The Advantages of Percolation in Making a Tincture

Tinctures are easy-to-make herbal medicines. Two frequently used methods of making a tincture are maceration and percolation. In maceration, a finely chopped or powdered herb is soaked in a jar with a solvent, usually alcohol. In percolation, the herb is packed into a funnel and the solvent is passed through it. Herbalists have strong differences of opinion about which method is better, but both methods can yield excellent results. Here are some of the advantages of percolation.

Speed

• Percolation is faster than maceration. Percolation can be completed in 24 hours, and the process can be sped up to as little as three hours if you are in a hurry. In contrast, maceration takes one to six weeks.

Better for Dried Plant Material

• If you are using dried plant material, percolation will extract more of the active components. Maceration may be better when using fresh plants, gums or plant material that swells when wet.

A More Complete Method

• According to James Green in "The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook," percolation removes more of the soluble compounds from the plant material. However, Green notes that this is a matter of debate.

No Pressing

• Percolation does not require pressing or wringing out the herb. In contrast, maceration requires pressing the plant material after it has been soaked. Pressing can be physically difficult and can leave some of the most potent liquid behind. Pressing can also discolor the tincture by allowing pollen or other plant material to pass into the liquid.