Producing Dual-Stage Extraction Tinctures

Introduction

The Next Generation of Tinctures

Tinctures have long been revered as a vital method for extracting and utilizing the medicinal properties of herbs. They serve as indispensable tools for both herbalists in clinical settings and individuals seeking to incorporate herbal medicine into their daily lives. With their knowledge, expertise, professionalism, and careful craftsmanship, tinctures become essential for dispensing herbal medicine effectively.

In this article, we will explore the world of tinctures, including what they are, the unique benefits they offer compared to other herbal preparations, the significance of dual-stage extract tinctures, the importance of extraction ratios, the process of making a folk-method tincture at home, the gluten-free nature of tinctures, and the sublingual use of tinctures.

Join us as we delve into the next generation of tinctures and discover their incredible potential for supporting health and well-being.

Understanding Tinctures

What Is a Tincture?

At its core, a tincture is a liquid herbal extract made by combining medicinal herbs (including plants, fungi/mushrooms, and other substances) with a solvent, typically alcohol.

Two basic components are necessary in producing tincture:

1. The substance being extracted (e.g. medicinal herbs)
2. The liquid solvent (e.g. alcohol) into which the substance is being extracted.

For example, to make a Yarrow tincture (Achillea millefolium), you would combine Yarrow leaves and flowers with a 40/60 blend of alcohol and water.

The only components of the tincture are the herbs being extracted and the liquid—known as the solvent—used to extract them. Although alcohol is the most common solvent, some applications require the use of other liquids, such as vinegar.

What Advantages and Benefits do Tinctures Offer?

Tinctures Are Easy-to-Digest

Alcohol-based tinctures (which we exclusively offer) are easily assimilated by the body, making them fast-acting and ideal for those with digestive issues.

This is because tinctures do not need to be digested by the body, unlike whole herbs and powdered extracts (including capsules and tablets).

For most people, the main benefit of using a tincture is its fast-acting and easy-to-digest properties.

Tinctures, being alcohol solutions, can quickly pass through the epithelial cell lining of the digestive system and into the bloodstream. For more information on how alcohol passes through the epithelial lining of the gut, see figure 1.3 here.

High-Quality Tinctures Offer Accurate Dosing

Dispensing and using tinctures can be a reliable method for therapeutic dosing of medicinal herbs, provided they are made correctly. This means that all inputs and outputs are measured, recorded, and the actual amount of herbs is known.

For example, because we follow strict manufacturing protocols, we can confidently claim that each dropperful (1 mL) of our tinctures (at a 1:2 extraction ratio) contains exactly 500 milligrams (1/2 gram) of whole herbs. One serving of our Forest Manna Royal Pine Pollen Tincture provides the equivalent of 1.5 grams of fresh, whole RAW Pine Pollen™.

Tinctures Are Convenient To Use

Not only are tinctures easily digestible and assimilated and provide a reliable method of therapeutic dosing and administration, but tincture are also simple and easy to use.

The liquid can be added to water or other beverages, or taken straight.

The glass droppers measure exactly 1 mL of tincture, allowing you to know the precise amount you're taking without needing to use a scale or other measuring device. Everything you need is contained within the tincture bottle.

Tinctures Have a Long Shelf Life

Finally, properly produced tinctures with an alcohol base that is strong enough to prevent fermentation and rot (approximately 37.5% ethanol concentration and above) can be preserved almost indefinitely. This is evident from archaeological digs where centuries-old tinctures have been found and analyzed, and their potency remains intact.

FAQs: What is the difference between a tincture and an extract powder?

When extract powders (including hot water extract powders and  alcohol extract powders), are made, the herbs are cooked down and concentrated, the majority of the liquid is precipitated out, and what is left is then spray dried. The result is an extract powder.

When making tinctures, herbs are dissolved into a liquid. The alcohol and water create a solution of the important compounds present in the extracted herbs.

This is the main difference between liquid extracts (tinctures) and extract powders: in a tincture, the targeted compounds become part of the alcohol solution.

As the tincture is being made, the important compounds of the herb become part of the liquid, while the solids become waste material. Since the tincture is an alcohol and water solution, it passes directly through the cells lining the digestive tract and does not have to go through the stomach and into the small intestine for digestion and assimilation. This is markedly different from whole herbs and extract powders.

Since alcohol passes through cell membranes and enters the body directly, the plant compounds dissolved in the alcohol can also freely enter the body. When an extract powder is taken, a tea, or any other preparation of herbal medicine, it must be digested and absorbed by the stomach and small intestine.

