Menstruum Volume
10.0 oz
Alcohol
4.5 oz
Maceration
42 days
Yield
6.5 bottles
4.5 oz
5.5 oz
42 days
6.5 bottles
Ratio 1:5 — 2.0 oz herb to 10.0 oz liquid
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Inputs
Result
Menstruum = 2 oz × 5 = 10 oz. Alcohol = 10 × 0.45 = 4.5 oz. Water = 10 – 4.5 = 5.5 oz. Yield = 10 × 0.65 = 6.5 oz.
Inputs
Result
Menstruum = 4 oz × 5 = 20 oz. Alcohol = 20 × 0.60 = 12 oz. Water = 20 – 12 = 8 oz. Yield = 20 × 0.65 = 13 oz.
Inputs
Result
Menstruum = 3 oz × 4 = 12 oz. Alcohol = 12 × 0.60 = 7.2 oz. Water = 12 – 7.2 = 4.8 oz. Yield = 12 × 0.65 = 7.8 oz.
Standard ratios depend on whether you use fresh or dried herb material. Fresh herbs typically use a 1:2 ratio (1 part herb to 2 parts menstruum by weight), while dried herbs use 1:4 or 1:5. These ratios ensure adequate solvent coverage for full extraction of active compounds over the maceration period.
| Herb State | Typical Ratio | Menstruum per 1 oz Herb | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh | 1:2 | 2 oz | Aromatic herbs, flowers, leaves |
| Dried (standard) | 1:5 | 5 oz | Most dried roots, bark, berries |
| Dried (dense) | 1:4 | 4 oz | Ginger, turmeric, dense roots |
| Fresh (light) | 1:3 | 3 oz | Chamomile, lightweight flowers |
The optimal alcohol percentage depends on the compounds you want to extract. Water-soluble compounds extract well at 40–50% alcohol, while resins, essential oils, and alkaloids need 60–95%. Most common herbs work well at 40–60% alcohol, making 80-proof or 100-proof vodka an ideal base.
| Alcohol % | Proof | Common Source | Best Extracts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–45% | 80–90 proof | Standard vodka | Polysaccharides, flavonoids |
| 50–60% | 100–120 proof | 100-proof vodka, brandy | Alkaloids, glycosides, tannins |
| 70–85% | 140–170 proof | Everclear, grain alcohol | Resins, essential oils, gums |
| 90–95% | 180–190 proof | Everclear 190 | Waxy compounds, thick resins |
Most herbal tinctures require 4–6 weeks (28–42 days) of maceration. Lighter herbs like chamomile and lavender are ready in about 4 weeks, while denser roots and barks like echinacea, valerian, and ashwagandha need the full 6 weeks for complete extraction. Shake the jar daily to improve extraction efficiency.
Expect to recover about 60–65% of your original menstruum volume after straining. The herb material (marc) absorbs 35–40% of the liquid. For example, starting with 10 oz of menstruum typically yields 6–6.5 oz of finished tincture. Squeezing the marc through cheesecloth recovers an extra 5–10%.
The folk method uses simple weight-based ratios (1:2, 1:5) and standard alcohol percentages, making it accessible for home herbalists. The weight-to-volume (W:V) method used by pharmacies measures herb in grams and menstruum in milliliters with precise alcohol concentrations. Both produce effective tinctures, but W:V allows exact reproducibility.
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Last Updated: Jul 24, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.