Questions about tinctures

I too use the folk method of making tinctures. There was no way my brain could get wrapped around how to make a 5:1 tincture when I started making my own, and I've just continued to use that method since I'm so used to it.

If you strain them at 6 weeks, then the strength of the tincture is even throughout it. If you only strain part of it, it will continue to get 'stronger' (to a point) and you will likely need to adjust your dosages.

Yes! Keep the sediment from the bottom!! It's just the plant material that was broke down during the tincturing process and there is no harm in using it. I always have.

The folk method is a less exact way of making tinctures than the ratio method, but I can't find anywhere that explains the exact difference in strengths - and I'd hate to guess. What I do know is that the folk method tinctures I've been taking work well for me.

I put the sediment in my compost pile - that's per Buhner's recommendations and I'm a "by-the-book" type of person.

I would imagine there's no harm in consuming the sediment but I can't imagine there'd be much by way of constituents left since the whole purpose of tincturing is to extract the constituents from the herbs. And, the sediment would add to the volume of the tinctures which might provide for a weaker tincture.

As far as strength of folk method vs traditional methods of tincturing, I think other variables need to be confirmed to determine if there is any difference.

As in - are you using regular alcohol or grain alcohol? The use of grain alcohol definitely provides for a stronger tincture.

And, whether or not you are grinding the herbs before tincturing can also affect strength. Buhner recommends buying herbs as whole as possible to retain freshness and then grinding as finely as possible (to maximize surface area) before tincturing.

Finally, you'd need to see just how much herb (weight) you are using compared to alcohol (and possibly water). The more herb, the stronger the tincture.

The effective dose of anything is the dose that is effective for the individual.

I recently read that maximum tincture strength is achieved at 8 wks. and tincturing longer is just a method of preservation.

I decant the entire Ball Jar's worth of tincture at one time.....that way, the constituents are spread evenly throughout that particular batch.

I use 24 oz Ball jars to make things easy since I only make tinctures from dried herb and they are all 1:5 ratio. 4 oz of herb, 20 oz of liquid (percentages of grain alcohol and water vary based upon whether the tincture is 50% alcohol, 60%, etc.)

If anyone is interested in the "recipe" chart for I made based upon what is listed in the Materia Medica of Buhner's books for 16 commonly-used herbs, I will gladly share - just send me an email.