 100)
- Large 8-12 inch fine wire mesh strainer
- Large sanitized bowl with pour spout
- Spoon
- Grater or Food Processor
- A 1 oz. (30ml) or 2 oz. (60ml) tincture bottle with dropper
- Blank labels and clear tape
- Optional funnel for tincture bottle
- Optional clear squeeze bottle
- Rubber or nitrile gloves
oz. = ounce
g = gram; ml = milliliters
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams
Recipe steps; always use gloves for sanitation when directly handling herbs:
- Add grated herb to 32oz. (1000ml) jar, be sure be attentive and use protection when grateing burdock root.
- Press and pack into jar gently add dried, do not break apart the plant parts into crumbs.
- Pour menstruum over the herb until reaching the top of jar. All of the menstruum will be used.
- Seal jar tightly and gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth a dozen times.
- Put in a room-temperature place in a dark area without sunlight.
- Let sit about 24 hours, check fluid level and top off to the top of the jar if necessary and reseal.
- Everyday gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth six times.
- The fresh burdock root tincture will finish in 3 days.
- Once the extraction time has elapsed, fold and layer the cheesecloth 3 times in the mesh strainer and pour fluid extraction off the herbs into the large bowl.
- Dump the herbs into the cheesecloth lined mesh strainer and pull up all the sides of the cheesecloth only around the marc and twist-and-twist the cheesecloth until it presses the fluids completely out of the herbs, all the while holding the herb filled cheesecloth over the mesh strainer and bowl. Repeat pressing the fluids out by loosening the herb-filled cheesecloth and twist-and-twist to tighten down more so on the herbs.
- Depending on the freshness and water content of your original fresh burdock roots, you may have about 115% of the original menstruum as the final tincture, which is around 16oz. (500ml).
- Pour and strain fresh burdock root tincture into a 16oz. (500ml) pint jar, with a 6-times folded cheesecloth to remove unwanted precipitates.
- Seal main jar of tincture with lid.
- Label main jar of tincture with the following information:
- Name of herb in common name and Latin botanical
- Denote whole plant or plant parts used
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 20% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
- Add some of the gently stirred, with a spoon, fresh burdock root tincture to a measuring cup and then pour, with a funnel if you have one, into a tincture bottle with dropper or use a clear squeeze bottle to fill up many tinctures from your batch; be sure to leave enough space for the dropper to be inserted without overflowing.
- Label tincture bottle with dropper with the following information:
- Name of herb in common name and Latin botanical
- Denote whole plant or plant parts used
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 20% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
Directions: take tincture up to 3 times a day under the tongue or in a small glass of water or juice, preferably before, during, or after complete meals. Do not add to hot liquids as this will destroy the volatile constituents that are preserved in the alcohol that make the tincture work.
(Go To Single-step Tincture Recipes Start)
Liver Detoxification Tincture Recipe Overview
Liver detoxification is when an herb will promote liver health in metabolizing toxins for removal of toxins through the bowels. The liver can become overburdened over time for many types of reasons, from rich nutrient dense foods like proteins, fats, meats and dairy; from daily stress in our activities, such as hard work or emotional times; and from environmental toxins, such as pollution, food additives, and other sources of contamination.
Maintaining and supporting liver detoxification is important so we do not have to stop eating nutrient dense foods like meats and dairy, we do not have to stop participating in daily work and/or activities, and we do not have to avoid life because of pollution and contamination.
Liver Detoxification Tincture Benefits
A liver detoxification formula will include several important liver health herbs to specifically support liver health and detoxification, thereby making the benefits of the formula more than the individual herb benefits. The formulation will predominantly promote digestion of meat and fats, liver metabolism, and removal of toxins through the bowels.
A liver detox
Dandelion Root - Taraxacum officinale
The preeminent detoxification herb that supports stomach health, digestion, liver metabolism, blood cleansing, and with supplying mineral nutrients and high in inulin.
Dandelion is the highly regarded medicinal herb for liver health by any herbalist and may be used to make a tincture as a stand-alone herbA stand-alone medicinal herb can be taken by itself without any other herbs in formulation, because of the balanced properties to support health and promote healing of a particular organ and/or glandular system in relation to the rest of the body. for all of it's great benefits. Simply follow the recipe instructions and use only dandelion root.
Roasted dandelion root is sold by suppliers which is a great liver health and detoxification herb where roasting enhances and strengthens the properties for stomach health and digestion, stimulates appetite, and increases absorption of nutrient dense foods. Feel free to substitute roasted dandelion root in the formula or simply follow the recipe instructions and use only roasted dandelion root.
Burdock Root - Arctium lappa
A culinary and medicinal herb that promotes digestion, liver metabolism, along with some blood cleansing benefits.
