Tinctures Vs Extracts and What is the Difference

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NOTE: This information is meant for educational purposes only .I am NOT a doctor nor pretend to be one. Nothing I say should be used to replace professional medical counseling. Also, PLEASE do your OWN research!

[tribeff]

Tincture vs Extract


Tinctures and extracts are both concentrated forms of herbal remedies, but they differ in their preparation, ingredients, and uses. Here are the key differences:
Tincture:

Preparation:
Tinctures are made by soaking herbs in a solvent, typically alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and water, for a few weeks.
The alcohol extracts the active compounds from the herbs and acts as a preservative.

Ingredients:
The primary solvent is usually alcohol, but glycerin or vinegar can be used as alternatives.
The herb used can be fresh or dried.

Concentration:
Tinctures generally have a lower concentration of active compounds compared to extracts.
The typical ratio of herb to solvent in tinctures is 1:5 or 1:10 (weight/volume).

Usage:
Tinctures are typically taken orally in small doses, often diluted in water or another liquid.
They are used for a wide range of medicinal purposes, depending on the herb used.

Shelf Life:
Due to the alcohol content, tinctures have a long shelf life, often several years.

Extract:

Preparation:
Extracts are made by using solvents such as alcohol, water, glycerin, or oil to pull out the active compounds from herbs.
The process can involve various methods, including cold extraction, hot extraction, or using pressure.

Ingredients:
The solvent can vary widely, including alcohol, water, glycerin, or even oils.

Concentration:
Extracts are typically more concentrated than tinctures.
The herb to solvent ratio can be much higher, such as 1:1 or 1:2, leading to a stronger product.

Usage:
Extracts can be used in various forms, including liquid extracts, powders, or capsules.
They are often used for more potent and targeted therapeutic effects.

Shelf Life:
The shelf life of extracts varies depending on the solvent used, but alcohol-based extracts have a long shelf life similar to tinctures.

Summary:

Tinctures are typically alcohol-based, less concentrated, and have a long shelf life. They are used for general health purposes and are taken in small doses.
Extracts can be made with various solvents, are more concentrated, and can be tailored for specific therapeutic effects. They come in different forms and have varying shelf lives.

The choice between a tincture and an extract depends on the desired potency, the method of administration, and the specific health needs.

[blessedbloominghomestead]

I used vodka mostly, some with rum and always dried herbs for my tinctures. The one I use the most is feverfew for shoulder pain and the taste is nasty, but it works. Technically I guess, my flavored extracts are really tinctures because I use rum with vanilla beans and vodka with my other flavors such as coffee. I found this one very interesting. Many Blessings!

[mrs.creeksidemaples]

I thoroughly enjoy your educational content Heidi… you are a Treasure indeed ✨

[scole]

Very true!
Any amount differs due to a number of reasons just like any medical professional would use!
Body weight, tolerance, age, physical condition!
It’s important to understand this and if a beginner to start of small w/ self medicating!

[Frankie_]

This is a great video. I've been wondering this same thing about what the difference is. Thank you Heidi!!❤️

[davidsummerville]

After viewing 4 or 5 of your videos, I am subscribing. Great info.

[karenw]

I've been watching videos at Homegrown Herbalist, and he says the tinctures have a virtually unlimited shelf life. I also read somewhere (MAYBE Rosemary Gladstar but not sure) that when using fresh herbs you should allow them to wilt first, just to reduce the moisture level. I maybe shouldn't be putting information out there, since I just started learning about herbal remedies about a month ago...that's my disclaimer.

[mariep]

I use garlic tincture for my antibiotic. I also add the skins to the garlic when I make my garlic tincture, which makes it even more potent. Actually, the skins have more antibacterial properties and is excellent for your skin. I’ve also use onion skins, which is also excellent for your skin. just thought I’d share my process of how I make my garlic tincture. I love your videos you’re so informative and well read. You seem very passionate about herbalism.

[justincase]

I literally just made a rosemary tincture. I watched this and learned I actually mad an extract! Thank you for clarification, as I was confused on this subject as well!

[shelleygiesbrecht]

I’ve been using my homemade wine to make wild lettuce extracts for pain, and I got the idea from you, so thanks!

