The beard makes this video so much more interesting for some reason. Very interesting method, I never thought I'd find machining-like precision in the making of tinctures, this method really brings things to a whole new level. Fantastic video
Thank you for making such a wonderful, informative video. I have based my tincture making on this video (and a few books) and I have had great success, at this point having made over 30 tinctures. One thing that happened though, is the first time that I used a silicone stopper, I started the drip at 3:00 PM, and at 3:13 PM the silicone stopper fell out of the cone. I was in the kitchen and heard it, immediately knowing what happened, and ran out to my shop to get one of the white rubber stoppers that I used previously. I got it put in the cone and very little time elapsed, during which the dripping was uncontrolled and dripping rather fast. If I didn't hear it come out, my tincture would not be nearly as good as when the dripping is controlled. I could not figure out why it came out since I put it in the cone very forcefully. I eventually solved this problem by sanding the inside of the cone opening with 100 grit sandpaper. Now the silicone stopper stays in place with no problems. If you use a silicone stopper, I suggest that you make this modification to the cone.
Thank you so much for this tip, I'm so glad you heard it fall and knew to fix it right away! I'm not exactly sure why this would happen, it may depend on your exact set up, but I think your solution is a great way to stop that from happening in the future. Enjoy the process :) - Gracie
Straightforward and easy going instructions. One of my favorite parts: "and then someone said, "Why don't you use cotton balls?" Lol. Life is like that. Thank you for the Tutorial.
As a percolator I use the same 1.75L plastic bottle the 100 Proof Vodka came in! Since it's plastic it is easy to cut out the bottom end, I use the aerator that comes with the vodka bottle, put the cotton and the video shows, no need for any valve! the aerator does the job! and I sit the upside down vodka bottle in a mason jar's funnel, inside a mason jar. easy and free!
Thanks for the video! A decent mic would help, but your voice is easy to understand. Question: you mention that there are some herbs that you still prefer to extract with standard maceration... Would you mind sharing which you still prefer to do that with?
Thank you for making this video. I am currently extracting my "23 Lung Herb" tea blend using the percolation method. So far (and because of your video) it is a success. However, I am having a difficult time finding the food safe, silicone stopper to hold the needle valve inside the bottle. Would you please share where you found the exact setup you used in this video. Using the bottle top works, but I can fully see the usefulness of the needle valve. Thank you for helping me expand my herbal medicine skills. Peggy
Hello Thomas, Many greetings from Singapore! One question please because I want to understand...Why someone has to go into all this trouble by pre-moistening his plant material, since he can make a slurry (with only an inch to cover the herb), and begin immediately the digestion/maceration procedure in a container? After 24 - 48 hours he can dump his soupy herb in the percolation cone and begin immediately percolating his tincture! I thing that is more convenient and practical for the average herbalist. Any insights please?
The extraction has to be SLOW. You premoisten the herb so that it can be packed into the column with very little airspace. Just putting dry herbs in and pouring alcohol in will not work. My son is a chemist, and he read your comment and suggested that you just use the Folk Method of extraction if you don't want to follow guidelines for percolation. I follow my son's methods, since I have no intention of being a sloppy, average herbalist. My son has worked for Eastman Chemicals (the largest chemical manufacturer in the USA AND is currently making lithium batteries for the Country of Spain. If you intend to sell your remedies, don't use sloppy techniques.
@@becksnycbecause it works by using gravity and the solvent to pull the most soluble to least soluble out of the extract. This allows for more efficient extraction process
Hello Thomas, I have bought your book which is excellent. I have a question though...Why in your materia medica you suggest for every herb to use a 1:5 ratio, since you can percolate at 1:3 or even at 1:2 ratio? Using a more potent ratio could lead to more appropriate pharmaceutical doses, especially on formulas. Is there a specific reason for that? Thank you.
Check out “American Medicinal Plants” by Millspaugh Pharmaceutical strength formulas I personally prefer Samual Thomson and Dr J Christophers approach better Let us know what you decide on & how it works man
I have heard different herbs require their individual ratio and ethanol %. I think some plant compounds extract into alcohol and some into water so it depends on the herbs. All those i buy have different ones.
Are you from old Angland? Your accent is so cool! it sounds like you're speaking Middle English Awesome video mate EDIT: Nice, you have the same type of red bowl as I do.
Thank you for your works. Very straightforward and informative….When pre-moistening the plant material do you use solvent from the 500ml set aside for the maceration. Or do you use additional solvent?
Go to a reputable company that sells laboratory supplies. My son is a chemist. For this type of extraction, he uses as fritted column with a fritted filter (NOT COTTON, or you will have tainted your tincture). He uses a glass funnel with a very small opening and puts a filter of glass cotton in the bottom of it and puts that in the top of the column. It prevents evaporation of the alcohol and the water. Also, when evaporation does occur, it simply slides down the outside of the funnel. He uses a chemical flask to receive the tincture and fits the glass pipe at the bottom of the column with a bung (like for making alcohol) so there is no evaporation and no tainting the tincture.