Fresh harvested burdock root is often found in health-food stores by the Japanese name gobo and has a greater amount of blood cleansing properties compared to dried burdock roots which are more liver detoxifying. Fresh burdock root may be used as a stand-alone herbA stand-alone medicinal herb can be taken by itself without any other herbs in formulation, because of the balanced properties to support health and promote healing of a particular organ and/or glandular system in relation to the rest of the body. in a tincture. Simply follow the recipe instructions and use only fresh burdock root.
Yellowdock Root - Rumex crispus
A gently detoxification herb that supports digestion and includes a small amount of minerals such as iron.
Yellowdock is the well-balanced liver health and detoxification herb and may be used in any tincture as a stand-alone herbA stand-alone medicinal herb can be taken by itself without any other herbs in formulation, because of the balanced properties to support health and promote healing of a particular organ and/or glandular system in relation to the rest of the body. that will not weaken the blood and maintain blood health. Simply follow the recipe instructions and use only Yellowdock.
Gentian Root - Gentiana lutea
An ancient, thousands year old, herb to promote digestion of meat and fat, while promoting liver metabolism.
Oregon Grape Root - Berberis aquifolium
A yellow colored herb that has alkaloid constituents, such as berberine, to strongly promote liver metabolism.
Cascara Sagrada Bark - Frangula purshiana
A classical herb that gently promotes bowels movements for consistent daily removal of toxins through the bowels.
Liver Detoxification Tincture Recipe Instructions
Formula:
Total liver detoxification formula is 8oz. (250g)
- Dandelion Root 2 parts
- 2oz. (60g)
- Burdock Root 2 parts
- 2oz. (60g)
- Yellowdock Root 1.5 parts
- 1.5oz. (45g)
- Gentian Root 1 part
- 1oz. (30g)
- Oregon Grape Root 1 part
- 1oz. (30g)
- Cascara Sagrada Bark 1/2 part
- 0.5oz. (15g)
Specifications:
Dried herb tincture ratio ~1:3
40% ABV
Dosage: 20-60 drops
Expiration is 5 years
What you need:
- At least 28oz. (800ml) of 80 proof alcohol (40% ABV) for menstruum
- Liver detoxification formula
- 8oz. (250g) formula
- 32oz. (1000ml) quart jar
- Cheesecloth (grade 100)
- Large 8-12 inch fine wire mesh strainer
- Large sanitized bowl with pour spout
- Spoon
- A 1 oz. (30ml) or 2 oz. (60ml) tincture bottle with dropper
- Blank labels and clear tape
- Optional funnel for tincture bottle
- Optional clear squeeze bottle
- Rubber or nitrile gloves
oz. = ounce
g = gram; ml = milliliters
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams
Recipe steps; always use gloves for sanitation when directly handling herbs
- Add herb to jar. Press and pack into jar gently, do not break apart the plant parts into crumbs.
- Pour menstruum over the herb until reaching the top of jar. Not all of the menstruum will be used, perhaps 75%.
- Seal jar tightly and gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth a dozen times.
- Put in a room-temperature place in a dark area without sunlight.
- Let sit about 24 hours, check fluid level and top off to the top of the jar if necessary and reseal.
- Everyday gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth six times.
- The tincture will finish in 14 days.
- Once the extraction time has elapsed, fold and layer the cheesecloth 3 times in the mesh strainer and pour fluid extraction off the herbs into the large bowl.
- Dump the herbs into the cheesecloth lined mesh strainer and pull up all the sides of the cheesecloth only around the marc and twist-and-twist the cheesecloth until it presses the fluids completely out of the herbs, all the while holding the herb filled cheesecloth over the mesh strainer and bowl. Repeat pressing the fluids out by loosening the herb-filled cheesecloth and twist-and-twist to tighten down more so on the herbs.
- You will have about 50% of the original menstruum as the final tincture, which is around 16oz. (500ml).
- Pour and strain the liver detoxification tincture into a jar, with a 6-times folded cheesecloth to remove unwanted precipitates.
- Seal main jar of tincture with lid.
- Label main jar of tincture with the following information:
- Name of formula: Liver Detoxification
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 40% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
- Add some of the gently stirred, with a spoon, liver detoxification tincture to a measuring cup and then pour, with a funnel if you have one, into a tincture bottle with dropper or use a clear squeeze bottle to fill up many tinctures from your batch; be sure to leave enough space for the dropper to be inserted without overflowing..
- Label tincture bottle with dropper with the following information:
- Name of formula: Liver Detoxification
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 40% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
Directions: take tincture up to 3 times a day under the tongue or in a small glass of water or juice, preferably after complete meals. Do not add to hot liquids as this will destroy the volatile constituents that are preserved in the alcohol that make the tincture work.