How to Use Tinctures

Guide: Taking and Using Tinctures

Taking a tincture is a simple and effective way to incorporate herbal extracts into your wellness routine. Here are some steps to help you get the most out of your tincture experience:

1. Choose the right time: Our favorite way to consume tinctures is on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal. This helps promote thorough digestion and fast absorption. When possible, try to take your tincture when your stomach is empty for optimal results.
2. Measure the dosage: Using the glass dropper and the recommended dosage instructions, measure the desired amount of tincture into a heat-safe glass. Always follow the suggested dosage provided by the manufacturer or your healthcare professional. Add to several ounces of water.
3. Optional Step: If you find the taste of alcohol in the tincture too strong, you can reduce it by diluting the tincture in water. Add several ounces of freshly boiled water to the measured tincture in the heat-safe glass. Allow the mixture to cool before drinking. The heat from the boiled water will help dissipate the taste of alcohol, making it more palatable.
4. Take it in one gulp: Once the tincture is diluted and cooled, drink the mixture in one gulp. This allows for easier consumption and ensures that you receive the full dose of the tincture.
5. Follow with water if desired: If you prefer, you can follow up by drinking additional water to help wash away any lingering taste.
6. Observe any recommendations: Some tinctures may come with specific instructions or recommendations. Make sure to read and follow any guidelines provided by the manufacturer or your healthcare professional.

Remember, everyone's body is different, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or follow the guidance provided by the tincture manufacturer for personalized dosage and usage instructions.

FAQ: What about taking tinctures sublingually?

Taking tinctures sublingually involves using the dropper to place, and then hold, the tincture under the tongue for absorption. Sublingual tincture taking has been a topic of discussion within the herbal community.

While some individuals believe this method promotes the direct uptake of the tincture into the bloodstream and provides enhanced absorption, it's essential to consider potential risks. Renowned herbalist Susan Weed raises concerns about the sensitivity of the blood vessels under the tongue to the high alcohol content in tinctures, which may pose a risk of cell mutation and cancer.

Additionally, it is well accepted in the scientific and medicinal community that hard alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of cancers of the digestive system. This has to do with the high concentration of alcohol. Similarly,  alcohol-based mouthwashes are correlated with an increased risk of oral cancer.

We see absolutely no benefit in taking tinctures sublingually by holding them under the tongue and find it irresponsible to advise people to do so. Tinctures will still readily absorb without damaging the sensitive sublingual tissue.

FAQs: Are Tinctures Gluten-Free?

Our tinctures are gluten-free.

The alcohol used in our tinctures is certified gluten-free. As a general rule, all high proof alcohol is gluten-free.

Distilled, high proof alcohol is considered gluten-free because the distillation process used to produce it effectively removes gluten proteins. Gluten, a mixture of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, is not soluble in alcohol. During distillation, the liquid is heated and the vapor is collected and condensed, separating it from the original ingredients. Since gluten proteins have a higher boiling point than alcohol, they are left behind in the distillation process, resulting in a gluten-free final product.

While we ensure that the alcohol we use is certified gluten-free, it is important to note that we cannot make any statements regarding the ingredients or practices of other companies and their products.

Dual-Stage Extraction Tinctures

What is the difference between a single-stage and a dual-stage extraction tincture?

The vast majority of tinctures are made using a single-stage extraction method, including the folk-method process covered below, as well as spagyric tinctures. This method is used by 99% of home tincture makers and professional tincture makers.

Different compounds are extracted from plants using different extraction methods and, with tinctures, different solvents (such as alcohol, vinegar, and glycerin).

The issue with single-stage extractions is that no individual extraction method can capture the vast array of phytotherapeutic compounds present in medicinal plants and mushrooms.

To maximize extraction and provide a stronger, more potent product to our customers, we have taken an extra step in our tincturing process: decoction. This is just part of the RAW Forest Foods difference.

Tincturing pure RAW Pine Pollen™ presents an additional issue: due to the imperceptibly small size of the pollen grains combined with their high absorbency rate, the pure powder is impossible to tincture at concentrations above a 1:2 extraction ratio (see below for an introduction to extraction ratios).

Imagine adding a tablespoon of water to a cup of flour and then trying to remove that tablespoon of water from the flour. That is what tincturing RAW Pine Pollen™ at a concentration above 1:2 is like.

