Concentrated Bulk Herbs

Concentrated bulk herbs allow consumers to create their own tinctures and extracts cheaper than purchasing them at a health food or holistic medicine store. In addition, these herbs also provide the consumer with more options regarding the potency of the extract produced. Because the herbs are concentrated, they must be extracted before use to achieve the best results.

Types and Uses

• Concentrated bulk herbs come in many different types and forms, depending on the distributor. Most concentrated bulk herbs are sold by the pound and come dried and either crushed or chopped. The uses for concentrated bulk herbs vary by the type of herb you purchase. For instance, couch-grass extract can be used as a diuretic and to treat urinary tract problems. Flax or linseed can be made into a poultice and used to treat wounds.

Tincture Versus Extract

• Since concentrated bulk herbs must first be extracted before they can be used, they are often turned into tinctures or extracts. Though these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight different between tinctures and extracts. Tinctures are generally made using less herbs per ounce than extracts. Because of this, tinctures are slightly less potent than their extract counterparts. The process for creating tinctures or extracts is the same, except how much herb you use per fluid ounce.

Extraction

• Extraction is the process of diluting the medicinal properties of concentrated bulk herbs into a liquid solution. Alcohol and vinegar are two of the most common solutions to use when extracting concentrated bulk herbs. This process can be done at home by sterilizing several glass jars and lids. A small amount of the concentrated bulk herb is placed in the bottom of the jar, and the liquid solution is added. After thoroughly shaking the jars, they are stored in a cool, dark space for at least four weeks. Once they reach the desired potency, the herbs are strained out using a cheesecloth, and the tincture or extract is swallowed or applied to the skin.

Alcohol versus Vinegar

• When creating a tincture or extract from concentrated bulk herbs, you can use either alcohol or vinegar. Alcohol generally extracts the properties of the herbs more thoroughly than a vinegar solution. However, for tinctures or extracts that are applied to the skin, a vinegar-based extract tends to dry out the skin less than alcohol. Some herbal extracts for the skin are also made from an oil base for moisture. For homemade tinctures and extracts, 80-proof or higher vodka is commonly used for alcohol-based extraction, while apple cider vinegar is commonly used for vinegar-based extraction.