Herbs Dosing Extracting and Infusing
Herbs Dosing Extracting and Infusing
com
Welcome to the enchanting world of herb magic, where we explore the spellbinding
ways of turning simple plants into powerful potions. In this guide, we embark on a
magical journey to uncover the secrets of extractions and infusions. Picture yourself as a
wizard in training, learning to coax out the hidden powers of herbs. Through extraction,
imagine you possess the unique ability to gently pull the most potent elements from
plants, using tools like water, alcohol, or oil to capture their healing essence. Meanwhile,
infusion is akin to brewing a magical tea, where you let herbs share their gifts with wa-
ter through a warm embrace, creating concoctions that can heal, soothe, and comfort.
Join us as we take our first steps into a realm where plants reveal their mysteries, offer-
ing their strength to those willing to learn their ancient language.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
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Fresh herbs are stronger than dry and essential oils are stronger than standard oil infusions.
Example : Plant material containing 16% THC was tested to have 10mg of THC per 0.97mg of plant material,
resulting in a ratio of 1:11.6 (material weighed before decarboxylated at 240F for 50 minutes) when extracted
for 24 hours with a temperature of 100-112F.Understanding these ratios and extraction processes is essential
in herbology, especially when dealing with potent compounds like THC.
EXTRACTIONS / INFUSIONS
BASIC PREPARATION:
Mix the dried herb with an equal weight/volume of solvent (for example, 224g of herb to 224ml of alcohol).
Ensure there is enough head space in your glass container for expansion and for shaking the mixture.
Seal the glass container and store it in a cool, dark place, shaking it daily for 2-6 weeks.
Time and solvent of Extraction: Depends on the compounds you are looking to extract. Some
require water, some require alcohol and some oil.
After the soaking period, strain the mixture to separate the liquid (your tincture) from the solid herb parts. A
fine mesh or cheesecloth works well for this step. Use a press to receive max yield.
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If the plant material is not as dense and absorbs more of the liquid,
you might need to increase the volume of the menstruum (solvent)
to keep the plant material fully submerged.
This ensures that the entirety of the plant material is in contact with
the alcohol, facilitating optimal extraction of its constituents.
OVER EXTRACTION:
Inefficiency and Poor Extraction:
Ineffectiveness can result from too lengthy an extraction process where the solvent becomes saturated, and
no additional beneficial compounds can be dissolved. Beyond a certain point, prolonged extraction might
only contribute to extracting more undesired compounds, such as tannins or other potentially harmful sub-
stances, without increasing the concentration of desired compounds.
CHOOSING A SOLVENT:
Alcohol:
Highly efficient for a broad range of compounds, including those difficult to extract with water or glycerin.
Particularly effective for extracting certain alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids.
Water:
Extracts water-soluble compounds well. Less effective for fat-soluble compounds, which are better extracted
by alcohol or oil.
Oil:
Ideal for extracting fat-soluble compounds. Not as effective for com-
pounds that are more soluble in alcohol or water.
Glycerin:
Less efficient than alcohol for certain compounds such as alka-
loids.
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ALCOHOL AS A SOLVENT:
Alcohol is touted as a universal solvent in the context of herbal extractions, pri-
marily because it is effective at extracting both the essential oils and most of the
other chemical compounds that water can extract from herbs. Additionally, alco-
hol can access medicinal components that require a double-extraction process,
involving both water and alcohol, to be fully extracted.
Can you use 190 Proof? Higher alcohol concentration can penetrate plant
material more effectively, ensuring a potent extraction of its medicinal constitu-
ents. At such a high proof, alcohol acts as an excellent preservative, maintaining
the tincture’s potency and stability over time. Certain herbs are most efficiently
extracted using pure 190-proof ethyl alcohol. Examples include Milk Thistle seed,
Chaparral, Myrrh, and Calendula.