Can I oil as the menstruum using this method? Also would I want to hydrate the herb before hand with a 50/50 water alcohol and then peculate with the oil? Thanks!
I use a nail in a bottle shake it and it pops the bottom out perfect every time. Then any piece of sandpaper will round the edges. Just be careful to not cut through the sandpaper while sanding.
@@taattataattataattata Hey, can you please be more specific? I am also interested to do the "magic trick" with the bottle which is too confusing for me! Can you share a link of what specific bottle you 've used? Thanks!
Interesting method. So is it because you are using powdered dried herbs that this is able to be done so much faster than the traditional method? If so,, can you use powdered with the traditional method and accelerate the process? Seems like the traditional method should extract more herb constituents and be more potent because of the longer saturation times.
I was reading a Clinical Guide to Liquid Herbs by Kerry Bone and in there when mentioning dosages, the bases of dosage amount is for a 1:2 percolation. However in quite a few sources I have come across they say 1:2 is better for Fresh plant extraction whereas 1:5 is better for dried plant extraction? Would love to hear your thoughts on this and if the dosage amount would therefore differ or would it be the same as their just equivalent ratios factoring in water content for the fresh plant matter?
Great video, thank you ! What I dont understand is you say the alccol stays unsaturated . Whith the valve closed for the 12 hours digestion process, I see a short maceration, and a saturated alcool. I tought you were going to poor , slow but sure, the alccol without never blocking it, so saturation of alcool is impossible. Sorry for my english... I dont know if what I say is understandable to you.
thank you for kind in depth great instructional video. do you think there would be any difference in tincture quality If I used pear shaped glass dripping funnel?
Why can't you just do all this in a mason jar like any other tincture? It's what we did back in the 70s. And then we covered a large mixing bowl with wire mesh and cheese cloth, poured it in the mesh, and let it drip through. When it was done, we squeezed to get all the liquid out. IF the cheesecloth wasn't fine enough, we let sediments settle and we siphoned it out. Basically the same, right?
You can definitely make a tincture with the maceration method you are referring to. This is just an alternative for those who don't want to commit to shaking the jar everyday. We hope you make lots of tinctures in whatever way best works for you!
Ochani, this percolation method produces a much more potent tincture. If you make a maceration, and you make a percolation, both with the same alcohol:water percentage, you will be able to taste, smell, and feel a world of difference with the percolation one.
Also -- unless you're in a " clean room " - cover your percolation bottle and drip jar, Finding bugs in your mix is very disappointing. You don't want mold spores or dust in there either ( or long read whiskers ).
At around 5:05 you say to add our menstruum to the powder to the consistency of wet sand. Is this menstruum pure water, or the 50% alcohol? If it is the 50% alcohol, does this pre-moisten amount count towards the total 500 mL of alcohol solvent? Also, how many mL of tincture should we expect to produce using 100 g powder and 500 mL 50% alcohol? Last question, once first run is finished, instead of tossing out the spent powder, would it be beneficial to run another 500 mL of 50% alcohol through it again and just use the second produced tincture at twice the dose? Wonderful video by the way. Thank you so much for taking the time to demonstrate how to do this. My wife was wanting me to make a batch of Echinacea Purpurea for her as quick as possible. I already had some 50% distillation left over from a strawberry wine to vanilla extract project. I think I have found a new hobby (herbalist / apothecary). I made my own Percolation Cone using a glass cutter with a hole drilled in the handle mounted 3/4 ways down a short piece of 2x6 with another shorter piece of 2x6 screwed down about a 1/2 inch from the cutter as a guide. Only rotated the bottle one time around using moderate pressure. The trick is to get the best most even score line possible. Less sanding that way. I used boiling hot then cold water only around the score mark rotating the bottle as I pored. About 3 cycles and pop goes the bottom. I then sanded it with 80 > 120 > 220 grit wet sandpaper to avoid airborne glass dust. The flow valve I found in the ice-maker supply line section of the closest big box store. I already had a holey cork, so I made this same setup within 2 hours. Beautiful piece of equipment. I have mine sitting on a 1/2 gallon mason jar. I put a lid over my cone to keep evaporation down.
The menstruum is whatever the herb needs to get maximum extraction. It will vary from herb to herb. Some require more alcohol, some require more water. Some even require the addition of glycerin or acids.
You moisten the herb with the menstruum you have already mixed and measured, you use some of the menstruum to rehydrate the powder and then use the rest to later pour over the moistened herb.
@@goatsjustwannahavefun4644 Ok. So, if you're taking some of the mixed and measured menstruum to moisten the powdered herb, you use whatever is left from the 500 ml to pour over the moistened herb...correct? You're not making extra mentruum to moisten the powdered herb...correct?
FORGOT TO LET AIR OUT. Fantastic video! Thanks so much for sharing. I did my 2nd percolation yesterday, and just realised I forgot to let all the air out before I closed the valve.. Just wondering if my tincture is ruined??? It does taste a little different.
hi there! this is the most comprehensive video I've found so far! thank you! I'm curious about the needle valve? I guess I'm a bit confused as if its constructed together or 1 thing? Are the needle valve and the stopper separate? If so, is the silicone stopper like one that you get for your olive oil top?
