Macerations

Alcohol &

Apple Cider Vinegar Tinctures

Macerations unlike infusions take multiple days to fully extract all constituents. They are commonly done at room temp making them ideal for people just starting out! They are one of the easiest concoctions you can create.

Alcohol Menstruum Properties

Like water, alcohol is a polar solvent able to extract polar secondary metabolites. It is valued not only for that but also its self preserving properties, above 20% it will prevent microbial growth. A common procedure is to combine water and alcohol, this enables the wide array of solubility water offers with the protection from microbial contamination that alcohol provides. Alcohol is able to break through the cell walls of the plant material, releasing the compounds within. Unlike water it does not require heat to digest the herbs, simply time will suffice. As well it does dissolve oils and resins, again unlike water. 

soluble constituents…

volatile oils (essential oils) and terpenes/terpenoids, fixed oils, polar secondary metabolites (like chlorophyll and other large organic compounds), tannins, glycols, vitamins and some minerals, some resins


Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Menstruum Properties

For those that are looking for an alternative to alcohol, ACV is a wonderful alternative! It is still quite a strong menstruum able to break through cell walls with ease. What makes it unique is that it is a living solvent! Full of microbes that assist in the breakdown of the herbs, it requires multiple days, at least three to fully extract. The longer the better, over a week is preferred for a concentrated extract.  

soluble constituents…

Polar compounds like secondary metabolites, minerals and vitamins, tannins, volatile oils to some extent

Plant Parts: 

You can use pretty much any kind of plant material for this method as long as it is finely chopped or even ground into a powder.

How to…

  1. Obtain your plant material, fresh and dried material are great.

  2. Place into a jar and cover with your menstruum of choice.

  3. Seal the jar and shake daily for at least 3 days. 

    1. Shaking the mixture facilitates the extraction significantly! The physical motion helps to break down the material.

  4. After maceration is complete, strain and press the plant material. Store your tincture in an amber or other UV resistant glass bottle.