(Go To Single-step Tincture Recipes Start)
Immune Boosting Tincture Recipe Overview
Immune boosting is when an herb will primarily promote immune system function by assisting the lymphatic system to cleanse tissues and stimulating immune cells for removing bodily contamination and toxins; secondary properties related to immune boosting are the removal of toxins through blood cleansing and supporting liver health and detoxification.
Maintaining and supporting immune system function is important so that we do not become overburdened with any and all types of contamination and toxins which may lead to abnormal functioning of the body.
Immune Boosting Tincture Benefits
An immune boosting formula will include several important herbs to strongly support the overall properties of the formula in boosting the immune system in a fast and powerful way; therefore, it should only be taken as required.
Tinctur
Echinacea Root - Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea has a special place in herbalism as a medicinal herb from the wide range of benefits that specifically boost the immune system, such as cleansing the blood, promoting lymph fluid circulation, and stimulating immune cells.
Of the two kinds of Echinacea commonly used, E. angustifolia is the traditional indigenous Native American remedy and E. purpurea is the version studied within modern herbal medicine. They both work very similarly. While other immune boosting herbs may specifically work in the short-term for only 3-5 days, echinacea is a special herb that may be taken with longer continuous benefit over 1-2 weeks.
Rule of ThumbA rule of thumb is a general practice based on necessary experience and use to successfully accomplish something.
"Echinacea is the go to herb for boosting the immune system for an herbalist. The roots of echinacea are the strongest parts and are best used to make a tincture as a stand-alone herbA stand-alone medicinal herb can be taken by itself without any other herbs in formulation, because of the balanced properties to support health and promote healing of a particular organ and/or glandular system in relation to the rest of the body. or in formulation for all of it's great benefits. Simply follow the recipe instructions and use only echinacea root.
Goldenseal Root - Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal root is the one of the best liver detoxification herbs within herbalism and combines lock-and-key to enhance the effectiveness of echinacea when in formulation together. Goldenseal has all the properties of a liver detoxification herb, but is much stronger and faster acting at purging toxins and contamination through the liver and bowels. But, unfortunately due to overharvesting goldenseal root is becoming prohibitively expensive for an herbalist, so other herbs are recommended called coptis root and scullcap root, which may be substituted for goldenseal without any loss of effectiveness.
Coptis root (Rhizoma coptidis) is very similar to goldenseal root and may be used to enhance an echinacea based immune boosting formula in the same way as using goldenseal. Simply follow the recipe instructions and substitute coptis root for goldenseal. If coptis is difficult to procure, try scullcap root (Scutellaria Baicalensis), specifically the root - skullcap aerials cannot be substituted as they have different properties than the roots. Simply follow the recipe instructions and use either coptis roots or scullcap root instead of goldenseal.
Angelica Root - Angelica archangelica
Angelica is a spicy aromatic herb that will invigorate the properties of the other herbs in the formula for greater effectiveness. Angelica promotes digestion and liver health.
Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric root (Curcuma longa) may be substituted for angelica root, which, when both are combined, have digestive and liver health benefits, including additional blood cleansing properties from the turmeric root.
Garlic bulb - Allium sativum
Fresh mashed garlic is an optional herb in the immune boosting formulation to add some extra potency in speeding up the benefits. Garlic is highly aromatic herb that invigorates the circulation of both blood and lymph directly working with echinacea to work faster.
Immune Boosting Tincture Recipe Instructions
Formula:
Total immune boosting formula is 4oz. (125g)
- Echinacea Root 2.5 parts
- 2.5oz. (75g)
- Goldenseal Root 1 parts
- 1oz. (30g)
- Angelica Root 0.5 parts
- 0.5oz. (15g)
- Fresh Garlic minimal
- 1-5 mashed Garlic ClovesA garlic bulb divides into separate individual cloves. Crush the individual cloves of garlic under a sturdy cup or mug, that will not break, and remove the paper. (depending on taste)
Specifications:
Dried herb tincture ratio ~1:3.5
40% ABV
Dosage: 20-60 drops
Expiration is 5 years
What you need:
- At least 14oz. (400ml) of 80 proof alcohol (40% ABV) for menstruum
Tip: to decrease the alcohol content to 30%, take 10.5oz. (300ml) 80 proof alcohol and add 3.5oz. (100ml) distilled water.
- Immune boosting formula
- 4oz. (125g) dried cut-and-sifted
- If garlic is added, use fresh mashed
- 16oz. (500ml) pint jar
- Cheesecloth (grade 100)
- Large 8-12 inch fine wire mesh strainer
- Large sanitized bowl with pour spout
- Spoon
- A 1 oz. (30ml) or 2 oz. (60ml) tincture bottle with dropper
- Blank labels and clear tape
- Optional funnel for tincture bottle
- Optional clear squeeze bottle
- Rubber or nitrile gloves
oz. = ounce
g = gram; ml = milliliters
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams
Recipe steps; always use gloves for sanitation when directly handling herbs:
- Add herb to jar. Press and pack into jar gently, do not break apart the plant parts into crumbs.
