Herbal Percolation for Tinctures

Introduction

• Presenter: Thomas Eagley, Director of the Epileptic School of Herbal Medicine and co-author of the Modern Herbal Dispensatory.
• Host: Mountain Rose Herbs
• Topic: Demonstration of how to do an herbal percolation.

Percolation vs. Maceration

• Maceration:
  • Common method: soaking herbs in alcohol for 3-6 weeks with daily shaking.
  • Extracts constituents from plants into the solvent.
• Percolation:
  • Faster method: completed in 24-48 hours.
  • Requires more initial work but is more straightforward than expected.

Equipment and Materials Needed

• Percolation Cone:
  • Options: Scientific glassblower or DIY using a cut wine bottle.
  • Wet tile saw recommended for cutting to avoid sharp edges.
  • 1.5-liter wine bottles preferred for easy cleaning.
• Flow Rate Control:
  • Options: Water bottles with adjustable lids or needle valves from hardware stores.
  • Silicon stopper suggested for use.
• Container & Stand:
  • Use a container to catch the tincture.
  • Lab stand recommended for ease of handling.

Ingredient Preparation

• Herbs:
  • Use dried, powdered herbs (e.g., Echinacea angustifolia).
  • Must use a weight to volume ratio; standard is 1:5 (1 gram herb per 5 ml solvent).
  • Solvent: mixture of water and alcohol, typically 50% alcohol by volume.

Procedure

1. Pre-moistening the Powder:

   • Prevents swelling and blocking of fluid flow.
   • Technical measure: Use 65% of the displaced volume of solvent.
   • Aim for consistency of wet sand.
   • Allow to sit and hydrate for at least 2 hours.

2. Packing the Cone:

   • Use organic cotton balls in the neck of the cone for support.
   • Ensure valve is securely in place and open to allow air displacement.
   • Pack herb material in thirds and tamp down lightly.

3. Adding Solvent:

   • Place an unbleached coffee filter to prevent herb flotation.
   • Monitor even movement of solvent through the herb.

4. Digestion and Percolation:

   • Allow solvent to sit with herb material for 12 hours (digestion).
   • Adjust valve for a drip rate of 1 drop every 3-5 seconds.
   • Process will yield tincture in a few hours.

Tips and Best Practices

• Experience: Begin with inexpensive herbs to practice technique.
• Packing: Ensure even consistency to prevent floating or blockage.
• Final Steps: Ensure final dripping is consistent to maximize extraction.

Conclusion

• Percolation Process:
  • Allows for quicker preparation of tinctures than maceration.
  • Requires precise measurement and attention to detail.
  • Offers potential for more potent tinctures with dried herbs.