Excellent presentation. Thank you so much for the detailed explanation on this method of extraction. I am having trouble finding the device to hold the inverted wine bottle. I have located a source for the stand but the clamps provided (double burette) are not large enough to hold a 1 1/2 liter wine bottle. It would be greatly appreciated if you could provide a link, or at least a specific search term, in order to be able to purchase one.
Go buy a Soxhlet Extractor or just go get a Graham's Condenser and a round bottom or flat bottom flask to create a tincture in less than 2 months, less than a month and less than 2 weeks.
Why would it not be the same result to take the 100 grams of dried powered plant material and add it to a jar with 500 ml of menstruum, let sit for 12 hrs then strain? If not how is it different.. I am just not understanding the value of the percolation procedure. Thanks - I love the video and the cool beard.
Hi there! Thomas Easley's percolation method is replicating the more traditional folk method of letting herbs infuse in jars over a period of time but his percolation method speeds up that process to be a more time saving option.
I found a needle valve but it appears that your set up has an extra nut on it as it enters the stopper. My valve has flare fittings at both ends but I had to order it and haven't seen it up close yet.
I have a question: so you do 1/3 of your herb at a time, do you need to moisten the herb again and do you completely clean all the equipment and stay over every time you do 1/3 of the herb?
Hello there, great video! I was wondering if it's possible to make a multi-herb tincture using the Percolation method? As in combining various dried herbs in powder form at one time to extract all together. Thank you!
Since it is at least 50% volatile organic solvent, should the open end of the bottle and the top of the receptacle be covered to prevent evaporation? Also, you REALLY need a microphone. Not only is it difficult to hear, it is echoing.
Could you use a French Press Coffee "maker/pitcher"? Or Maybe better yet, I wonder if a cone shaped paper coffee filter with the wet herbs put in first and then pour the alcohol on top and letting it drip through would work.
Hi, thank you for the video! What kind of valve are you using, inserted into the stopper? I’m going to be making a tincture from the American Beauty Berry leaves, mosquito repellent. Apparently it’s stronger than Deet.
Thank you, great tutorial. I noticed you had a link to the origins of tinctures, this is now possibly not the site you had intended to send people? Could you please let me know where to find it. Thank you
Hi there Thomas, Salutations and Regards from Spain! I bought one of your books ( in english) Modern herbal dispensatory... which I love and found out I work in a very simillar way but gave me many ideas. I miss a bigger list of you favourite plants for -Soxhlet-, I'd really like to know your opinion Very greatful. David
Did we miss a step? I followed through the beginning of adding 1/3 of herb and covering with the filter, then adding menstrum ... but what happened with the other 2/3 of the herb?
He only packed it 1/3 at a time, if you notice after his final packing all of the 100 g was added to his percolator bottle. He just didn't show adding the other 2/3, 1/3 at a time and gently packing it down.
@@mountainroseherbs hello - at what point do you add the other 2/3 please? Do you add 1/3 pack it gently, then the next 1/3, pack it, then the last 1/3, pack that and THEN add all the liquid?
How do you keep the stopper from slipping out? It doesn't matter how far I push it in or how dry I make it and the bottleneck, the stopper eventually slips out. This happens with silicone and regular rubber stoppers.
I had this problem too and then I realized that I could turn the stopper upside down and it would stay in the bottle. But this would only work if it’s just the right size to slip inside the bottle opening and continue to hold. It needs to be just a few centimeters bigger than the opening.
Have you ever tried ultrasound to speed up extractions. I have tried it on aging and infusing alchol using california white oak and with cinnamon bark. It would probably cut your 2 down to 2 to 4 hours. Oh I also used it on a stinging nettle tincture. A 4 hour ultrasound seemed stronger than a two weeks tincture. There is also a possible benefit that it might be making nano particles for an easier uptake and bioavailability like it does for liposomal vitamin C. So a win win in my book. let me know what you think
I think there is a limit to the uptake and extraction from the cells... He mentioned in the video about how the trailer end of the ethanol/water mixture, which hasn't mixed with anything can continue to extract from the cell/plant material
Yeah so you can do it 2 3 4 or 5 times, but after about the 3rd time, you'll basically get nothing. Each time is referred to as a "pull" and honestly about 2 pulls is all that's worth it.
Great video. Do you sometimes macerate then percolate? Does percolating produce a more potent medicine than double process tincturing? Would it be appropriate to use an alcohol shot dispenser set up from a bar for this process?
These are all great questions! Yes, you can macerate and the percolate your material. Percolation will create a more potent end product because of the slow extraction process. As for the alcohol shot dispenser, I've never seen this method done before but I'm not sure why it wouldn't work for you. It may just take a few tries to get the perfect set up. If you try it out that way, let us know how it goes! We are always looking to learn new methods :) - Gracie
Hi Kimberly! You can find needle valves at most local hardware stores, and if they don't have it in stock already, they will almost certainly order it for you. Enjoy your herbal explorations!