Cloudy Mixture:
The mixture can get cloudy sometimes due to the presence of certain compounds in the herbs that are not
completely soluble in the alcohol-water solution. The cloudiness might arise from the extraction of plant
starches, gums, and mucilaginous materials because, while alcohol is a powerful solvent, it does not dissolve
these plant substances as readily as it does others
Specific Situations:
Ensure the correct proportions of alcohol to water when following specific recipes, especially when working
with mushrooms (mentioned below) or lichens, as outlined in the provided methods which suggest a mix
involving significant parts of both alcohol and distilled water.
Be aware that evaporation of alcohol over time is one of the biggest risks to the integrity of a tincture, thus
keeping them in well-sealed containers is crucial .
DISTILLED WATER:
Distilled water is “hungry water” and loves to absorb things. It’s also very clean and void of bacteria and
other compounds or chemicals.
Purity: Distilled water is free from chemicals, minerals, and other impurities found in non-distilled water
sources. These impurities can interact with the compounds being extracted from the herbs, potentially
affecting the efficacy, taste, and clarity of the final tincture. The absence of such impurities in distilled water
ensures that the only solvents acting on the plant materials are the alcohol and the water itself, allowing for
a “cleaner” extraction of active substances.
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Solvent Efficacy: Alcohol has a unique importance as a solvent, not just for its ability to dissolve many
active plant substances that water alone cannot, but also because it avoids extracting certain components
such as albuminous matter, plant starches, gums, and mucilaginous materials, which water can dissolve.
This property of alcohol to exclude certain plant substances—referred to as its “negative strength”—is par-
ticularly relevant. Using distilled water reduces the risk of unintended substances being dissolved in the wa-
ter part of the extraction, thus making the alcohol’s role in the extraction process more precise and effective.
Consistency in Extractions: The consistency in the chemical makeup of distilled water can lead to more
consistent results in the extraction process. Because distilled water always has the same properties (unlike
tap water, which can vary significantly in mineral content and purity depending on the source), it makes the
process more predictable and repeatable.
Some extractions require high alcohol and some require higher water ratios. This will all depend on the
herbs and the uses you are aiming to use. You can also extract the material again using something like wa-
ter or oil after the alcohol evaporates to grab the rest of the compounds.
Evaporation Method for Individual Doses: For an alcohol-free dose, deposit a single dose of the extract
onto a wafer or another edible, porous substance. Leave it in a place that is airy and free from humidity un-
til the alcohol evaporates completely. The active ingredients from the extract will remain infused in the wafer,
ready for consumption without the alcohol content.
Gentle Heat Evaporation: To concentrate the tincture, use gentle heat to evaporate some of the alcohol.
This can be done by placing the tincture in a water bath (double boiler) at a low temperature. It’s crucial
to ensure the setup is safe for handling alcohol over heat, taking care to avoid any open flames as alcohol
fumes are flammable.
Natural Evaporation: Alternately, if you prefer not to use heat, you can simply leave the tincture open in
a well-ventilated area. The alcohol will slowly evaporate over time, leaving a more concentrated tincture
behind. This process requires patience and time.
Monitoring the Process: Keep a close eye on the tincture as it concentrates, checking regularly to achieve
the desired level of concentration. Remember, removing too much alcohol might increase the risk of spoil-
age since alcohol acts as a preservative.
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CONCENTRATION:
Formula Example:
To reduce a 1:10 100ml extraction to 1:1, Reduce the volume of the extract by:
To convert the initial 1:10 ratio to the desired 1:1 ratio, you need to evaporate 90ml of the original 100ml ex-
traction. By doing so, you will be left with 10ml of alcohol containing the same amount of extract, achieving
the 1:1 ratio as desired.
OIL AS A SOLVENT:
Oils are used to extract lipophilic (fat-soluble) compounds from herbs, which are not as effectively extracted
by alcohol or water. This includes certain vitamins, sterols, and other fat-soluble phytochemicals. Infused oils
are typically used for topical applications rather than internal use, which is a key difference in the utilization
of oil extractions compared to alcohol-based tincture. However Coconut oil and other oils can be used for
internal use of these oil only compounds.