To maximize extraction and provide our customers with a more robust and potent tincture, we developed a second stage of extraction in our tincturing process: decoction.

The dual-stage extraction method involves first producing the menstruum (the combination of herbs, alcohol, and water) as is common in any single-stage extraction, including spagyric tinctures.

The next stage of extraction is the decoction of the menstruum, which allows for the benefits of both decoction and tincturing in a single product. This provides a more comprehensive and thorough extraction than what would be possible with the standard single-stage tincturing process.

FAQ: What benefits do dual-stage extraction tinctures offer over single-stage and spagyric tinctures?

Our dual-stage extraction offers two main benefits:

1. The second stage of extraction provides a stronger and more comprehensive full-spectrum extraction than a single-stage extraction.
2. By utilizing a dual-stage extraction process, we are able to correct for absorbability issues with RAW Pine Pollen™. This results in a more potent Pine Pollen Tincture than what can be achieved with a single-stage extraction.

All of the tinctures offered by RAW Forest Foods are produced using this dual-stage, alcohol, and decoction extraction.

Understanding Tincture Extraction Ratios

What are Tincture Extraction Ratios?

Any tincture worth purchasing should have its extraction ratio prominently listed on the label.

This ratio indicates the amount of herb present in the extract, including both the amount used during production and the equivalent amount in the final extract. Extraction ratios are expressed as a ratio, where the first number represents the amount of herb in relation to the amount of liquid used (represented by the second number).

Several common extraction ratios are: 1:10, 1:5, and 1:2. Less common are 1:1 and 2:1.

Making Sense of Tincture Extraction Ratios and Concentrations

The larger the number is the right, the less potent the tincture.

The larger the number is on the left, the more potent the tincture.

Since the first number in the ratio indicates the weight of herbs and the second indicates the volume of liquid, the above extraction ratios would correspond to the following concentrations:

• 1:10 extractions contain 1 part of herbs to every 10 parts of liquid
• 1:5 extractions contain 1 part of herbs to every 5 parts of liquid
• 1:2 extractions contain 1 part of herbs to every 2 parts of liquid
• 1:1 extractions contain equal parts of herbs to liquid
• 2:1 extractions contain 2 parts of herbs to every 1 part of liquid

A standard tincture dropper measures 1 mL. This is known as a dropperful.

For the above extraction ratios, one dropperful of tincture would provide the following amount of whole herbs:

• 1:10 extractions contain the equivalent of 0.1 grams (100 mg) of whole herbs per 1 mL of tincture
• 1:5 extractions contain the equivalent of 0.25 grams (250 mg) of whole herbs per 1 mL of tincture
• 1:2 extractions contain the equivalent of 0.5 grams (500 mg) of whole herbs per 1 mL of tincture
• 1:1 extractions contain the equivalent of 1 gram of whole herbs per 1 mL of tincture
• 2:1 extractions contain the equivalent of 2 grams of whole herbs per 1 mL of tincture

A 1:2 tincture is five times more concentrated than a 1:10 tincture. With a 1:2 tincture, there is an equivalent of 0.5 gram of whole herbs per dropperful (1 mL) of tincture.

Making Folk Method Tinctures at Home

RAW Forest Foods offers only professional grade tinctures, a nomenclature that refers to the quality of the ingredients used (including the herbs, alcohol, and water), the facility where the tinctures are produced, the FDA cGMP compliance of the facility where the tinctures are produced, and—perhaps most importantly—the potency of the final extracts.

We don't just make tinctures at RAW Forest Foods, we produce professional grade tinctures.

First: Gathering Herbs and Preparing for Extraction

Before the extraction process starts, the raw materials for the extraction and the documentation of the extraction begin. cGMP compliance stipulates strict documentation and record collection when producing tinctures. This includes full COA and source verification of the herbs being used in the tinctures.

Second: The Collection of Inputs

This includes the plants, fungi, etc., that are to be extracted (wild-harvested, cultivated) and the alcohol and water used to extract them.

Herbs must be sorted, selected, and cleaned, then cut, sifted, or powdered to increase extraction.

Third: Selecting an Extraction Ratio for the Final Extract

To determine how much alcohol and how much plant material you'll need, you'll have to first decide on an extraction ratio.

To determine the extraction ratio, we'll use a 1:1 ratio as an example. At 1:1, it means using equal parts alcohol (alcohol and water mix) and herbs. This ratio yields 1 gram of herbs per 1 mL (approximately one dropper) of tincture. We'll use the metric system, with volume measurements for the liquid and weight for the herbs.