@@mountainroseherbs I ordered a needle valve that looks similar online but once it arrived I found that liquid doesn't consistently drip through the valve, unless I shake it. Can you give any more guidance or a link to what specific type you used? Thanks!
@@ZAndrsn Don't know if this is the same, but we purchased from Lowe's; Dial Brass Evaportative Cooler - Item # 188712 Model # 94195 along with plastic/rubber tubing that goes under the nut and up thru the stopper. It has worked beautiful for us thus far.
What is the history of percolation tinctures? How can I learn more about the tradition of percolation tinctures? Or is this a newer mode of herbal medicine making?
Hi there! There are a few kits out there for purchase, but they often come with a hefty price tag, and the quality and/or effectiveness wavers. We'd recommend making your own as Thomas explains in the video. Best of luck to you!
Hello I like your video. I would like to rebuild it, unfortunately I can't find such a silicone valve. In the hardware store in Germany I only find stainless steel valves for water taps. Could you send a link where to buy it online?
We always encourage our customers to use whichever methods of herbal preparation work best for them! The maceration method requires less equipment and precision which will be easier and more accessible for some folks. I hope that helps to explain things!
@@mountainroseherbs that makes sense! But if I can yield the same, or better, end product then I’d prefer this method! I’m willing to put in the extra work!
Hi there! I've never found a great use for the spent herbs. By the time you are done extracting all the beneficial components of the herb in the tincturing process, there isn't much left. I'd suggest composting! I've heard from other commenters that they have used spent berries and herbs to feed chickens but that is usually after making syrups and not tinctures. Let us know if you find a creative use for your used herbs! - Gracie
@jorgepeterbarton look into spagyrics, requires further processing of the plant material into ash and then salts, and recombines the salts, to the tincture.
I make a slurry with 4oz of the powder to 16oz of the vodka, let it sit 1-3 days shaking it every day then, as a percolator I use the same 1.75L plastic bottle the 100 Proof Vodka came in! Since it's plastic it is easy to cut out the bottom end, I use the aerator that comes with the vodka bottle, put the cotton and the video shows, no need for any valve! the aerator does the job! and I sit the upside down vodka bottle in a mason jar's funnel, inside a mason jar. easy and free!
The beard makes this video so much more interesting for some reason. Very interesting method, I never thought I'd find machining-like precision in the making of tinctures, this method really brings things to a whole new level. Fantastic video
It got my attention right away
😮😅😂😂😂😂😂
Nice gradient to that beard. lol.
Oh, you're one of the guys who wrote The Modern Herbal Dispensatory. Nice one. Thanks for taking the time to make this.
Thank you for making such a wonderful, informative video. I have based my tincture making on this video (and a few books) and I have had great success, at this point having made over 30 tinctures.
One thing that happened though, is the first time that I used a silicone stopper, I started the drip at 3:00 PM, and at 3:13 PM the silicone stopper fell out of the cone. I was in the kitchen and heard it, immediately knowing what happened, and ran out to my shop to get one of the white rubber stoppers that I used previously. I got it put in the cone and very little time elapsed, during which the dripping was uncontrolled and dripping rather fast. If I didn't hear it come out, my tincture would not be nearly as good as when the dripping is controlled.
I could not figure out why it came out since I put it in the cone very forcefully. I eventually solved this problem by sanding the inside of the cone opening with 100 grit sandpaper. Now the silicone stopper stays in place with no problems. If you use a silicone stopper, I suggest that you make this modification to the cone.
Thank you so much for this tip, I'm so glad you heard it fall and knew to fix it right away! I'm not exactly sure why this would happen, it may depend on your exact set up, but I think your solution is a great way to stop that from happening in the future. Enjoy the process :) - Gracie
@kitchenalchemy3537
Which books did you find to be the most valuable??
❤ I seriously just found this Channel, I’ve been with MRH for years, Thank you, the steaming is amazing,
I really love the real time of the explanation and video flow. Underestimated video teaching quality skills there!
We're so glad you found the video informative, thank you! ~Indi
Straightforward and easy going instructions. One of my favorite parts: "and then someone said, "Why don't you use cotton balls?" Lol. Life is like that. Thank you for the Tutorial.
Why cotton balls instead of a coffee filter? What's the benefit?
As a percolator I use the same 1.75L plastic bottle the 100 Proof Vodka came in! Since it's plastic it is easy to cut out the bottom end, I use the aerator that comes with the vodka bottle, put the cotton and the video shows, no need for any valve! the aerator does the job! and I sit the upside down vodka bottle in a mason jar's funnel, inside a mason jar. easy and free!
Make a video of the process for people please!
please, can you share the type of vodka that you used?
I lay mine down at the new moon, and hive it off at the full moon. Makes excellent tincture.
Hi, what do you mean by "hive it off"? Cheers
Excellent instructor!!
Clear & methodical, thank you!!
Thanks for the video! A decent mic would help, but your voice is easy to understand.