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Be acutely aware of any potential negative interactions between herbs, especially if they share similar side
effects or if one might exacerbate a condition that another is supposed to alleviate.
Source high-quality herbs, as the potency and purity will directly impact the effectiveness of your blend.
Ensure freshness, as this can significantly influence both the therapeutic qualities and flavor profile of the
herbs.
Note: To reduce the dose you can further concentrate and reduce the solvent.
Go to iKnowNature.com and search for the Excel document with the premade formula!
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DECANTATION
Decantation is a method used to separate mixtures, including the process of removing liquid from a con-
tainer without disturbing the sediment at the bottom. In the context provided by the document, decanta-
tion is employed as a means to avoid dispensing any sediment present in the liquid, which is critical in the
preparation and dosing of herbal tinctures.
Certainly, decanting is a simple yet effective method to separate liquid from sediment, often used in herbal
medicine preparation. Here’s a quick and easy guide to decant your tinctures or other preparations:
1. Wait for Sediment to Settle: First, allow the liquid and sediment mixture to sit undisturbed. This will let
the heavier particles settle at the bottom, creating a clear separation between the liquid and sediment.
2. Prepare for Transfer: Position a clean container where you will decant the liquid. If you aim to filter the
dregs, have a fine clean cloth or a muslin/nylon mesh bag ready.
3. Gently Decant the Liquid: Slowly and carefully tilt the original container and begin pouring the liquid
into the new container. The goal is to transfer as much liquid as possible without disturbing the sediment at
the bottom.
4. Stop Before Sediment Transfers: As you pour, watch carefully for when the sediment at the bottom
starts to approach the lip of the container. Stop pouring immediately to avoid transferring the sediment.
5. Optional - Setup for Pressing: After the decantation step where the clearer liquid has been separated
from the sediment, the mixture that contains the residual solvent (and possibly plant material) can be placed
in a muslin or nylon mesh bag within a press setup.
Pressing: Gently apply pressure using the wine press (or any suitable press) to extract the remaining liquid
from the herbs. This process should be conducted slowly to maximize the extraction of liquids while mini-
mizing the transfer of unwanted material.
Final Extraction: Continue pressing until no more liquid drips from the press. The liquid collected at this
stage will contain the solvent possibly along with the desired soluble compounds from the plant material.
6. Disposal or Reuse of Sediment: Based on the specific preparation and your discretion, decide whether
to discard the sediment or re-purpose it. Some sediments may have uses, while others should be rejected.
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DECARBOXYLATION
Decarboxylation might sound like a complex term, but it’s actually a simple concept once you break it down.
Imagine you have a fresh leaf from a plant that contains a special type of ingredient, which could be more
useful if slightly changed by heat. This process is similar to baking soda becoming active in a cake mixture
when heated, helping the cake to rise.
It’s a Chemical Reaction: Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group from a
molecule and releases carbon dioxide (CO2). In the context of cannabis, for example, it’s what turns THCA,
which isn’t psychoactive, into THC, the compound that gets people “high.”
Heat is Key: This reaction happens naturally over time or can be sped up with the application of heat. Think
about baking cookies in an oven; you start with dough, and with the right amount of heat and time, you get
delicious cookies. Similarly, applying heat to certain herbs causes decarboxylation, transforming the sub-
stances inside to make them more active or potent
Why It’s Important: For certain herbal remedies or ingredients to be effective, they need to go through
decarboxylation. This is because the active components are not fully available until the acid part of the mol-
ecule is removed through this process.
So, in a practical sense, decarboxylation is like activating an ingredient’s hidden potential with heat, making
it ready for its intended use, much like activating yeast in bread making to make the bread rise.
For example, within the context of herbal medicine, certain anti-carcinogenic constituents found in herbs
are not antagonistic until mixed with other components, suggesting that the interaction between various
compounds within the herb can significantly affect their overall effect on the body. Applying heat through
decarboxylation without needing to could potentially disrupt these natural balances, leading to unintended
outcomes.