For a 1:1 ratio, you'll need 1 milliliter (mL) of alcohol and 1 gram (g) of herbs. If you have 100 grams of herbs, use 100 mL of alcohol. For a stronger tincture, like a 2:1 ratio, you'll increase the first number. This means one part alcohol for every two parts of herbs. For example, 1 mL of alcohol to 2 grams of herbs, or 100 mL of alcohol to 200 grams of herbs. A 2:1 ratio yields 2 grams of herbs per 1 mL of tincture.

If you want a weaker tincture, lower the ratio by increasing the second number. For instance, a 1:2 ratio means using 2 parts alcohol to 1 part herbs, such as 200 mL of alcohol to 100 grams of herbs. A 1:2 ratio yields 0.5 grams of herbs per 1 mL of tincture.

To summarize:

• Equal parts alcohol to herbs is written as 1:1.
• Stronger ratios are written as 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and so on, with a higher herb-to-alcohol ratio.
• Weaker ratios are written as 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and so on, with a higher alcohol-to-herb ratio.

At home, aim for a 1:4 or 1:5 extraction of pure RAW Pine Pollen. Let it sit for 4 weeks and remember to shake it daily. A 1:4 ratio means using 4 parts alcohol to 1 part herbs. For example, if you have 100 grams of Pine Pollen, use 400 mL of alcohol. It's recommended to use alcohol between 40% and 50% for a stable extraction. The specific type of alcohol doesn't matter as much.

Fourth: Tincturing, Part 1: Combining and Extracting

Producing liquid extract is a practice that requires patience. Once the raw ingredients are combined, they must sit for a minimum of fourteen days and be agitated daily. The combination of time and agitation ensures a full extraction.

In stage one, the herbs are combined with a solvent. While different solvents may be used, a blend of ethanol (alcohol) and water is the most common. Ethanol and water are unique solvents in that they are widely accessible, effective, and relatively non-toxic, and produce full-spectrum extracts. RAW Forest Foods uses a blend of pharmaceutical-grade (USP) ethanol (alcohol) and filtered water in tincture production.

What determines the final extraction ratio is the ratio of the weight of the herbs used to the volume of alcohol.

Once the herbs and liquid have been combined, they are stirred to allow full dispersion and are stored. The storing of the tincture is often called percolation. The combination of herbs and liquid is often called a menstruum.

Guide: Part 1: Combining and Extracting

Materials needed:

• Raw ingredients (herbs)
• Solvent (blend of ethanol/alcohol and water)
• Stirring utensil
• Storage container

Step 1: Combine herbs and solvent

• Measure out the desired amount of herbs for extraction.
• In a suitable container, combine the herbs with a blend of ethanol/alcohol and water as the solvent.
• Ensure the ratio of herbs to the volume of alcohol is determined based on the desired extraction ratio.

Step 2: Stir and disperse the mixture

• Use a stirring utensil to thoroughly mix the herbs and solvent, ensuring full dispersion.
• Make sure all the herbs are immersed in the solvent.

Step 3: Store the tincture (percolation)

• Cover the container and allow the tincture to sit for a minimum of fourteen days.
• Agitate the mixture daily by gently shaking or stirring it to facilitate extraction.
• This stage is known as percolation, where the herbs and liquid combine for a full extraction.

Fifth: Tincturing, Part 2: Pressing the Tincture

Once the menstruum has been allowed to sit long enough for a full extraction to take place, the menstruum is pressed to separate the solids from the liquids. At this time, all of the targeted compounds in the herb have been dissolved into the liquid, and the solids that remain are mostly just plant cellulose and waste material. This waste material is called the marc.

In the professional setting, pressing is usually done by either hydraulic pressure or vacuum. The final liquid can be further filtered after pressing, removing traces of the marc. It is a common misconception that the more sludge in a tincture, the stronger the potency, but that sludge is largely just detritus of the marc and adds no value to the final product.

After pressing and filtering, the liquid (containing the dissolved, targeted compounds from the herbs) is then bottled, labeled, and stored.

Guide: Part 1: Pressing the Tincture

Materials needed:

• Hydraulic press or vacuum (for professional settings)
• Filter (optional)
• Bottles for storage
• Labels

Step 1: Determine extraction completion

• After a sufficient extraction period, check that a full extraction has taken place.
• The targeted compounds in the herbs should be dissolved into the liquid.

