A tincture is a concentrated solution made by soaking herbs in a mixture of alcohol, vinegar or glycerin. The mixture needs to be stored for two weeks to allow full extraction.
Tincture Strength Ratios
Tincture strength ratios refer to the herb to liquid proportion. A 1:5 tincture means 1 part herb to 5 parts liquid. Alcohol content affects extraction rates. Higher proof alcohol like 190 proof grain alcohol helps extract more plant compounds from herbs. Typical alcohol proof used is 80 proof vodka for most tinctures.
Dosage and Alcohol Removal
Tincture doses are usually at least 1 dropper full. The alcohol content also affects taste. To remove alcohol, drop the tincture dosage in hot tea and let the alcohol evaporate.
Ratio Calculation and Potency
A tincture ratio refers to the proportion of herbs to solvent when making a tincture. This ratio determines the final product’s concentration and potency. For instance, a 1:5 ratio means for every one part herb, five parts solvent are used. The type of herb and desired strength often determine the appropriate ratio.
To calculate the ratio, first determine the herb volume in milliliters. Then, determine the total tincture volume in milliliters. Use the formula:
ratio = (herb volume / tincture volume) x 100The ratio directly affects potency. More dilution means needing more drops for the same effect as a concentrated tincture. Ratios from 1:3 to 1:10 work for most tinctures. If a 1:5 tincture has the extract of 1 gram herb in 5 ml, giving 2.5 ml provides an equivalent 500 mg herb dose.