- Pour menstruum over the herb until reaching the top of jar. Not all of the menstruum will be used, perhaps 75%.
- Seal jar tightly and gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth a dozen times.
- Put in a room-temperature place in a dark area without sunlight.
- Let sit about 24 hours, check fluid level and top off to the top of the jar if necessary and reseal.
- Everyday gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth six times.
- The tincture will finish in 14 days.
- Once the extraction time has elapsed, fold and layer the cheesecloth 3 times in the mesh strainer and pour fluid extraction off the herbs into the large bowl.
- Dump the herbs into the cheesecloth lined mesh strainer and pull up all the sides of the cheesecloth only around the marc and twist-and-twist the cheesecloth until it presses the fluids completely out of the herbs, all the while holding the herb filled cheesecloth over the mesh strainer and bowl. Repeat pressing the fluids out by loosening the herb-filled cheesecloth and twist-and-twist to tighten down more so on the herbs.
- You will have about 50% of the original menstruum as the final tincture, which is around 16oz. (500ml).
- Pour and strain the immune boosting tincture into a jar, with a 6-times folded cheesecloth to remove unwanted precipitates.
- Seal main jar of tincture with lid.
- Label main jar of tincture with the following information:
- Name of formula: Immune Boosting
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 40% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
- Add some of the gently stirred, with a spoon, immune boosting tincture to a measuring cup and then pour, with a funnel if you have one, into a tincture bottle with dropper or use a clear squeeze bottle to fill up many tinctures from your batch; be sure to leave enough space for the dropper to be inserted without overflowing.
- Label tincture bottle with dropper with the following information:
- Name of formula: Immune Boosting
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 40% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
Directions: take tincture only when necessary up to 3 times a day under the tongue or in a small glass of water or juice, preferably after eating something if possible. Stay hydrated. Do not add to hot liquids as this will destroy the volatile constituents that are preserved in the alcohol that make the tincture work. Do not take tincture longer than a two week period, and remember to seek the advice of a healthcare practitioner.
(Go To Single-step Tincture Recipes Start)
Bitters Acetic Tincture Recipe Overview
Bitters are a tincture that is usually bitter in flavor and made with apple cider vinegar to promote digestion, bowel elimination, and absorption and assimilation of the nutrients and constituents found in food and beverages.
Bitters are a traditional remedy with a long history of use, because they make all other foods work better for health and healing. They are always made with bitter flavored herbs and spices as a base and then combined with sweet and aromatic tasting herbs and spices to further enhance the digestive properties of the formulation.
(Go To Bitters Acetic Liquid Extract)⇧
Bitters Acetic Tincture Benefits
Bitters are a specific medicinal remedy that is used to promote appetite and to increase the absorbed and assimilated amount of nutrients from food for a greater nutrient density, especially protein from meat, eggs, and dairy, including the breakdown of fat for energy, vascular health, and hormonal health. And, bitters have a way of adding additional antioxidant and detoxification benefits when herbs with those benefits are added in formulation.
Bitters are taken anytime around meals and shakes to promote the digestive and liver health benefits. When taken before a meal, bitters will help to ensure that one is eating enough. But, bitters can also be taken after meals to perk up digestion and assist digestion. Modern times brought about the idea of supplementation and supplements, which are really just additional non-caloric foods that are added to meals, so bitters are good for any supplements taken with meals.
Hawthorn Berry - Crataegus monogyna
The preeminent heart, vascular system, and digestion herb that supports digestion of all types of food, especially meats and fats. Sweet tasting hawthorn berry primarily enhances digestion, supports liver metabolism by promoting liver enzymes, and supports circulation and vascular health.
Hawthorn is the go to herb for digestion and circulatory health which has tonic properties for building up health over the long term. The berries impart a bittersweet flavor that works great in bitters. Importantly, the active constituents, called glycosides, for heart and circulation benefits extract into an apple cider vinegar menstruum.
Rule of ThumbA rule of thumb is a general practice based on necessary experience and use to successfully accomplish something.
"Hawthorn berries are a heart health and digestive herb with a plethora of health benefits, so they may be used as a stand-alone herbA stand-alone medicinal herb can be taken by itself without any other herbs in formulation, because of the balanced properties to support health and promote healing of a particular organ and/or glandular system in relation to the rest of the body. to make a delectable and very easy-to-take bitter-sweet tonic, simply substitute the formula for only hawthorn berries.
Elecampane Root - Inula helenium
Elecampane is a highly aromatic root that boosts digestion and lung health. Continuous consumption of elecampane will derive the tonic qualities of building up digestive capacity and promote hunger and a healthy appetite from the promotion of liver enzymes.
