Whether you’re a home herbalist or clinical practitioner, getting the alcohol percentage right is crucial for both effective extraction and long-term preservation of your tinctures. This comprehensive reference combines field-tested data from two respected sources to help you make informed decisions about your herbal preparations.
## How to Use This Reference
Simply type any herb name in the search box to instantly find:
*** Recommended alcohol percentages
* Fresh vs. dry preparation methods
* Weight-to-volume ratios
* Water and glycerin percentages where applicable
* Important safety notes**
### Understanding the Data
This reference synthesizes:
Pacific Northwest field data from Scott Kloos (2010) – tested ratios for fresh and dry preparations
General extraction guidelines from Nikki Hess/Monarch Herbs – broader ABV ranges for dry herbs
Where sources differ, both are listed so you can make informed choices based on your materials and methods.
### Key Principles to Remember
#### Alcohol Percentage Basics:
High alcohol (70-95%): For resins, volatile oils, and alkaloids (e.g., propolis, myrrh, fresh aromatic herbs)
Medium alcohol (40-70%): For most standard extractions, balanced constituents
Low alcohol (20-40%): For water-soluble constituents like polysaccharides, minerals, and mucilage
#### Fresh vs. Dry Considerations:
Fresh plants contain significant water content, so they typically require higher alcohol percentages to achieve the desired final concentration. Dry herbs have moisture removed, allowing lower initial alcohol percentages.
#### Preservation Note:
While some references show alcohol as low as 20-25%, this is the absolute minimum for preservation. For long-term storage (5+ years), 30% or higher is recommended. Remember that alcohol evaporates faster than water, so percentages decrease over time.
#### *Safety First*
Several entries include important safety notes – particularly for toxic plants (like Yew), photosensitizing herbs (Cow Parsnip), or those requiring special preparation (Cascara Sagrada must age one year). Always research thoroughly before working with unfamiliar plants.
### About This Project
This reference was compiled to make tincture-making information more accessible to the herbal community. The data represents decades of combined experience from respected herbalists and should serve as a starting point for your own practice.
For educational purposes only. Always verify plant identification and safety before use. Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice.
#### Sources:
**Pacific Northwest Tincture Chart** © 2010 Scott Kloos
**Herbal Tincture ABV Reference** compiled by Nikki Hess, Monarch Herbs