Moreover, many herbs contain compounds that are already in their active form and do not require decar-
boxylation. Overheating these herbs can lead to the degradation of essential oils and other volatile com-
pounds, which are often responsible for the herb’s therapeutic effects. This degradation can diminish the
potency of the herb and consequently its effectiveness in addressing health concerns.
Furthermore, it’s important to consider that the metabolism of certain compounds differs across species;
substances that are processed into active forms within one organism may not follow the same metabolic
pathways in another. This fact underscores the complexity of herbal constituents and highlights the potential
for decarboxylation to unintentionally alter compounds in ways that might not be beneficial and could harm
their therapeutic properties.
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Decocting:
Decocting, an alternative method that involves simmering plant materials to extract medicinal constitu-
ents, is favored for tougher parts of the plant like roots or barks. This approach illustrates that not all herbal
preparation methods necessitate high temperatures or the transformation of constituents via decarboxyl-
ation to be effective.
Double-Extraction Method:
The process starts with an alcohol extraction, followed by
a water decoction. This meticulous process ensures that
both the alcohol-soluble and water-soluble compounds
are extracted from the mushrooms. Alcohol alone might
not extract all the vital components, especially those
more readily soluble in water This double-extraction is
particularly important for mushrooms, as it not only captures a wide range of compounds but also maximiz-
es the extraction of psilocybin, which may have varying solubility in alcohol and water.
High Alcohol Content for Preservation:
The method outlined involves using 80 to 100 proof alcohol, ensuring a high enough alcohol concentra-
tion in the final tincture mixture (around 30%). This level of alcohol content is crucial for the preservation of
the extract, making it shelf-stable for many years if stored properly in a sealed container. Alcohol acts as a
preservative by being “uniformly fatal to any microorganisms” that may come into contact with the tincture,
thus preventing decomposition and extending the shelf life of the extract.
Versatility of Alcohol as a Solvent:
Alcohol is called a “universal solvent” in the context of tincture making because of its ability to extract essen-
tial oils and other chemical compounds that water can also extract, and it’s worth noting that some herbs
(and mushrooms, in this case) require alcohol to fully access all medicinal compounds. The document un-
derscores the effectiveness of alcohol in creating potent extracts, which is particularly relevant for extracting
psilocybin from mushrooms, given the compound’s psychoactive properties.
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Water vs Alcohol for Mushrooms (Psilocybin):
the excerpts do mention that ethanol ranging from 75-95% ABV works fine for extractions, it also warns
against the use of denatured alcohol (often found in higher concentrations) due to its toxic methanol con-
tent.
The preference for 70% ethanol, as recommended by Alexander Shulgin, a renowned chemist known for
his synthesis of over 230 psychoactive compounds, stems from its optimal balance for mushroom extraction
processes.
Solubility of Psilocybin:
Psilocybin’s solubility in alcohol can vary based on the concentration of the alcohol. At 70%, there is a good
balance between alcohol and water, allowing for effective extraction of psilocybin from mushroom material.
Higher alcohol concentrations may not extract psilocybin as efficiently because certain constituents of the
mushroom might dissolve better in a solution that contains some water.
Ratio:
For every 10 grams of Psilocybin Mushrooms combine 20ml of Alcohol (Ethanol Cane Sugar)
Temperature:
70F or lower ensuring a safe and effective extraction of compounds from the mushroom material without
degrading their potency or leading to unwanted chemical transformations.
Length:
Paul Stamets as presented in his lecture, suggests a simple extraction process that could take 24-48 hours
for optimal results and documents suggests using ethanol solutions ranging from 75-95% ABV, emphasizing
the importance of selecting the right concentration to achieve a successful extraction.
Stirring:
Occasional stirring could benefit other extraction processes by ensuring the active compounds are more
efficiently leached from the mushroom material into the solvent.
