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StephanieMarie
Hi friends,
For years I have purchased everclear (95%. 190proof) for tinctures. I am now understanding that the everclear is much too powerful. In the future I will stick to vodka. I started my tinctures in August. I am wanting to strain them off and add distilled water. Would I add equal amount of distilled water to the tinctures? Are the herbs a lot cause? I would love ideas! Thank you!
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Vernon
Hello. I’m curious as to where you read that grain alcohol is too powerful. I was using 190 proof on my fresh herbs this spring but have since switched to a 150 proof grain alcohol. On my dry herbs (which I’m doing more of now) I’m using 120 proof since it’s easier to find and cheaper than 100 proof vodka. In Richo Cech’s book “Making Plant Medicine” he mostly uses 190 proof grain but cuts it with distilled water depending on what plant it is. Most of the time it’s a 50:50 ratio. I’m using the ratio method rather than the folk method so that my tinctures are more standardized. Don’t know if that helps any but I hope so. I would recommend Richo’s book though. Have a great day.
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Dr. Patrick Jones
Everclear is great for fresh plants (so that the water in them doesn’t dilute the alcohol to the point of being non-preservative) and for resinous plants that aren’t very soluble Tree saps like frankincense, myrrh, etc.. Otherwise vodka works for most things. Vodka also has the advantage of being about half water so that it will pull more of the water soluble phytochemicals from dry plant than Everclear will. Everclear can be diluted to make “vodka” by adding water.
At this point, the tinctures are made. They’re probably fine. If you want to dilute them so they aren’t so strong from a palatability standpoint that’s fine but you won’t be changing anything medicinal about the tincture other than dosing volume needed. No reason to throw out the batch. Just use vodka next time.
Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.
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