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Herb to Alcohol Ratio Formula:
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The herb to alcohol ratio is a crucial measurement in herbal tincture preparation that determines the concentration of herbal constituents in the final product. It represents the proportion of herb weight to alcohol volume used in the extraction process.
The calculator uses the simple ratio formula:
Where:
Explanation: The ratio indicates how many grams of herb are used per milliliter of alcohol. Common ratios range from 1:2 to 1:5 for most herbal tinctures.
Details: The correct herb to alcohol ratio ensures optimal extraction of medicinal compounds, affects tincture potency, shelf life, and dosage accuracy. Different herbs may require specific ratios for maximum efficacy.
Tips: Enter the weight of your dried herb in grams and the volume of alcohol in milliliters. Both values must be greater than zero. The calculator will display both the ratio value and the standard 1:X format commonly used in herbalism.
Q1: What is a typical ratio for herbal tinctures?
A: Most tinctures use a 1:4 or 1:5 ratio (1 part herb to 4-5 parts alcohol by weight:volume), but this can vary based on the herb and desired potency.
Q2: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A: Yes, but fresh herbs contain water which affects the ratio. Typically, fresh herb tinctures use a 1:2 ratio to account for the moisture content.
Q3: What alcohol percentage should I use?
A: Alcohol percentage depends on the herb's constituents. Generally, 40-60% alcohol is used for most herbs, but some require higher percentages (up to 90%) for proper extraction.
Q4: How does ratio affect tincture strength?
A: A lower ratio (more herb per alcohol) creates a stronger, more concentrated tincture, while a higher ratio produces a weaker extraction.
Q5: How long should I steep the tincture?
A: Most tinctures require 4-6 weeks of steeping, shaken daily, but this can vary based on the herb and ratio used.