You may substitute Gentian Root for Elecampane Root to increase the liver health and liver detoxification aspects of the acetic bitters formula. Or you may use one-half part Elecampane Root and one-half part Gentian Root in place of one whole part Elecampane.
Angelica Root - Angelica archangelica
Angelica is a traditional bitter root that supports digestion, lung, and respiratory health. Often very good for mucus and phlegm that may come from the digestion of food.
Ginger Root - Zingiber officinale
Ginger is the go-to digestive herb for promoting appetite and digestion which is used to settle the stomach and lighten the body after eating.
Shallots - Allium cepa var. ascalonicum
Shallots are a lot onions, but more concentrated and potent in flavor and aromatics that stimulate digestion. They are good for calming and warming the stomach to ease digestion of rich foods, like meats, fats, and eggs.
Brown Mustard Seed - Brassica juncea
Mustard is a common condiment with meats for the benefits of promoting digestion, gallbladder emulsification of fats, and liver metabolism.
Garlic - Allium sativum
Fresh mashed garlic is an optional herb in a bitters formula for the aromatics that stimulate digestion and circulation in the stomach. Garlic gives the formula a deeper more satisfying flavor.
Chili Peppers - Many Varieties
Peppers are optional in this formulation; they are terrific digestive stimulant, as long as one can handle the heat. Choose any kind of pepper that best suits your tolerance for the active constituent called capsicum. Remove the seeds as these do not contain much capsicum and are the major source of nightshade toxins.
Bitters Acetic Tincture Recipe Instructions
Formula:
Total bitters acetic tincture formula is 8oz. (250g), you may use either fresh or dried herbs in the making of this formula depending on what is available, but fresh herbs will be more aromatic.
- Hawthorn Berries 2.0 parts
- 2oz. (60g)
- Elecampane Root (or Gentian Root) 1.5 parts
- 1.5oz. (45g)
- Angelica Root 1 part
- 1oz. (30g)
- Ginger Root 1 parts
- 1oz. (30g)
- Shallots 1 part
- 1oz. (30g)
- Orange or Lemon Peel 1 part
- 1oz. (30g)
- Fresh Cracked Brown Mustard Seed 1/2 part
- 0.5oz. (15g)
- Fresh Garlic minimal
- 1-5 mashed Minced Garlic ClovesA garlic bulb divides into separate individual cloves which are best minced into very small pieces for the bitters formulation, since garlic will extract very well into apple cider vinegar. (depending on taste)
- Optional: Chili PeppersThe acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is highly effective at extracting the capsicum alkaloids that are the cause of spiciness. Choose from these commonly used chilis in herbalism:
***Thai {Very Hot}***
**Cayenne {Hot}**
*Serrano {Medium}* minimal - 1-5 chili peppers, with seeds removed, if possible
Specifications:
Dried herb tincture ratio ~1:4
Dosage: 1-3 droppers
Expiration is 5 years
What you need:
- At least 32oz. (1000ml) apple cider vinegar for menstruum
- Bitters formula
- 8oz. (250g) formula
- 32oz. (1000ml) quart jar
- Cheesecloth (grade 100)
- Large 8-12 inch fine wire mesh strainer
- Large sanitized bowl with pour spout
- Spoon
- A 1 oz. (30ml) or 2 oz. (60ml) tincture bottle with dropper
- Blank labels and clear tape
- Optional funnel for tincture bottle
- Optional clear squeeze bottle
- Rubber or nitrile gloves
oz. = ounce
g = gram; ml = milliliters
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams
Recipe steps; always use gloves for sanitation when directly handling herbs:
- Add herb to jar. Press and pack into jar gently, do not break apart the plant parts into crumbs.
- Pour menstruum over the herb until reaching the top of jar. Not all of the menstruum will be used, perhaps 65-75%, which is 20-24oz.
- Seal jar tightly and gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth a dozen times.
- Put in a room-temperature place in a dark area without sunlight.
- Let sit about 24 hours, check fluid level and top off to the top of the jar if necessary and reseal.
- Everyday gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth six times.
- The tincture will finish in 14 days.
- Once the extraction time has elapsed, fold and layer the cheesecloth 3 times in the mesh strainer and pour fluid extraction off the herbs into the large bowl.
- Dump the herbs into the cheesecloth lined mesh strainer and pull up all the sides of the cheesecloth only around the marc and twist-and-twist the cheesecloth until it presses the fluids completely out of the herbs, all the while holding the herb filled cheesecloth over the mesh strainer and bowl. Repeat pressing the fluids out by loosening the herb-filled cheesecloth and twist-and-twist to tighten down more so on the herbs.
- You will have about 50-65% of the original menstruum as the final tincture, which is around 16oz. (500ml) to 20oz. (600ml).