Question: you mention that there are some herbs that you still prefer to extract with standard maceration... Would you mind sharing which you still prefer to do that with?
A mojito muddler works perfect for tamping the plant material :)
Thank for this! Would love to know which plants you prefer to macerate versus percolate.
Thank you for making this video. I am currently extracting my "23 Lung Herb" tea blend using the percolation method. So far (and because of your video) it is a success. However, I am having a difficult time finding the food safe, silicone stopper to hold the needle valve inside the bottle. Would you please share where you found the exact setup you used in this video. Using the bottle top works, but I can fully see the usefulness of the needle valve. Thank you for helping me expand my herbal medicine skills. Peggy
Which herbs do you use?
A wonderful video. Thank you very much for sharing
Your valve needs to be Stainless Steel. Most brass contains some lead, so don't use brass.
Hello Thomas,
Many greetings from Singapore!
One question please because I want to understand...Why someone has to go into all this trouble by pre-moistening his plant material, since he can make a slurry (with only an inch to cover the herb), and begin immediately the digestion/maceration procedure in a container?
After 24 - 48 hours he can dump his soupy herb in the percolation cone and begin immediately percolating his tincture! I thing that is more convenient and practical for the average herbalist.
Any insights please?
The extraction has to be SLOW. You premoisten the herb so that it can be packed into the column with very little airspace. Just putting dry herbs in and pouring alcohol in will not work. My son is a chemist, and he read your comment and suggested that you just use the Folk Method of extraction if you don't want to follow guidelines for percolation. I follow my son's methods, since I have no intention of being a sloppy, average herbalist. My son has worked for Eastman Chemicals (the largest chemical manufacturer in the USA AND is currently making lithium batteries for the Country of Spain. If you intend to sell your remedies, don't use sloppy techniques.
@@becksnycbecause it works by using gravity and the solvent to pull the most soluble to least soluble out of the extract. This allows for more efficient extraction process
thanks, your explanation is so cool and very easy to understand
Hello Thomas,
I have bought your book which is excellent. I have a question though...Why in your materia medica you suggest for every herb to use a 1:5 ratio, since you can percolate at 1:3 or even at 1:2 ratio? Using a more potent ratio could lead to more appropriate pharmaceutical doses, especially on formulas. Is there a specific reason for that?
Thank you.
No reply I see. Your question is quite valid.
Check out “American Medicinal Plants” by Millspaugh
Pharmaceutical strength formulas
I personally prefer Samual Thomson and Dr J Christophers approach better
Let us know what you decide on & how it works man
I know Kerry Bone from Mediherb uses the same 1:5 across the board
I respectfully take a different approach with the passing of time & experience
I have heard different herbs require their individual ratio and ethanol %. I think some plant compounds extract into alcohol and some into water so it depends on the herbs. All those i buy have different ones.
Can you use alcohol? If so, % of alcohol? Thx excellent info. Thank you
Are you from old Angland? Your accent is so cool! it sounds like you're speaking Middle English
Awesome video mate
EDIT: Nice, you have the same type of red bowl as I do.
It seems like there is a market for bottles and silicone valves that comes as a functional set.......
Better get on it
Thank you for your works. Very straightforward and informative….When pre-moistening the plant material do you use solvent from the 500ml set aside for the maceration. Or do you use additional solvent?
You use 1/3 of the initial amount of solvent.
Great video!!
Two questions: where do you get your silicone valve!? And what was the stand/where do you get one?
Go to a reputable company that sells laboratory supplies. My son is a chemist. For this type of extraction, he uses as fritted column with a fritted filter (NOT COTTON, or you will have tainted your tincture). He uses a glass funnel with a very small opening and puts a filter of glass cotton in the bottom of it and puts that in the top of the column. It prevents evaporation of the alcohol and the water. Also, when evaporation does occur, it simply slides down the outside of the funnel. He uses a chemical flask to receive the tincture and fits the glass pipe at the bottom of the column with a bung (like for making alcohol) so there is no evaporation and no tainting the tincture.
Can I oil as the menstruum using this method? Also would I want to hydrate the herb before hand with a 50/50 water alcohol and then peculate with the oil? Thanks!
Awesome video!!!
Thank you so much!
Use a dremel tool with a diamond cutoff wheel to cut the bottle.😀
A perfect excuse to go buy a dremel 😀
I use a nail in a bottle shake it and it pops the bottom out perfect every time. Then any piece of sandpaper will round the edges. Just be careful to not cut through the sandpaper while sanding.
@@taattataattataattata Hey, can you please be more specific? I am also interested to do the "magic trick" with the bottle which is too confusing for me! Can you share a link of what specific bottle you 've used?
Thanks!
@@vatosflokos3290 czcams.com/video/R66KfULQbP0/video.html
Hope this helps
@@Handles-R-Lame That really made a mess of the bottle. FAIL
I like to sing-a...about the moon-a in-a June-a and-a Spring-a...
