A Tincture from Dried Herbs
Published: 2025-05-13Tags: тинктура, извлек, билки, от лехата до устата, дневник на градската вещица
Translation
This is a translation of a Bulgarian-language post. It conveys the content faithfully but is not the author's original English writing.
How to make an alcohol extract (tincture) from dried herbs: the key points
If you like preparing home-made tinctures, you have probably wondered whether there is a difference between using fresh and dried herbs. The truth is that with dried herbs there are a few important points you should know, in order to get a quality and effective alcohol extract.
1. Herb-to-spirit ratio
With dried herbs, the standard ratio is 1 part dried herb to 4 or 5 parts alcohol (by volume or weight). For example: if you have 100 g of dried herb, cover it with 400-500 ml of spirit. With fresh herbs the ratio is usually 1:1.
2. The need to add water
Dried herbs have lost their natural moisture, so it is recommended to use spirit diluted with water — for example 45-70% alcohol. If you use pure spirit (96%), dilute it with water to obtain the desired alcohol strength.
3. Preparing the herbs
Dried herbs should be cut or ground finely. This increases the contact surface with the spirit and makes it easier to extract the active ingredients.
4. Soaking time
Put the herbs in a glass jar, cover them with the alcohol and seal tightly. Leave them to soak for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day. Then strain the tincture and store it in a dark bottle.
5. Covering the herbs with alcohol
Always make sure the herbs are completely covered with alcohol, so that mould does not develop and the tincture does not spoil.
6. Alcohol strength
For dry herbs, alcohol with a concentration between 40% and 70% is most often used. A lower strength (40%) is suitable for water-soluble substances, and a higher one (up to 70%) for resins and essential oils.
7. The final product
A tincture from dry herbs is more concentrated, since the water from the plant is absent. So observe the recommended dosage!
| Characteristic | Fresh herbs | Dried herbs |
|---|---|---|
| Herb-to-spirit ratio | 1:1 | 1:4 or 1:5 |
| Alcohol strength | 40-50% | 40-70% |
| Need for water | No | Yes (for dilution) |
| Preparation | Cutting/crushing | Cutting/grinding |
| Soaking time | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 weeks |
Table: Differences between a tincture from fresh and from dried herbs
When you make an alcohol extract from dried herbs, use a larger quantity of alcohol, dilute the spirit to a suitable strength, cut the herbs finely and cover them completely with alcohol. That way you will extract the maximum of the beneficial substances and get a quality tincture!