Tincture Extraction Ratios

Understanding Tincture Extraction Ratios: Potency, Consistency, and Efficacy

A Guide to Potency, Precision, and Effectiveness in Herbalism

Herbalism, with its roots in centuries of tradition, offers a rich source of phytotherapeutics drawn from ethnobotanical knowledge, the innate wisdom of plants, and insights from contemporary scientific research. Herbs—when used with intention and purpose—can be used to heal, to uplift and restore the psyche, to replenish the body, and, when needed, to nourish the spirit.

Liquid alcohol extracts have been integral to traditional medicine systems and remain central to many herbal practices today. Historically, these extracts were prepared using wine macerations. Today, tinctures are the preferred form, as they offer superior extractions and greater self-stability compared to wine macerations and other low-ABV preparations.

If we—and we do—believe that plants are medicine, then we need to appreciate and approach them as such.

At the core of appreciating and approaching tinctures as plant medicine is understanding tincture extraction ratios—the weight-to-volume ratio of a tincture. Tincture extraction ratios are a critical factor in determining the potency and efficacy of a tincture and are integral in helping consumers understand the potency of the product they purchase and use.

Written for both those who make and those who use tinctures, this guide breaks down what tincture extraction ratios are, how they influence potency of a tincture, and why they matter for both herbalists and consumers. This guide also provides practical guidance on reading and calculating tincture extraction ratios—empowering you to make confident, informed choices whether you're a plant-medicine maker or a plant-medicine taker.

What Are Tincture Extraction Ratios?

Defining Weight-to-Volume Ratios in Tincture Making

Tincture extraction ratios represent the relationship between weight and volume. The two terms are, in fact, synonymous. While at RAW Forest Foods, we typically refer to them as tincture extraction ratios, it is equally correct to call them weight-to-volume ratios.

At its simplest, making a tincture involves combining herbs with a solvent (typically alcohol). When both the weight of the herbs and the volume of alcohol are measured, they can be expressed as a ratio. For example, a 1:5 ratio means one part herb (by weight) to five parts alcohol (by volume).

In this way, the tincture extraction ratio defines the proportion of herb (by weight) to alcohol—or another solvent (by volume). Written as ratios, the first number represents the weight of the herbs, and the second number denotes the volume of the solvent used.

Consistency in measurement units is essential when determining the extraction ratio. In the metric system, herb weight is measured in grams and liquid volume in liters. In the standard system, herb weight is measured in ounces and liquid volume in fluid ounces.

How to Interpret Extraction Ratios

For example, a tincture extraction ratio of 1:5 means one part herb (by weight) is combined with five parts solvent (by volume). Likewise, a 1:10 ratio means one part herb (by weight) is combined with ten parts solvent (by volume).

Tincture Extraction Ratios and Herb Content Per Dropperful

Why Tincture Extraction Ratios Matter

The tincture extraction ratio directly informs about the potency, consistency, and therapeutic qualities of a tincture. Becoming fluent in understanding tincture extraction ratios is not simply a pedantic practice. This knowledge has practical implications not only for plant-medicine makers but also for plant-medicine takers. Without knowing what goes into a tincture, it’s impossible to know what’s in it.

Mastering these ratios empowers consumers to use tinctures more effectively and equips them with the knowledge to assess their overall quality and the craftsmanship behind their production.

• Understanding Potency Through Extraction Ratios

  The extraction ratio of a tincture indicates its strength and represents how much of an herb the tincture contains.

  For example, a 1:5 ratio indicates a higher concentration of herbs relative to the solvent, making it more potent than a tincture with a higher second number, such as 1:10. As shown in the table above, a 1:5 tincture contains 200 milligrams of herbs per dropperful, while a 1:10 tincture contains 100 milligrams per dropperful.

• Using Extraction Ratios to Guide Dosage

  Knowing a tincture’s extraction ratio is essential for accurate dosing. Understanding the amount of an herb in each dropperful allows for dosage that is precise and aligned with therapeutic needs.

• The Role of Extraction Ratios in Quality and Consistency

  Manufacturers must ensure the consistency of their tinctures. Maintaining uniform ratios across batches helps deliver reliable strength and efficacy—both essential for honoring the tradition of plants as medicine and for respecting those who rely on these products.

Key Considerations

1. Dried Herbs vs. Fresh Herbs

   When making a tincture, herb weight should always be measured using dried—not fresh—herbs. As such, weight-to-volume measurements should represent the weight of dried herbs, not fresh herbs.

   Fresh herbs contain a significant amount of water—typically 70–90% of their total weight. This skews the calculation of the required alcohol volume, leading to an inaccurate tincture extraction ratio. As a result, the extraction may be less effective, the tincture may lack proper shelf-stability, and the final product could be misleading to consumers.

2. Whole Herbs vs. Extract Powders

   Whole herbs, including cut-and-sifted or powdered whole herbs, are the correct starting material for tinctures. Extract powders are not.

   Some producers use extract powders in place of whole herbs to create the illusion of a tincture that is exceptionally potent. In fact, this practice produces tinctures of dubious quality—resulting in products that mislead consumers, have highly questionable efficacy, and are ultimately aimed at reducing costs for the producer.