Step 2: Press the tincture

• Separate the solids from the liquids by pressing the tincture.
• Use a hydraulic press or vacuum to apply pressure and extract the liquid.
• This process removes waste material, known as the marc, leaving behind the desired liquid extract.

Step 3: Optional filtering

• If desired, filter the pressed liquid further to remove any remaining traces of the marc.
• This step helps achieve a clearer final product but is not necessary for potency.

Step 4: Bottle, label, and store

• Transfer the pressed liquid extract into suitable bottles for storage.
• Label the bottles appropriately with the herb used and other relevant information.
• Store the bottles in a cool, dark place to maintain the quality of the liquid extract.

Optional: Transforming Alcohol Tinctures into an Alcohol-Free Preparations

At RAW Forest Foods, all of our tinctures are produced using a dual-stage alcohol and decoction extraction. We developed this process because it produces the most thorough extraction possible, not just in terms of potency, but also in terms of the spectrum of phyto, myco, and other compounds that it extracts.

Guide: Making a Fat Infusion from an Alcohol Tincture

Materials needed:

• Tincture
• Fat (e.g., coconut oil)
• Double boiler
• Heat source

Step 1: Prepare the double boiler

• Fill the bottom pot of the double boiler with water.
• Place the top pot (or a heat-safe container) on the double boiler.

Step 2: Combine tincture and fat

• Measure out the desired amount of tincture.
• Add the tincture to the top pot of the double boiler.
• Measure out an equal amount of fat (e.g., coconut oil).
• Add the fat to the same pot as the tincture.

Step 3: Heat the mixture

• Turn on the heat source to low or medium-low.
• Allow the mixture to heat gradually, ensuring it doesn't boil or reach high temperatures.
• Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even heating.

Step 4: Evaporate the liquid

• As the mixture heats, the alcohol will start to evaporate.
• Continue heating until all the liquid has evaporated from the mixture.
• Be patient and allow sufficient time for the liquid to evaporate fully.

Step 5: Check for liquid residue

• Once the liquid has evaporated, inspect the mixture for any remaining liquid.
• Ensure that there is no trace of liquid left in the mixture.
• If there is still liquid present, continue heating until it has completely evaporated.

Step 6: Incorporate the tincture-infused oil

• Once all the liquid has evaporated, the tincture will be incorporated into the oil.
• Remove the pot from the double boiler and let the oil cool.

Step 7: Use the tincture-infused oil

• The resulting oil can be used for various purposes, such as adding to chocolate.
• Exercise caution to ensure that all liquid is removed from the oil before adding it to chocolate.
• Enjoy the process of incorporating the tincture-infused oil into chocolate as a fun craft activity.

Glycerine Tinctures

Glycerine tinctures involve converting an alcohol tincture to a glycerine tincture. While the process is time-consuming, it can be done at home with a bit patience and DIY ingenuity.

The process involves slowly evaporating the alcohol out of the alcohol tincture and replacing the alcohol with glycerin. This is done by using a double boiler or a small still (you can make one using a quart-sized mason jar and a small length of copper tubing). Once the alcohol is evaporated out of the tincture, glycerine is added to the remaining liquid, and heat is applied to allow the glycerine to fully incorporate.

The upside of this method is that the glycerin tincture will have full extraction produced from an alcohol extraction, but the downsides are that the shelf life of the tincture will be greatly reduced, and the tincture will not absorb as well into the body (these downsides are true for all glycerine tinctures).

Guide: Converting Alcohol Tinctures into Glycerine Tinctures

Materials needed:

• Alcohol tincture
• Glycerin
• Double boiler or homemade still (quart-sized mason jar and small length of copper tubing)
• Heat source

Step 1: Set up the double boiler or homemade still

• If using a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water and place the top pot on it.
• If using a homemade still, assemble the quart-sized mason jar as the base and attach the copper tubing as the condenser.

Step 2: Pour the alcohol tincture into the pot or mason jar

• Measure out the desired amount of alcohol tincture.
• Pour the alcohol tincture into the pot of the double boiler or the mason jar of the homemade still.

Step 3: Evaporate the alcohol

• Turn on the heat source to low or medium-low.
• Allow the alcohol tincture to heat gradually, but avoid boiling or reaching high temperatures.
• The alcohol will start to evaporate slowly.