Interesting method. So is it because you are using powdered dried herbs that this is able to be done so much faster than the traditional method? If so,, can you use powdered with the traditional method and accelerate the process? Seems like the traditional method should extract more herb constituents and be more potent because of the longer saturation times.
I was reading a Clinical Guide to Liquid Herbs by Kerry Bone and in there when mentioning dosages, the bases of dosage amount is for a 1:2 percolation. However in quite a few sources I have come across they say 1:2 is better for Fresh plant extraction whereas 1:5 is better for dried plant extraction? Would love to hear your thoughts on this and if the dosage amount would therefore differ or would it be the same as their just equivalent ratios factoring in water content for the fresh plant matter?
Great video - I was left with a question: Does the alcohol not evaporate in the process ? - after all, it is in open vessels for 48 hours
I was wondering the same.
I presume you can go more complex and use a sealed system but would need air valves for displacement issues?
a technique is to make a hole in the lid of the receiving jar and put the valve in the hole, then seal it with paper :)
@alecthackery4129 I was thinking cheesecloth to just keep bugs out for the time it's open - both the jar and bottle. (Fly in the ointment)
Some people prefer to de-alcohol their tinctures.
🎶It's time for the percolator🎼 It's time for the percolator🎵🎹🎶😂😂👍👍
تجربة رائعه استفدت كثيرا منها شكرا جزيلا
Thank you so much, I'm glad this video was helpful for you!
@@mountainroseherbs 💗
Great video, thank you ! What I dont understand is you say the alccol stays unsaturated . Whith the valve closed for the 12 hours digestion process, I see a short maceration, and a saturated alcool. I tought you were going to poor , slow but sure, the alccol without never blocking it, so saturation of alcool is impossible. Sorry for my english... I dont know if what I say is understandable to you.
Thank u soo much I really understand the concept of this method of extraction precisely ♥️
So glad this was helpful for you! Enjoy! - Gracie
Thanks. Looks like I need to acquire some more equipment.
Love the beard.
thank you for kind in depth great instructional video. do you think there would be any difference in tincture quality If I used pear shaped glass dripping funnel?
Probably no difference at all
Great video! I have done 2 percolations with success. Would love to have that stand!
Why can't you just do all this in a mason jar like any other tincture? It's what we did back in the 70s. And then we covered a large mixing bowl with wire mesh and cheese cloth, poured it in the mesh, and let it drip through. When it was done, we squeezed to get all the liquid out. IF the cheesecloth wasn't fine enough, we let sediments settle and we siphoned it out.
Basically the same, right?
There just showing another popular method
You can definitely make a tincture with the maceration method you are referring to. This is just an alternative for those who don't want to commit to shaking the jar everyday. We hope you make lots of tinctures in whatever way best works for you!
Ochani, this percolation method produces a much more potent tincture. If you make a maceration, and you make a percolation, both with the same alcohol:water percentage, you will be able to taste, smell, and feel a world of difference with the percolation one.
What do you mean by pack it in thirds?
Also -- unless you're in a " clean room " - cover your percolation bottle and drip jar, Finding bugs in your mix is very disappointing. You don't want mold spores or dust in there either ( or long read whiskers ).
Does using an off the shelf metal valve with a corrosive substance like alcohol open the door for potential metal contamination in the final tincture?
At around 5:05 you say to add our menstruum to the powder to the consistency of wet sand. Is this menstruum pure water, or the 50% alcohol? If it is the 50% alcohol, does this pre-moisten amount count towards the total 500 mL of alcohol solvent?
Also, how many mL of tincture should we expect to produce using 100 g powder and 500 mL 50% alcohol?
Last question, once first run is finished, instead of tossing out the spent powder, would it be beneficial to run another 500 mL of 50% alcohol through it again and just use the second produced tincture at twice the dose?
Wonderful video by the way. Thank you so much for taking the time to demonstrate how to do this. My wife was wanting me to make a batch of Echinacea Purpurea for her as quick as possible. I already had some 50% distillation left over from a strawberry wine to vanilla extract project. I think I have found a new hobby (herbalist / apothecary).
I made my own Percolation Cone using a glass cutter with a hole drilled in the handle mounted 3/4 ways down a short piece of 2x6 with another shorter piece of 2x6 screwed down about a 1/2 inch from the cutter as a guide. Only rotated the bottle one time around using moderate pressure. The trick is to get the best most even score line possible. Less sanding that way. I used boiling hot then cold water only around the score mark rotating the bottle as I pored. About 3 cycles and pop goes the bottom. I then sanded it with 80 > 120 > 220 grit wet sandpaper to avoid airborne glass dust. The flow valve I found in the ice-maker supply line section of the closest big box store. I already had a holey cork, so I made this same setup within 2 hours. Beautiful piece of equipment.
I have mine sitting on a 1/2 gallon mason jar. I put a lid over my cone to keep evaporation down.
The menstruum is whatever the herb needs to get maximum extraction. It will vary from herb to herb. Some require more alcohol, some require more water. Some even require the addition of glycerin or acids.
