FAQ

Extracts vs. Tinctures: What is the Difference?

Extracts
Extracts are concentrated preparations of the active constituents of a plant. They are typically made using alcohol, which serves as a solvent to extract the medicinal compounds from the plant material. Here are some key characteristics of extracts:
• Solvent: Primarily alcohol, with no water involved in the process.
• Potency: Generally, extracts are considered to be full potency, meaning they contain a high concentration of the plant’s active ingredients.
• Usage: Due to their strength, extracts are often used in smaller doses compared to tinctures.

Tinctures
Tinctures are also liquid extracts of plant material but can be less concentrated than extracts.

They often involve a combination of alcohol and water or other solvents like glycerin. Here are some key characteristics of tinctures:
• Solvent: Can be a mixture of alcohol and water, or sometimes glycerin.
• Potency: Tinctures are usually less potent than extracts because they can be diluted with water or glycerin.
• Usage: They are often used in herbal medicine for their ease of preparation and administration, and can be taken in larger doses compared to extracts.

 

Alcohol in Extractions

Type of Alcohol
The alcohol we use is gluten-free, 6x distilled vodka. This type of vodka is preferred for several reasons:
• Purity: Six times distilled vodka is extremely pure, ensuring that the extraction is clean and free of unwanted impurities.
• Neutral Flavor: Vodka does not impart any flavor to the tincture, preserving the taste of the herbs.
• Efficiency: Vodka is effective in extracting the maximum amount of medicinal compounds from the plant material.

Why Vodka?
Vodka is highly recommended for herbal extractions because it:
• Extracts Most Compounds: Alcohol, particularly vodka, can extract 75-80% of the medicinal compounds from herbs.
• Clean Extraction: It is considered the cleanest form of alcohol for tinctures and extractions, as noted by renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar.

Alternative Solvents
• Brandy: Some herbalists use brandy, which adds a slight flavor but still provides effective extraction.
• Glycerin: While glycerin can be used as an alternative, it is less effective, extracting only 10-15% of the medicinal compounds. It is often used when alcohol is not suitable, such as for children’s remedies or for those avoiding alcohol.

Usage Tips
For those sensitive to alcohol, it is recommended to mix alcohol-based extractions into a warm solvent like tea. This helps to dilute the alcohol content while still delivering the medicinal benefits of the herbs.