Step 4: Replace alcohol with glycerin

• As the alcohol evaporates, measure out the same amount of glycerin as the initial amount of alcohol tincture.
• Once the alcohol has evaporated completely, add the glycerin to the remaining liquid.

Step 5: Heat to incorporate glycerin

• Continue heating the mixture, allowing the glycerin to fully incorporate into the remaining liquid.
• Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even distribution.

Step 6: Monitor the process

• Keep an eye on the mixture as it heats to prevent overheating.
• Ensure that the glycerin is fully incorporated and the mixture is well combined.

Step 7: Remove from heat and cool

• Once the glycerin is fully incorporated, remove the pot from the double boiler or turn off the heat source.
• Allow the mixture to cool completely before proceeding.

Step 8: Bottle the glycerine tincture

• Using a funnel or other suitable container, carefully transfer the glycerine tincture into a storage bottle.
• Ensure the bottle is clean and airtight to maintain the quality of the tincture.

Note: Glycerine tinctures have a shorter shelf life and may not absorb as well into the body compared to alcohol tinctures.

By following these steps, you can successfully convert an alcohol extract into a glycerine tincture using a double boiler or a homemade still.

Glycerite Tinctures

A glycerine tincture (above) is produced using a different process than a glycerite. The process of producing a glycerite is similar to making an alcohol tincture, including the standard maceration process.

Here's a brief overview of the process: combine herbs with water (you can use boiling water for better extraction), then add glycerin at a 1:1 ratio with the water. Let the mixture sit for around a month, making sure the herbs are fully submerged in the glycerin and water. Once done, strain or press the mixture and bottle it. An additional step is to heat the water and glycerin and herb mixture in a double boiler for 12-24 hours before letting it sit for around a month.

Guide: Producing Glycerite Tinctures

Materials needed:

• Herbs for tincturing
• Water (preferably boiling water)
• Glycerin
• Double boiler or heat-resistant container
• Strainer or press
• Bottles for storage

Step 1: Prepare the herbs and water

• Measure out the desired amount of herbs for tincturing.
• Place the herbs in a container suitable for maceration.
• Boil water and measure out an equal amount of boiling water as the herbs.

Step 2: Combine herbs and water

• Add the boiling water to the container with the herbs.
• Ensure that the herbs are fully submerged in the water.

Step 3: Add glycerin

• Measure out an equal amount of glycerin as the boiling water.
• Add the glycerin to the container, maintaining a 1:1 ratio with the water.

Step 4: Let the mixture sit

• Cover the container and let the mixture sit for approximately one month.
• Place the container in a cool and dark location to allow for proper extraction.

Step 5: Strain or press the mixture

• After the maceration period, strain the mixture using a strainer or press it to extract the liquid.
• Ensure all herbs are adequately strained or pressed to maximize extraction.

Step 6: Bottle the glycerite tincture

• Transfer the strained or pressed liquid into clean and airtight bottles suitable for storage.
• Use a funnel if necessary to avoid spills or waste.

Step 7: Optional: Apply heat using a double boiler

• If desired, set up a double boiler or use a heat-resistant container for additional heat extraction.
• Heat the water, glycerin, and herb mixture for 12-24 hours in the double boiler.
• Allow the mixture to cool before proceeding to the next step.

Step 8: Let the tincture sit

• After heating (if applied), let the tincture sit for another month to enhance the extraction process.

By following these steps, you can successfully produce a glycerite tincture by combining herbs with water and glycerin, allowing for maceration, and optionally applying heat for further extraction. The resulting glycerite tincture can be bottled and stored for future use.

Tincturing is Just One of Several Extraction Methods

Tinctures are just one of several extraction methods used in the products offered by RAW Forest Foods. In addition to tinctures, we provide products that are:

1. Hot water extract powders.
2. Ethanol/alcohol extract powders.
3. Tinctures (ethanol/alcohol) extract liquids.

Together, these three extraction methods represent those used to produce concentrated and standardized extracts, where the exact amount of herbs used and present in the final product is known.

In Conclusion

Tinctures offer a convenient and effective way to extract and utilize the medicinal properties of herbs.

Tinctures offer several advantages over other herbal preparations, such as easy digestibility, fast-acting effects, accurate dosing, convenience of use, and a long shelf life when properly produced.

They are important methods both for using herbal medicines and for researching the medicinal potential and therapeutic uses of herbs. Research using liquid (tincture) and powdered (hot water and ethanol) extracts can be found in authoritative, research-based articles which you can find through NCBI's PubMed or Google Scholar.