@@realherbalism1017 Where might I find a guide to optimal ratios for different herbs? How will one know these guidelines from herb to herb?
You moisten the herb with the menstruum you have already mixed and measured, you use some of the menstruum to rehydrate the powder and then use the rest to later pour over the moistened herb.
@@goatsjustwannahavefun4644 Ok. So, if you're taking some of the mixed and measured menstruum to moisten the powdered herb, you use whatever is left from the 500 ml to pour over the moistened herb...correct? You're not making extra mentruum to moisten the powdered herb...correct?
FORGOT TO LET AIR OUT. Fantastic video! Thanks so much for sharing. I did my 2nd percolation yesterday, and just realised I forgot to let all the air out before I closed the valve.. Just wondering if my tincture is ruined??? It does taste a little different.
hi there! this is the most comprehensive video I've found so far! thank you!
I'm curious about the needle valve? I guess I'm a bit confused as if its constructed together or 1 thing?
Are the needle valve and the stopper separate? If so, is the silicone stopper like one that you get for your olive oil top?
Excellent presentation. Thank you so much for the detailed explanation on this method of extraction. I am having trouble finding the device to hold the inverted wine bottle. I have located a source for the stand but the clamps provided (double burette) are not large enough to hold a 1 1/2 liter wine bottle. It would be greatly appreciated if you could provide a link, or at least a specific search term, in order to be able to purchase one.
You can use a retort ring and large retort clamp.
www.amazon.com/EISCO-CH0688-Retort-Coated-Prongs/dp/B00AWS3QV0/ref=pd_sim_328_1/137-0830815-6088021?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00AWS3QV0&pd_rd_r=6f752ab5-1466-11e9-a28a-c53ff3b18fd1&pd_rd_w=Jxa4B&pd_rd_wg=W5dbA&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=52HJ4J2540139F17SFXW&psc=1&refRID=52HJ4J2540139F17SFXW
You can make a stand from wood, either use a hole saw large enough for your bottle to drop into or use 2 hose clamps screwed onto your upright bar .
Hello, we need some help finding the needle valve. Thanks for the informative video
Go buy a Soxhlet Extractor or just go get a Graham's Condenser and a round bottom or flat bottom flask to create a tincture in less than 2 months, less than a month and less than 2 weeks.
Ebay
Sweet! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for tuning in!
can't wait to try it thanks
😮❤ wow thanks. My text book was all like big words to look up latter to easy short video ❤❤❤😅
So glad this video was helpful for you!!
Why would it not be the same result to take the 100 grams of dried powered plant material and add it to a jar with 500 ml of menstruum, let sit for 12 hrs then strain? If not how is it different.. I am just not understanding the value of the percolation procedure. Thanks - I love the video and the cool beard.
Hi there! Thomas Easley's percolation method is replicating the more traditional folk method of letting herbs infuse in jars over a period of time but his percolation method speeds up that process to be a more time saving option.
Thanks for sharing 5-8-19
Can you run a percolation extraction with Lions Mane?
I found a needle valve but it appears that your set up has an extra nut on it as it enters the stopper. My valve has flare fittings at both ends but I had to order it and haven't seen it up close yet.
@CV B We purchased this item from Lowe's; Dial Brass Evaportative Cooler - Item # 188712 Model # 94195
Most brass contains a little bit of lead, so don't use brass.
@@goatsjustwannahavefun4644 it is the same thing that I tell people to watch out.
People stay away from brass! Btw, excellent observation...
I have a question: so you do 1/3 of your herb at a time, do you need to moisten the herb again and do you completely clean all the equipment and stay over every time you do 1/3 of the herb?
Hello there, great video! I was wondering if it's possible to make a multi-herb tincture using the Percolation method? As in combining various dried herbs in powder form at one time to extract all together. Thank you!
That's not ideal because of powder consistencies and required ethanol percentage differences.
What about evaporation while it sits overnight then drips? Should the top and bottom parts be covered?
Since it is at least 50% volatile organic solvent, should the open end of the bottle and the top of the receptacle be covered to prevent evaporation?
Also, you REALLY need a microphone. Not only is it difficult to hear, it is echoing.
Laura Hays what is a Volatile Organic solvent? I’m new to the process.
Thank you so much🤍, This is so helpful ✨👏🏻
Glad it was helpful! - Gracie
Why did you water the alcohol down to a 1:2 ratio?
Could you use a French Press Coffee "maker/pitcher"? Or Maybe better yet, I wonder if a cone shaped paper coffee filter with the wet herbs put in first and then pour the alcohol on top and letting it drip through would work.
Very informative
Awesome video shall I know the best method for extracting Ginseng herb? can we use the same method? please advise and thanking in advance
You obviously didn't use a press here but do you recommend pressing the material in order to obtain more extract , tincture?
It's just packing it in. Not pressing it like a juicer
THANK YOU
Hi, thank you for the video! What kind of valve are you using, inserted into the stopper? I’m going to be making a tincture from the American Beauty Berry leaves, mosquito repellent. Apparently it’s stronger than Deet.