How Extraction Ratios Influence Tincture Quality

When determining the quality of a tincture, the first question needs to be whether or not the extraction ratio is present. It is a red-flag if a producer does not include this information—and when they are omitted, it is safe to question what else is being omitted.

Higher ratios (e.g., 1:10) tinctures are commonly used for maintenance doses or when gentler effects are needed. Conversely, lower ratios, such as 1:2 or even a 2:1, are chosen for their potency, making them ideal for addressing specific health concerns where a more concentrated dose of the herb is essential.

The choice of extraction ratio significantly affects not only potency but the overall quality and therapeutic efficacy of a tincture:

The Relationship Between Extraction Ratios and Potency

• Higher W:V Extraction Ratios (e.g., 1:5, 1:10)

  These tinctures contain less herb per dropperful, resulting in lower potency. They can be useful for maintenance dosing, when a milder effect is needed, or for herbs that must be dosed at very low levels for safety.

• Lower W:V Extraction Ratios (e.g., 2:1, 1:2, 1:3)

  These highly concentrated tinctures are preferred for their strong, pronounced therapeutic qualities. When made with whole herbs—not fresh herbs or extract powders—lower weight-to-volume ratios indicate a high concentration of herbal material, producing potent therapeutic benefits. These tinctures are ideal for acute therapeutic needs that benefit from high doses of an herb.

Selecting a Tincture Based on Extraction Ratios

When selecting a tincture, consider both the reason for its use and the specific properties of the herb. A higher concentration does not always mean a tincture is better suited for your needs—the key is aligning potency with your specific therapeutic goals.

• When to Choose a Higher W:V Ratio Tincture

  Ideal for maintenance dosing, gentle support, or when a milder effect is desired. These tinctures offer a lower concentration of herbs per dropperful, making them suitable for ongoing maintenance and safe, low-level dosing.

• When to Choose a Lower W:V Ratio Tincture

  Preferred for specific health concerns requiring a higher concentration of an herb. These tinctures deliver stronger therapeutic effects and are often used in acute scenarios where more concentrated doses are needed.

Hands-On: Reading and Interpreting Tincture Extraction Ratios

Decoding Extraction Ratios

• Understanding Weight-to-Volume (W:V) Ratios

  Also referred to as the tincture extraction ratio, this ratio indicates the amount of herb used in a tincture relative to the amount of solvent, directly impacting the tincture’s concentration of active compounds.

• Lower Potency Tinctures and Their Applications

  Higher second-number ratios tinctures (e.g., 1:10) result in a less concentrated tincture with a lower proportion of herbs.

  A 1:10 tincture contains 100 mg of herbs per dropperful.

• Higher Potency Tinctures and Their Applications

  Ratios with a higher first number and a lower second number (e.g., 2:1, 1:2) indicate a more concentrated tincture with a higher proportion of herbs.

  A 2:1 tincture contains 2 grams (2,000 milligrams) of herbs per dropperful.

Hands-On: Tincture Extraction Ratio Cheat Sheet

Measuring One Dropperful of Tincture

What Is One Dropperful of Tincture?

Accurately measuring a dropperful of tincture is essential for proper dosing. Here’s a clear breakdown of what "one dropperful" means in herbalism.

• Defining a Dropperful

  A dropperful is approximately 1 milliliter (mL) of liquid.

• Variability in Dropper (Pipette) Size

  The glass part of the dropper, known as the pipette, varies in length depending on the bottle size—longer in larger bottles and shorter in smaller ones.

  However, a dropperful refers only to the amount of liquid drawn up with one full squeeze of the rubber bulb, which is typically about 1 mL, regardless of pipette size.

• Ensuring Consistent Measurement

  While pipette lengths may differ, the rubber bulb is generally uniform in size across droppers. Fully compressing and releasing the bulb provides a consistent measure of 1 mL of tincture.

How to Measure a Dropperful of Tincture

1. Prepare the Dropper

   Start with an empty dropper by squeezing out any residual liquid.

2. Shake the Tincture

   Ensure the tincture is well mixed by shaking the bottle thoroughly.

3. Fill the Dropper

   • Unscrew the cap.
   • Fully compress the rubber bulb to expel air.
   • Insert the pipette into the tincture.
   • Release the bulb to draw up the liquid.

4. Measure a Dropperful

   The amount of tincture drawn into the pipette—typically up to the 1 mL mark—is considered one dropperful.

Following these instructions ensures consistent and accurate dosing, which is essential for effective therapeutic use. For more details, see our complete guide on Using Tinctures.

Calculate, Formulate, and Craft Clinical-Grade Tinctures

Our Tincture Recipe Calculator provides step-by-step instructions for determining the exact weight-to-volume ratio—the correct tincture extraction ratio—for your tincture, empowering you to craft clinical-grade tinctures tailored to your specific needs. By entering the weight of the herbs you’re using and the desired extraction ratio, the calculator determines the precise amount of alcohol required and the final potency of the tincture.

Advanced Mode allows you to input a complete formula, calculating the exact amount of each herb, the required volume of alcohol needed, and the individual potency of each ingredient.

Additionally, the calculator can help decode the herb content in a tincture—provided you know the extraction ratio.

Further Reading and Resources