24 Hour Percolation Method for Herbal Alcohol Extracts

Summary

This video explains the percolation method for creating herbal tinctures in just 24 hours, contrasting it with the slower maceration method. The percolation technique is faster and yields a more potent extract with a richer color and fragrance. The process involves hydrating the herbs, using a percolator, and carefully controlling the flow of alcohol through the herb material. This results in a high-quality herbal tincture, like the elderflower and ginkgo biloba examples, ideal for skin and hair care formulations. The video provides a detailed, hands-on guide for producing herbal extracts efficiently and effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Percolation is a faster method of producing herbal tinctures, taking only 24 hours compared to the maceration method, which can take 4 to 6 weeks.
• 😀 The percolation method is known for producing more potent tinctures, with deeper color and more intense, authentic aromas.
• 😀 A percolator (dropping funnel) is commonly used for the process, and herbalists sometimes modify a wine bottle to create their own percolator.
• 😀 The tincture ratio is typically 1 part herb by weight to 5 parts alcohol by volume, with the alcohol concentration ranging from 40% to 50% ABV.
• 😀 The herb must be hydrated with alcohol before placing it in the percolator to prevent air pockets and clogging. It should be damp, not soaked.
• 😀 Grinding the herb into a powder is essential, but it should not be too fine to prevent clumping and filtering issues.
• 😀 After hydrating the herb, a cotton ball is placed in the percolator to help create a seal and prevent herbs from passing through.
• 😀 The alcohol is poured slowly into the percolator, and the valve is closed once the alcohol has passed through the herb to avoid air bubbles.
• 😀 The percolation process takes about 24 hours, after which the tincture is filtered slowly to separate the alcohol from the herb.
• 😀 The final herbal extract is clear, potent, and free of herb particles, making it suitable for applications like skincare (e.g., ginkgo biloba for fine lines).

Q & A

What is the main difference between the percolation method and the maceration method?

The percolation method produces herbal tinctures in 24 hours, while the maceration method takes about 4 to 6 weeks. In the maceration method, herbs are soaked in alcohol, while the percolation method is faster and said to produce a more potent extract with a deeper color and more intense aroma.

Why is the percolation method considered more potent than the maceration method?

The percolation method is considered more potent because it allows for quicker extraction of the herbal compounds, resulting in a tincture with a deeper color and more intense, true-to-herb aroma.

What is the general ratio for making tinctures using the percolation method?

The general ratio is 1 part herb by weight to 5 parts alcohol by volume.

What alcohol percentages are recommended for making tinctures using the percolation method?

The recommended alcohol percentage is typically 40% or 50% (ABV), although a higher alcohol percentage can be used if diluted with water.

How should the herb be prepared before using it in the percolation method?

The herb should be hydrated first. This involves moistening the herb with alcohol until it feels like damp sand, allowing it to absorb alcohol gradually to avoid air pockets and clogging.

What is the ideal consistency for grinding herbs used in the percolation method?

Herbs should be ground into a fine powder, but not so fine that it clumps or becomes difficult to filter. The goal is to create a consistency that allows alcohol to flow through without clogging.

Can the percolation method be used with all types of herbs?

The percolation method works well with many herbs, but it is less effective for thick, viscous, or woody herbs like barks and roots, as these can be difficult to grind fine enough.

Why is it important to avoid soaking the herb too much in alcohol before percolation?

If the herb is soaked too much, it could lead to uneven moisture distribution, potentially causing air pockets or clogging the system, which would hinder the extraction process.

What role does the cotton ball or pad serve in the percolation process?

The cotton ball or pad is used to create a better seal at the top of the herb layer, preventing the herb from passing through the percolator's spout and ensuring a smoother filtration process.

How long should the tincture be left to process in the percolator?

The tincture should be left to process in the percolator for about 24 hours before it is filtered into a beaker.