- Pour and strain the bitters acetic tincture into a jar, with a 6-times folded cheesecloth to remove unwanted precipitates.
- Seal main jar of tincture with lid.
- Label main jar of tincture with the following information:
- Name of formula: Bitters
- The menstruum "Apple Cider Vinegar"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
- Add some of the gently stirred, with a spoon, bitters tincture to a measuring cup and then pour, with a funnel if you have one, into a tincture bottle with dropper or use a clear squeeze bottle to fill up many tinctures from your batch; be sure to leave enough space for the dropper to be inserted without overflowing.
- Label tincture bottle with dropper with the following information:
- Name of formula: Bitters
- The menstruum "Apple Cider Vinegar"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Step-single
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
(Go To Single-step Tincture Recipes Start)
Quick Powdered Herb Tincture Recipe Overview
The quick powdered herb tincture is best used when one doesn't have the time to make a high-grade liquid extract from cut-and-sifted quality herbs. Many powdered herb tinctures should finish within a couple days
Hydroalcohol and apple cider vinegar are the only two types of menstruums recommended in making quick powdered herb tinctures, since the powder may become suspended in glycerites and oils and only make an incomplete extraction with plant parts still in the liquid extract
Quick Powdered Tincture Advantages
Fast and easy to make within a few hours to a couple days when the powdered herb is on hand. Powdered herbs are good to use for situations when a fast acting herb is needed to accomplish detoxification and/or immune boosting.
Powdered herb tinctures are a way for an herbalist to break into learning how to tincture in a very straight-forward method with easy success and little root for errors.
Quick Powdered Tincture Disadvantages
Powdered herb tinctures are low to moderate potency liquid extract due to oxidation and degradation of constituents during processing into powder.
Additionally, powdered herb tinctures may extract too much of certain constituents that will bind and render other constituents ineffective. For example: tannins in leaves, bark, seeds, and roots may become easily released and nullify much of the potency of alkaloids, which are major active constituents of many herbs.
Quick Powdered Herb Tincture Recipe Instructions
Use almost any powdered herb during maceration and extraction. Select the powdered herb of choice. During maceration the powdered herb will settle to the bottom as the herb macerates and extracts into the menstruum which rises to the top.
Specifications
- Powdered aerials ~1:8
- Powdered berries/fungi ~1:6
- Powdered bark/seeds ~1:4
- Powdered roots ~1:3
40% ABV
Dosage:
- Dried: 20-60 drops per serving
Expiration is 5 years
What you need:
- At least 16oz. (500ml) of 80 proof alcohol (40% ABV) for menstruum (or apple cider vinegar for certain herbs)
Tip: to decrease the alcohol content to 30%, take 12oz. (375ml) 80 proof alcohol and add 4oz. (125ml) distilled water.
- Any powdered herb(s)
- Aerials 2oz. (60g)
- Berries/fungi 2.5oz. (75g)
- Bark/seeds 4oz. (120g)
- Roots 5.5oz. (165g)
- 32oz. (1000ml) quart jar
- Cheesecloth (grade 100)
- Large 8-12 inch fine wire mesh strainer
- Large sanitized bowl with pour spout
- Spoon
- A 1 oz. (30ml) or 2 oz. (60ml) tincture bottle with dropper
- Blank labels and clear tape
- Optional funnel for tincture bottle
- Optional clear squeeze bottle
- Rubber or nitrile gloves
oz. = ounce
g = gram; ml = milliliters
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams
Recipe steps; always use gloves for sanitation when directly handling herbs
- Add 8oz. menstruum to the jar.
- Slowly add powdered herb to the jar with menstruum, it will begin to macerate, stir with spoon if necessary.
- Pour menstruum over the herb until reaching the top of jar. Not all of the menstruum will be used, perhaps 67% to 75%.
- Seal jar tightly and gently shake by slowly turning over, back-and-forth a dozen times.
- Put in a room-temperature place in a dark area without sunlight. the powder will begin to settle.
- Let sit about 1 hour, check fluid level and top off to the top of the jar if necessary and reseal.
- The fresh tincture will finish in 2-4 hour or up to three days when the powdered herb will fully settle to the bottom and the menstruum will rise to the top; aerials and berries will take longer, while fungi, seeds, bark and roots will finish faster.
- Once the maceration time has elapsed, fold and layer the cheesecloth 6 times in the mesh strainer and pour the top layer of the menstruum off the powdered herb on the bottom of the jar, the cheesecloth will catch most of the powdered herb.
- Dump the powdered herb into the cheesecloth lined mesh strainer and pull up all the sides of the cheesecloth only around the marc and twist-and-twist the cheesecloth until it presses the fluids completely out of the herbs, all the while holding the herb filled cheesecloth over the mesh strainer and bowl. Repeat pressing the fluids out by loosening the herb-filled cheesecloth and twist-and-twist to tighten down more so on the herbs.
