A Guide to Alcohol for Tinctures and Herbalists

Historically, ethyl alcohol has been the solvent of choice for herbalists, allowing for the extraction and preservation of the medicinal and therapeutic properties of plants in our own backyard. This time-honored tradition relies not just on any alcohol, but on selecting the right kind—specifically, undenatured food grade ethanol. Does ethanol quality matter if you are going to soak it for days with herbs? Yes, simple processes have simple rules...Junk in = Junk out.

What is a tincture?

A tincture is a concentrated liquid herbal extract made by soaking herbs in a solvent like alcohol, oil, vinegar, water, or glycerin to extract the active ingredients. 

5 Advantages of Using Alcohol for Herbal Tinctures and Extracts

1. Efficient Extraction: 200 proof food grade alcohol is an excellent solvent for extracting a wide range of active compounds from herbs and plants, such as alkaloids, glycosides, and volatile oils. This results in a concentrated and potent tincture.
2. Purity and Safety: Culinary Solvent's food grade alcohol is free from harmful additives and contaminants, ensuring that your herbal tinctures are safe for consumption and retain their natural healing properties.
3. Preservation: The high alcohol content of 200 proof food grade alcohol acts as a natural preservative, maintaining the potency and shelf life of your tinctures while preventing the growth of harmful bacteria or mold.
4. Versatility: Food grade alcohol can be used as a solvent for both fresh and dried plant materials, allowing herbalists and naturopaths to create tinctures from a diverse range of herbs and plants.
5. Customizable Strength: Depending on the desired final alcohol content, food grade alcohol can be further diluted with water, oil, or glycerin, allowing you to create tinctures with varying strengths tailored to specific applications.

Extracts vs Infusions

Herbal Extracts: Concentrated Flavors and Extended Shelf Life

Herbal extracts are created by utilizing a solvent, such as Culinary Solvent's 200 proof USDA Certified organic food grade alcohol, to extract the flavors, aromas, and active compounds of herbs. In this process, herbs are submerged in the solvent, either fresh or dried, and left to steep for an extended period, usually a few weeks to a month.

The result is a highly concentrated, potent liquid that boasts an extended shelf life. Herbal extracts offer a versatile range of applications, from enhancing the taste of dishes and beverages to enriching skincare products. Given their concentrated nature, only small quantities are needed to achieve the desired effect.

Herbal Infusions: Gentle Extraction and Quick Preparation

In contrast, herbal infusions involve the immersion of herbs in a hot liquid, typically water or oil, for a short duration, often spanning from minutes to hours. This method allows for a gentle extraction of the flavors and aromas, producing a delicate and fragrant liquid.

Herbal infusions cater to those seeking instant gratification, as they are easy to prepare and offer an immediate taste enhancement. They are ideally suited for light, refreshing beverages, as well as adding a subtle depth to soups, sauces, or as a finishing drizzle for various dishes.

Tinctures vs Liniments

Herbal Tinctures: Potent Internal Applications

Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts obtained by soaking herbs in a solvent, typically high-proof alcohol like Culinary Solvent's 200 proof food grade alcohol, for an extended period. The solvent extracts the medicinal properties, flavors, and aromas from the herbs, resulting in a potent solution for internal use.

Tinctures are typically administered orally, either directly or by diluting with water, juice, or tea. They are known for their rapid absorption, long shelf life, and ease of use, making them a popular choice among herbalists for creating effective remedies.

Herbal Liniments: External Use for Targeted Relief

On the other hand, herbal liniments are topically applied liquid preparations designed to provide relief from a variety of external conditions. Like tinctures, liniments are created by extracting the therapeutic properties of herbs using a solvent, often alcohol, but sometimes oils or witch hazel.

The primary purpose of liniments is to deliver targeted relief to specific areas of the body, such as muscles, joints, or skin. They can be used to address pain, inflammation, and various skin conditions, depending on the specific herbs and ingredients used in the formulation.

Selecting Ingredients for Tincture

• A Guide to Fresh Ingredients in Apothecaries for Herbalists
• A Guide to Dry Ingredients in Apothecaries for Herbalists
• Exploring Animal-Derived Tinctures: A Guide for Herbalists
• Crystal-Derived Tinctures: A Guide to Gem Elixirs for Herbalists
• Crafting Sap-Based Tinctures: A Comprehensive Guide
• Exploring Liquid Ingredient Tinctures: A Comprehensive Guide
• Crafting Tinctures with Minerals: A Guided Journey for Herbalists

Beginner's Herbalist Tincture Recipes

• 3-Minute Quick Wash Cannabis Tincture Recipe
• Aloe Veral Tincture Recipe
• Homemade Organic Ginseng Tincture and Extract Recipe
• Homemade Organic Myrrh Tincture and Extract Recipe
• Homemade Organic Licorice Root Tincture and Extract Recipe
• Homemade Ginkgo Biloba Tincture and Extract Recipe
• Homemade Organic Frankincense Tincture and Extract Recipe
• Homemade Blue Lotus Tincture and Extract Recipe
• Homemade Organic Willow Bark Tincture and Extract Recipe
• Homemade Juniper Tincture and Extract Recipe

Ready to buy Pure Food Grade Alcohol Online Now?

Culinary Solvent is pure, food grade ethyl alcohol.  Contains zero additives, is safe for consumption and topical application on the skin.  Ideal for tinctures, extractions, and so much more.  Read some reviews from verified purchases.

What to do: Visit our store to shop now or view these helpful steps on how to buy food grade alcohol for tinctures from CulinarySovlent.com.

Additional Resources for Herbalists

 - More recipes, inspiration, and discussion about the history and traditions of using alcohol herbal tinctures and other preparations.

 - Tinctures don't take days or months when you use the right ingredients and technique. About Alcohol for Cannabis Tinctures and Extracts

 

 - Tips for wild explorers on sustainable foraging best practices and environmental stewardship.

And More: