Tincture Extraction Ratios

A Guide to Strength, Precision, and Effectiveness in Herbalism

Herbalism carries centuries of forest wisdom, inviting us to listen—to the land, to the plants, and, ultimately, to ourselves. The herbs we work with aren’t just ingredients; they’re allies. When we approach them with intention, they uplift and restore us, reminding us that our bodies and spirits are alive, responsive, and capable of being nourished.

For hundreds of years, people have drawn the essence of plants into liquid forms through infusions, decoctions, and wine macerations. Today, tinctures have become the preferred form. They are reliable, long-lasting, and able to capture the full essence of a plant in a way that feels precise yet alive.*

If we truly see plants as living tonics, we must approach them with care, respect, and curiosity. That care starts with understanding tincture extraction ratios, or the simple yet remarkable measure of how much plant material is used for a given volume of liquid. These ratios are more than just numbers; they form the bridge between a plant’s potential and the tonic we hold in our hands. They reveal how strong a tincture will be, how it may affect the body, and how we can make choices that are intentional rather than accidental.*

This guide is for anyone drawn to herbalism—those who make tinctures, those who use them, and those simply curious about the craft. Here, we’ll explore tincture extraction ratios in a way that’s both practical and intentional. You’ll learn how ratios influence strength, how to read them, and how to calculate them, so that whether you’re making your own tinctures or selecting them for daily use, you can do so with clarity, confidence, and a deep respect for the plants that make it possible.

Tincture extraction ratios are just a way of describing how much herb meets how much liquid. At RAW Forest Foods, we usually call them tincture extraction ratios, but some people call them weight-to-volume ratios, and both names mean the same thing.*

At its core, making a tincture is simple: you combine herbs with a solvent, usually alcohol. Once you measure the herbs by weight and the liquid by volume, that relationship becomes a ratio. A 1:5 ratio, for example, means one part herb to five parts alcohol. This ratio is like a guide, showing you how herbs and liquid come together. The first number represents the weight of your herbs, the second, the amount of liquid they’re steeped in.

Keeping your measurements consistent matters. In the metric system, herbs are weighed in grams and liquids measured in liters; in the standard system, herbs are in ounces and liquids in fluid ounces. These details may seem small, but they ensure your tincture is holistically resilient, concentrated, and true to the craft.*

How to Interpret Extraction Ratios

When we say a tincture has an extraction ratio of 1:5, it means you are pairing one part of the herb, measured carefully by weight, with five parts of your chosen solvent, measured by volume. It’s the same with a 1:10 ratio—one part herb meets ten parts solvent. These numbers are the way the plant and the liquid meet, gently drawing out the herb’s essence, flavor, and restorative gifts.*

Hands-On – Herbs Per Dropperful

Why Tincture Extraction Ratios Matter

The ratio you use when making a tincture tells you about its strength, texture, and the way it carries its essence. Learning to read these ratios is a way of understanding the plants you work with, the intention behind their preparation, and the experience they offer to the body and mind.

When you know what goes into a tincture, you know what it can give you. Mastering these ratios doesn’t just make you a more confident maker, but lets you engage with your tonic in a deeper, more mindful way.

• Understanding Strength Through Extraction Ratios – The extraction ratio tells you how strong it is and how much of the herb’s essence you’re holding in each dropper. A 1:5 ratio means the tincture is richer, more concentrated—more of the herb, less of the solvent. Compare that to a 1:10, which carries the same herb in a gentler, lighter form. To put it in perspective, a 1:5 tincture offers about 200 milligrams of herb per dropper, while a 1:10 delivers around 100 milligrams. Each ratio guides you in how the tincture will support you, and how it will carry the plant’s energy into your daily ritual.
• Using Extraction Ratios to Guide Dosage – Knowing a tincture’s extraction ratio tells you how much of the plant’s essence is in every dropper, so you can take it in a way that truly aligns with your body’s needs.
• The Role of Extraction Ratios in Quality and Consistency – When making tinctures, the ratio of plant to liquid is the thread that ties one batch to the next, the measure that ensures every drop carries the same strength and intention. Keeping these ratios consistent doesn’t just honor the herbal tradition. It also honors the people who rely on these tinctures to support them.

Key Considerations of Tincture Extraction Ratios

1. Dried Herbs vs. Fresh Herbs – When making a tincture, it’s important to measure herbs dried, not fresh. Fresh herbs carry a lot of water (sometimes 70–90% of their weight), and that water can throw off your calculations. Using fresh herbs for weight-to-volume measurements can change the functional resilience of your tincture, making the extraction weaker, the shelf life shorter, and the final result less true to what you intended.* By working with dried herbs, you honor the process, respect the plant, and ensure your tincture carries the strength and stability it deserves.*

Whole Herbs vs. Extract Powders – Whole herbs—whether cut, sifted, or powdered—are the starting point for a true tincture. They carry the plant’s essence, its subtle complexities, and the elemental strength of the earth that grew them.* Extract powders, by contrast, are shortcuts. Some producers use them to make a tincture appear stronger than it really is.* But this illusion comes at a cost: a tincture that may mislead, with effects that are uncertain, and a process designed more to save money than to honor the plant or the person who will use it.