- Pour and strain the quick powdered herb tincture into a jar, with a 6-times folded cheesecloth to remove unwanted precipitates.
- Seal main jar of tincture with lid.
- Label main jar of tincture with the following information:
- Name of herb in common name and Latin botanical
- Denote whole plant or plant parts used
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 40% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
- Add some of the gently stirred, with a spoon, powdered herb tincture to a measuring cup and then pour, with a funnel if you have one, into a tincture bottle with dropper or use a clear squeeze bottle to fill up many tinctures from your batch; be sure to leave enough space for the dropper to be inserted without overflowing.
- Label tincture bottle with dropper with the following information:
- Name of herb in common name and Latin botanical
- Denote whole plant or plant parts used
- The menstruum "Hydroalcohol 40% ABV"
- Herb to menstruum ratio used to make liquid extract
- Single-step
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
Directions: take tincture up to 3 times a day under the tongue or in a small glass of water or juice, preferably with meals and as is best by the herb used. Do not add to hot liquids as this will destroy the volatile constituents that are preserved in the alcohol that make the tincture work.
(Go To Single-step Tincture Recipes Start)
(Go To Types of Extraction Tinctures Start)
Dual-step Tinctures
Dual-step tinctures are when a second step is added to single-step tinctures where the herbs are used again to produce a liquid extract that contains more water soluble nutrients and constituents.
The second step of dual-step tinctures may apply heat, if necessary, and/or use any other type of extraction method or equipment to extract a greater amount of constituents and nutrients.
Making dual-step tinctures is a commonly done do-it-yourself process with homemade tinctures to increase the potency of tinctures made with medicinal mushrooms and tonic herbs.
(Go To Types of Extraction Tinctures Start)
Multi-step Tinctures
Multi-step tinctures are multiple step liquid extract of an herb, of at least three steps, but as many six or seven steps, that are produced in a specific order of different stages to best achieve a balance of the constituents and nutrients for specific medicinal and tonic health and healing benefits.
Multi-step tinctures use various types of extraction equipment and are best used in processing nutrient-dense and constituent dense herbs for balanced con
Multi-step tinctures are best done with alcohol and water since nearly all constituents are readily extracted into either alcohol and water. The stages of multi-step extraction may vary depending on the herb used, therefore requiring knowledge of the various nutrients and unique constituents for making an effective tincture.
Multi-step Steps and Stages
Any of the various stages that may be used in Multi-step tinctures:
- Single-step Processing
- Dual-step Processing
- Double Boilers
- Distiller Equipment
- Pressurized Cookers
- Flash Steam Equipment
- Spectroscopic Analysis
- Filtration Systems
- Percolator
- Extraction Tanks
- Cold Process
- Heat Amplified
Examples of Multi-step Stages
Heat Stage
A heat stage is applied to constituents to make them more absorbable and effective.
A heat stage is used on the polysaccharides in medicinal mushrooms to increase digestibility.
Cold Stage
Extraction in a cool environment, such as a fridge, is applied to preserve the pigments, vitamins, peptides and oils found in tinctures.
A cold processing stage is done with deer antler velvet to preserve the peptides and lipids so that they do not denature during extraction.
Flash Steaming Stage
Flash steaming is a quick steaming process applied to crack tough cells wells for further extraction.
Flash steaming is done to medicinal mushrooms to crack the cell walls called chitin.
(Go To Types of Extraction Tinctures Start)
(Go To Fluid Extraction Tinctures Start)
Dissolved Tincture
A dissolved tincture has a determined amount of a vitamin powder, mineral powder, and/or powder herb extract dissolved into a solvent of glycerin and water liquid to make glycerite tincture.
Dissolved tinctures will have the potency listed in "herb weight per serving", in milligrams (mg) per milliliters (ml), is listed as an ingredient on the supplement label in the facts box section.
Alcohol may be used in the solvent for making a dissolved tincture, but is unnecessary, since no extraction process is required to make a dissolved tincture, but does have the benefit of extending the expiration date 2-3 years.
(Go To Glycerin Liquid Extracts)⇧
Powder Extract of an Herb
A powder extract is made by extracting an herb into dual-step or multi-step fluid extract that is spray dried and flash dried to form a soluble powdered form of the fluid extract
Powder extracts are not to be taken solely as a powder but used by manufacturers in making supplements, such as being pressed into tablets, packed into capsules, or dissolved into syrups, liquids, or tinctures.