“Stir gently and let settle for about 15 minutes while stirring occasionally”
Important Evaporation:
After the Extraction, let some of the ethanol evaporate to remove some of the unwanted volatile com-
pounds that the alcohol may have extracted from the mushroom. After some evaporation, top the ethanol
back off to the correct ration of 20ml per 10 grams of mushrooms.
When evaporating the ethanol to concentrate the extract, the guidance is clear that you should not apply
heat. The document explicitly states, “don’t be tempted to heat it!” during the evaporative phase to reduce
the volume down to 20 milliliters. This is likely to prevent the degradation of sensitive compounds within the
extract.
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Storage:
Keep at 70F or lower in a brown glass bottle out of light and can last up to 2 years.
While not explicitly mentioned in the excerpts, in general, prolonged extraction can lead to the dissolution
of more unwanted materials from the mushroom material, potentially altering the extract’s taste, purity, or
even safety
Risk of Overdose:
While this is more directly related to the dosing post-extraction, it’s conceivable that overly potent extracts
(potentially from over-extraction) could heighten this risk if the user is unaware of the increased concentra-
tion.
Heavy dose:
2.0g - 3.5g (4ml - 7ml)
DOSAGES
When combining herbs in General be aware of their contradictions, the pros and cons of each herb. The
effects either good or bad will double up when combined.
4) Seeking professional guidance, particularly for long-term use or when treating sensitive populations like
children.
5) Tailoring doses in herbal formulas according to clinical goals and possible sensitivities.
Modulate Dosage Based on Sensitivity, for those who are smaller or show sensitivity to herbs and sup-
plements, lower-range dosages are advised. Conversely, larger individuals or those less sensitive may re-
quire doses on the higher end of the spectrum.
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Frequency over Quantity, It’s emphasized that herbs typically offer more benefit when administered in
smaller doses throughout the day, rather than in large single doses which can lead to adverse reactions.
The following doses will work as a good starting place to develop experience.
Dogs: Correspond to adult human dose according to weight - (Clarks Rule) Standard Human Adult Dog/
Human: are tailored around an average weight of approximately 150 pounds. So a 75 pound dog would be
50% of the standard adult human dose.
Keep in mind herbs are best given in extracts due to the dogs diet and digestive system not being dialed
in for fiber and plants like a herbivore but herbs in their entirety are sometimes necessary for the desired
benefit.
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Ionization: Compounds in the sample are ionized by gaining or losing a charged particle, generating ions.
Separation: The ions are accelerated into a mass analyzer, where they are separated based on their mass-
to-charge ratio (m/z).
Detection: Ions of different masses reach the detector at different times, creating a mass spectrum that
shows peaks corresponding to different ions.
Identification: The mass spectrum provides information on the molecular weight of the compounds, en-
abling the identification of unknown substances.
LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry): LC-MS combines the separation capabilities of liquid
chromatography with the highly sensitive detection and identification capabilities of mass spectrometry. It is
commonly used for identifying and quantifying compounds in complex mixtures such as pharmaceuticals,
environmental samples, and biological fluids.
IR-MS (Infrared Mass Spectrometry): IR-MS is a hybrid technique that combines the molecular fingerprinting
power of infrared spectroscopy with the molecular weight information obtained from mass spectrometry. It
enables the analysis of a wide range of compounds, especially for identifying functional groups in organic
molecules.
GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry): GC-MS combines the separation capability of gas
chromatography with the detection and identification power of mass spectrometry. It is commonly used for
separating and analyzing volatile and semi-volatile compounds in various samples, such as environmental
pollutants, drugs, and metabolites.
ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry): ICP-MS is a highly sensitive analytical technique
used primarily for trace elemental analysis. It ionizes the sample in an inductively coupled plasma source
and then separates and detects the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios. ICP-MS is widely used in
environmental, clinical, geological, and nuclear applications.
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These suggestions in this document are for educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before
making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or
have existing conditions.
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