What Is the Easiest Way to Extract Resins From Dried Herbs?

A tincture is a maceration of herbs in a menstruum, which can be alcohol, glycerin or vinegar. Tinctures represent the most effective way to extract resins form dried herb, by using 190 proof alcohol as a menstruum, since resins are not soluble in water. Using a lower proof alcohol will render the extraction ineffective. Common resinous herbs include cottonwood buds, st. john's wort and thyme.

Choosing Ingredients

• Try buying your herbs from an online organic dealer to save time and money. Grain alcohol can be purchased at any local liquor store with a valid ID. Organic ingredients make a difference when it comes to making tinctures since chemicals from non-organic herbs will leak into tincture during the maceration process.

Preparing Tincture

• The ratio for resinous herb tinctures is one part dry herb to four parts grain alcohol. Once herbs are finely chopped, find a jar that will be filled to the top with the amount of herbs at hand. The lid of the jar should be lined with wax paper to protect the tincture from being in contact with metal or plastic. Pour grain alcohol in herb-filled jar, making sure to cover all plant material.

Maceration and Storage

• Ideally a tincture of dry resinous herbs should sit for at least one month, although the longer it macerates the better. It is important to shake the jar once a day to keep herbs from clumping up at bottom and expose them to the alcohol. Once the time of maceration concludes, tincture should be strained with a cheese cloth into a dark glass container and kept away from sunlight. Make sure to label the container with date and herb tinctured.