Step-by-step Powder Extract Process:
- Heated extraction of the herb in closed stainless steel tanks with purified filtered water
- Optional additional heated extraction step with purified filtered water
- Optional additional heated extraction step with edible alcohol, ethanol
- If more than one liquid extract is done, they are combined
- The liquid extract combination is reduced by condensation into a syrup
- Optional essential oil trap is used during reduction to retain evaporated volatile oils
- Syrup is combined with trapped oils and a compound like food starch that prevents clumping of water and lipids when spray-dried
- The syrup in then spray dried and flash-dried to remove all moisture by diffusing the syrup into droplets with a spray nozzle of heated non-reactive nitrogen gas.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Powder Extracts Compared to Extraction Tinctures
Advantages of powder extracts over extraction tinctures:
- Affordable costs of powder extracts
- Reduction of labor involved in making supplements with powder extracts
- No knowledge necessary to understand extraction process
- Ease of use in serving sizes and dosages
Disadvantages of powder extracts compared to extraction tinctures:
- Initial heating over 120* F (50*) which alters composition of constituents
- Stainless steel reacts with herbs compared to non-stick, glass, and porcelain surfaces
- First step is water which is backwards to using alcohol first in extraction tinctures for preservation of fragile and volatile constituents
- Heating step during reduction and condensation of liquid extract into a syrup
- Heat degrading the fragile constituents and volatile oils during spray drying and flash-drying
Powder Extract Ratio
Powder extract ratio is a numerical and unit representation of 'starting herb weight' liquid extracted and finally dried into a 'powder weight'.
For example: 4 pounds of an herb is liquid extracted and then dried into 1 pound of powder extract, thereby creating an powder extract ratio of 4:1 which is read as "4 pounds into 1 pound".
Standardized Powder Extracts
Standardized powder extracts come from modern technology that focus the extraction process on an active constituent in the herb as a marker for potency which is designated by a percentage (%) of content within the powder.
For example: Ginsenosides are a main constituent of ginseng that are used marker constituent to standardize the powder extract which may come in 2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 50% or more.
Dissolved Glycerite Recipe
Dissolved glycerite tinctures are easily made by adding a powder extract into a glycerin and water liquid combination, no extraction in needed.
Glycerin Dissolved Tincture Recipe
Making a dissolved tincture that has ~240mg powder extract per dropper.
What you need:
- 4oz. (125ml) distilled water
- 4oz. (125ml) glycerin
- 2oz. (60g) powder extract
- Large sanitized mixing bowl with pour spout
- Fine wire whisk
- Fine wire mesh strainer
- 12 - 16oz. (375ml - 500ml) liquid storage jar with air-tight lid
- Measuring cup with pour spout
- A 1oz. (30ml) or 2oz. (60ml) tincture bottle with dropper
- Blank labels and clear tape
- Optional funnel for tincture bottle
- Optional clear squeeze bottle
oz. = ounce
g = gram; ml = milliliters
1 gram = 1,000 milligrams
Recipe steps:
- Mix distilled water with glycerin in a sanitized mixing bowl
- Add power extract to the glycerin and water mixture.
- Slowly dissolve the extract, coaxing the mixture with a whisk.
- Once dissolved as much possible pour mixture through the strainer into the storage jar.
- Seal main jar of tincture with lid.
- Label main jar of tincture with the following information:
- Name of herb in common name and Latin botanical
- The menstruum "Glycerite 50/50"
- mgs to ml amount of liquid extract
- Dissolved powder extract
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
- Add some of the gently stirred, with a spoon, powder extract glycerite tincture to a measuring cup and then pour, with a funnel if you have one, into a tincture bottle with dropper or use a clear squeeze bottle to fill up many tinctures from your batch; be sure to leave enough space for the dropper to be inserted without overflowing.
- Label tincture bottle with dropper with the following information:
- Name of herb in common name and Latin botanical
- The menstruum "Glycerite 50/50"
- mgs to ml amount of powder extract
- Dissolved Powder Extract
- Date tincture was finished into a liquid extract
- The words "Keep out of reach of children"
Spagyric Tinctures
Spagyric tinctures are an ancient alchemyAlchemy is the ancient medieval and renaissance form of chemistry where much of the language and methods of tincturing were advanced before modern times introduced greater scientific research and technology. and old-fashioned method of doing a single-step extraction tincture and then calcining, by indirect high-heat, the marc after extraction into white mineral ash, which is then dissolved into the single-step extraction.
Spagyric was specifically accomplished by using the leftover herbs and spices from single-step extraction or oil distillation. The marc was calcined, by being burnt to white ashes, The ashes are minerals, oftentimes containing minerals salts, which were then dissolved into the tincture.
Nowadays, scientific research has shown that mineral ashes are unabsorbable by the body, so this method is ineffective for the purpose of obtaining the minerals of herbs. But modern multi-step extraction methods can be used to include minerals and salts into tinctures without calcining them into ashes. Minerals and salts found in herbs are extracted, concentrated, and simply added as an ingredient to the tincture without calcining the herb into unabsorbable ashes.
(Go To Tincture Start)