[lovemypups]

Very helpful video ( and links) !
Thank you!
Looking forward to the Live today😊

[kmiller]

Thank You Mrs Heidi for clarifying this.. I was very confused before. Everyone stay safe and God Bless you and your families from middle GA 🙏 Kendra

[rodneyreynolds]

❤your channel and the fact that you don't have a problem showing how you grow in you practice. Plus, you are thorough and that means everything when learning. Thanks for what you do!

[saucywench]

I don't know where they got the idea that a vodka tincture has limited shelf life. I know of someone that has a poke root tincture over 15 years old and it's still going strong. I'll also bottle my tinctures and a couple I've just forgotten about or haven't gotten around to decanting yet and one is a peppermint that's two years old and is super strong. When I make a tincture I've always been overly cautious of the volatile oils so I never used dried plant matter, only fresh. Too many water and alcohol soluble components are lost when dried. Using everclear for a tincture is closing in to a pharmaceutical but can also drive people away from making their own medicine because of the math and ratios. Some get discouraged and others kind of neurotic about what is supposed to be a very easy process when using vodka. By the time you're done with the everclear and adding water back to it to make it safe for consumption you end up with a alcohol and water ratio of 100 proof anyway so just use 80 to 100proof vodka instead.

[CarlosSejas]

Wow, I think I'm going to start making wine, extracts and tinctures now no joke. I'll be using your videos too! Thanks!

[lovemypups]

Well since You Tube is being a pain during the "Live" im going to revisit sone of your other videos❤.

[RedNicole]

Thanks for making this video as I too have been confused. This helps clear things up. Saved for future use. Have a great day!

[Elizabethpacheco-up]

Thank you so much for telling us the difference between the two . 😃
And it is true many people cannot find the ingredients or cannot grow them in the garden or find them in the wild . 🤔
Many Carmen ingredients available to many people are simple ingredients that you can buy at the grocery store or your liquor store .🤔
I wish that more people would tell us recipes for making homemade medicine that we can purchase at a local stores or grow easily . 🤔
I personally love making the ( Flu Bomb ) for colds and flu season it really does work I make it in several different ways . 🙂
But the main ingredient is pure organic honey . 🙂
I also make one with vodka.
And sometimes I make one with a combination of vodka and pure honey cough and cold syrup. 🤔
It actually works for almost everything . 🙂
Pure organic honey .🤔
Fresh diced garlic. 🤔
Fresh dice tamarac. 🤔
Fresh diced Ginger. 🤔
Fresh diced yellow and red onions .🤔
Fresh cayenne peppers .🤔
Fresh parsley . 🤔
Fresh diced lemons and oranges .🤔
Black peppercorns . 🤔
Or black pepper powder .
Some organic cinnamon sticks .🤔
Dry oregano. 🤔
Dry Rosemary. 🤔
Dried basil . 🤔
Some dry bay leaves. 🤔
Some dried fig leaves. 🤔
Some dried grape leaves. 🤔
I absolutely know that is a lot of ingredients and there is so many different types of recipes . 🤔😮🤔
I shake it up to mix it once in a while for a round 6 to 8 weeks or longer in a cool and dark area . 🤔
Then I strain it out into a 1 gallon glass sterilized jar with lid . 🤔
Then I divided it in to smaller jars to give out as gifts . 🙂
And to make it easier when my family needs it . 🙂
If it is the honey only version of the recipe we take one teaspoon to 1 tablespoon 2 or 3 times a day for 3 days .🤔
If it is the vodka only recipe we take a few drops under our tongue to 1/2 teaspoon 2 to 3 times a day for 3 days. 🤔
It depends on the individual person. 🤔
It also depends on the age of the person .🤔
And it also depends if your doctor prescribes you medication that would interfere with taking any herbal homemade medication . 🤔
Talk to your doctor before taking anything .🤔
A little goes a long way . 🤔
What works for one person will not work for everyone .🤔
Do your own research . 🙂

[WendyK]

Heidi, what good information! Thank you, Heidi, for the clarification on both. I myself Heidi, I always go small too!!! Thank you for the Link and I am going to go read.

[elenabarron]

I used to use Alcohol 🍷 but since I no longer drink 🍹 alcohol 🍷 I am now using Glycerin or Oxymel with Vinegar!