In tincture-making, the main liquids—called solvents or menstrua—extract and preserve the active compounds from herbs. The choice depends on what you’re extracting, how you’ll use it, and your preferences. Here are the primary options used in home apothecary work, with their pros and cons:

1. Alcohol (Ethanol)

• Common Types: Vodka (40-50% ABV), grain alcohol (like Everclear, 75-95% ABV), or brandy.
• Why It’s Used: Alcohol is the gold standard because it’s excellent at extracting a wide range of plant compounds (like alkaloids, essential oils, and resins) and acts as a natural preservative, giving tinctures a shelf life of 2-5 years or more.
• Strengths:
  • Pulls out both water-soluble and fat-soluble constituents.
  • No refrigeration needed.
  • Highly customizable—dilute with water to adjust strength (e.g., 80-proof vodka is 40% alcohol, 60% water).
• Drawbacks:
  • Not ideal for kids or those avoiding alcohol (though small doses are usually fine).
  • Strong taste can be off-putting.
• Best For: Most herbs, especially woody ones like roots (e.g., echinacea) or resinous plants (e.g., myrrh).

2. Vinegar (Usually Apple Cider Vinegar)

• Common Types: Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (5% acidity is standard).
• Why It’s Used: Vinegar is a gentler, food-grade alternative to alcohol, good for water-soluble compounds like minerals and some alkaloids. It’s less potent but still preserves decently (1-2 years if stored well).
• Strengths:
  • Alcohol-free, so it’s kid- and pet-friendly.
  • Adds a tangy flavor, useful in culinary tinctures (e.g., oxymels—vinegar + honey blends).
  • Cheap and easy to find.
• Drawbacks:
  • Weaker extraction for oils or resins.
  • Shorter shelf life than alcohol.
  • Strong smell and taste can clash with some herbs.
• Best For: Leafy herbs (e.g., nettle) or mineral-rich plants (e.g., dandelion).

3. Glycerin (Vegetable Glycerin)

• Common Types: Food-grade vegetable glycerin, often diluted with water (e.g., 50/50 mix).
• Why It’s Used: Glycerin is a sweet, syrupy liquid that extracts water-soluble compounds and serves as an alcohol-free option. It’s less common traditionally but popular in modern herbalism for its mildness (shelf life: 1-3 years).
• Strengths:
  • Sweet taste makes it palatable, especially for kids.
  • Non-alcoholic and safe for most people.
  • Good for mucilaginous herbs (e.g., marshmallow root).