How Extraction Ratios Influence Tincture Quality

When it comes to judging the quality of a tincture, the first thing to notice is the extraction ratio. If a producer doesn’t share this, that’s an immediate red flag—because what’s left unsaid can matter just as much as what’s on the label.*

Tinctures with higher ratios, like 1:10, are perfect for daily maintenance or when you want subtle, supportive effects.* Lower ratios, like 1:2 or even 2:1, carry more strength. They are the tinctures you reach for when your body asks for something precise and more concentrated.*

This number isn’t just a detail. It shapes the tincture’s strength, its character, and ultimately, how it works with your body. Paying attention to it is part of learning the language of herbs, and understanding it brings you closer to making choices that truly support your well-being.*

The Relationship Between Extraction Ratios and Potency

• Higher W:V Extraction Ratios (e.g., 1:5, 1:10) – These tinctures hold a gentler touch of the plant in each dropper, offering a subtler strength. They’re perfect for times when you want to maintain resilience, for herbs that require mindful, low-level dosing, or simply when a lighter effect feels right. Each drop carries just enough of the plant’s essence to support your body without overwhelming it.*
• Lower W:V Extraction Ratios (e.g., 2:1, 1:2, 1:3) – These tinctures are deeply concentrated, prized for their clear, high-strength restorative qualities. Made with whole herbs, they are dense and alive, offering remarkable phytotherapeutic benefits, even at lower weight-to-volume ratios. They’re perfect for moments when your body or mind needs targeted, immediate support.*

Selecting a Tincture Based on Extraction Ratios

When choosing a tincture, pay attention to why you’re using it and what each herb truly offers. Stronger isn’t always better. The most effective tincture is the one that meets your body’s needs, and is gently aligned with your goals.

• When to Choose a Higher W:V Ratio Tincture – Ideal for ongoing maintenance, gentle support, or moments when a softer touch is what you need. Each dropper carries a lighter concentration of herbs, inviting you to move slowly, observe, and dose intentionally.
• When to Choose a Lower W:V Ratio Tincture – This is the choice for when you want the essence of the herb to come through strong. These tinctures carry more concentrated energy, making them ideal for specific health concerns or moments when a little extra support is needed.*

• Understanding Weight-to-Volume (W:V) Ratios – Sometimes called the tincture extraction ratio, this is simply how much herb you use compared to your solvent. It’s what determines the strength of your tincture, how much of the plant’s essence you capture, and ultimately how the plant shows up for you.
• Lower Strength Tinctures and Their Applications – Tinctures with higher second-number ratios, like 1:10, are gentler companions in your herbal journey. They hold a smaller portion of the plant in each dropper (around 100 mg per dropperful) but still carry the essence and character of the herb. These lighter tinctures are perfect for subtle daily support, letting you savor the plant’s gifts without overwhelming the senses.*
• Higher Strength Tinctures and Their Applications – When the first number in a tincture ratio is larger than the second—like 2:1 or 1:2—it tells you the herbs are taking center stage. These tinctures are more concentrated, carrying the essence of the plant in a fuller, higher strength form. A 2:1 tincture, for example, holds 2 grams (2,000 milligrams) of herbs in each dropperful, giving you a deeper, more vibrant taste of the plant’s benefits.*

Tincture Extraction Ratio Cheat Sheet

Measuring a dropperful of tincture is more than a step in a recipe—it’s part of the ritual. Here’s a simple guide to understanding what “one dropperful” really means in the world of herbalism.

• Defining a Dropperful – A dropperful holds about 1 milliliter (mL) of liquid.
• Variability in Dropper (Pipette) Size – The glass part of your dropper, the pipette, changes a little depending on the bottle it comes with. Longer for bigger bottles, shorter for smaller ones. But when we talk about a “dropperful,” we’re really just talking about the amount that rises up with a full squeeze of the rubber bulb. No matter the pipette’s length, that’s usually around 1 mL.
• Ensuring Consistent Measurement – Even though pipettes come in different lengths, the rubber bulb is always the same. Press it all the way down, release it, and you’ve captured roughly 1 mL of tincture.

How to Measure a Dropperful of Tincture

1. Prepare the Dropper – Begin with a clean, empty dropper. Gently squeeze out any liquid left inside so you can start fresh.
2. Shake the Tincture – Wake it up. Give the bottle a good shake to let the herbs and liquid mingle again.
3. Fill the Dropper –
   • Unscrew the cap.
   • Press the rubber bulb to release the air.
   • Lower the pipette into the tincture.
   • Release the bulb to draw up the liquid.
4. Measure a Dropperful – What you pull up (usually around the 1 mL mark) is considered one dropperful.

Following these small steps ensures each dose carries the plant’s full expression.* For deeper guidance, see our complete guide on Using Tinctures.

Calculate, Formulate, and Craft Clinical-Grade Tinctures

Our Tincture Recipe and Potency Calculator was created to make the process of tincture-making feel both precise and intuitive. It guides you through each step, helping you find the exact weight-to-volume ratio that defines your tincture’s strength and character. By simply entering the weight of your herbs and your desired extraction ratio, the calculator shows you how much alcohol to use and what the final strength will be.

For those working with more complex blends, Advanced Mode lets you build complete formulas. It calculates the exact amount of each herb, the total alcohol volume, and the individual strength of every ingredient.

And if you’re ever curious about a tincture already made, the calculator can help you decode how much herb it holds, as long as you know its extraction ratio.

Whether you’re crafting your first tincture or refining a trusted recipe, this tool is here to support the relationship between precision and tradition—the science and the spirit—of herbalism.