Thanks for sharing!
Question: Do i have to worry about evaporation from the drips and the perc?
Evaporation should be minimal! Thanks for your question Sterling!
Thank you, great tutorial. I noticed you had a link to the origins of tinctures, this is now possibly not the site you had intended to send people? Could you please let me know where to find it. Thank you
Thanx for a great DIY vid! Please help me! 🙏🏼I can't find any flow valve like that one you have. Is there any specific name for these?
Hi there Thomas, Salutations and Regards from Spain! I bought one of your books ( in english) Modern herbal dispensatory... which I love and found out I work in a very simillar way but gave me many ideas. I miss a bigger list of you favourite plants for -Soxhlet-, I'd really like to know your opinion Very greatful. David
fantastic thank you.
Did we miss a step? I followed through the beginning of adding 1/3 of herb and covering with the filter, then adding menstrum ... but what happened with the other 2/3 of the herb?
He only packed it 1/3 at a time, if you notice after his final packing all of the 100 g was added to his percolator bottle. He just didn't show adding the other 2/3, 1/3 at a time and gently packing it down.
Hey Ruth, sorry for the confusion! We didn't show the rest of the packing process for the sake of the length of the video. Good eye, though!
@@mountainroseherbs hello - at what point do you add the other 2/3 please? Do you add 1/3 pack it gently, then the next 1/3, pack it, then the last 1/3, pack that and THEN add all the liquid?
@@thevibranthealthcoach8929 I was wondering the same thing. I hate that no one is answering your question!
I was wondering exactly the same thing!!!! Thank you so much for asking this question!!
How do you keep the stopper from slipping out? It doesn't matter how far I push it in or how dry I make it and the bottleneck, the stopper eventually slips out. This happens with silicone and regular rubber stoppers.
I had this problem too and then I realized that I could turn the stopper upside down and it would stay in the bottle. But this would only work if it’s just the right size to slip inside the bottle opening and continue to hold. It needs to be just a few centimeters bigger than the opening.
Can you use hot water instead?
Have you ever tried ultrasound to speed up extractions. I have tried it on aging and infusing alchol using california white oak and with cinnamon bark. It would probably cut your 2 down to 2 to 4 hours. Oh I also used it on a stinging nettle tincture. A 4 hour ultrasound seemed stronger than a two weeks tincture. There is also a possible benefit that it might be making nano particles for an easier uptake and bioavailability like it does for liposomal vitamin C. So a win win in my book. let me know what you think
I have a question, could you use a French press coffee brewer to do this ?
If I might add, Please don't use metal instruments such as a spoon in your processing.
How about running the solvent through a few times? Any advantage? Thanks for the video!
I think there is a limit to the uptake and extraction from the cells... He mentioned in the video about how the trailer end of the ethanol/water mixture, which hasn't mixed with anything can continue to extract from the cell/plant material
Yeah so you can do it 2 3 4 or 5 times, but after about the 3rd time, you'll basically get nothing. Each time is referred to as a "pull" and honestly about 2 pulls is all that's worth it.
Where can I find a silicone valve?
Widgetco.com has the silicone stoppers. #3 size works for wine bottles.
Great video. Do you sometimes macerate then percolate?
Does percolating produce a more potent medicine than double process tincturing?
Would it be appropriate to use an alcohol shot dispenser set up from a bar for this process?
These are all great questions! Yes, you can macerate and the percolate your material. Percolation will create a more potent end product because of the slow extraction process. As for the alcohol shot dispenser, I've never seen this method done before but I'm not sure why it wouldn't work for you. It may just take a few tries to get the perfect set up. If you try it out that way, let us know how it goes! We are always looking to learn new methods :) - Gracie
Very good presentation. I found these items online. My question is...Can I use this process for Cinnamon (Ceylon)?
You sure can, Karen! It's best to use the powder for this process though.
with a beard that long, I believed every word.
Question: Where can we find the needle valve? I've looked and can't seem to find it
Hi Kimberly! You can find needle valves at most local hardware stores, and if they don't have it in stock already, they will almost certainly order it for you. Enjoy your herbal explorations!
@@mountainroseherbs I ordered a needle valve that looks similar online but once it arrived I found that liquid doesn't consistently drip through the valve, unless I shake it. Can you give any more guidance or a link to what specific type you used? Thanks!
@@ZAndrsn Don't know if this is the same, but we purchased from Lowe's;
Dial Brass Evaportative Cooler - Item # 188712 Model # 94195 along with plastic/rubber tubing that goes under the nut and up thru the stopper. It has worked beautiful for us thus far.
@@mountainroseherbs If you're using a #3 Silicone stopper, generally with 0.3in (or 8mm) hole, what size valve needle do you use?
@@likeavaper3901 Most brass contains a little bit of lead, so don't use brass.
Hello Thomas, thanks for making this fine video. If you couldn't get the needle valve what other options would you consider?
Use a wine or perrier bottle with a screw on lid, loosen the lid to get the proper drop ratio. He mentioned this, but you might have missed it.
What alcohol do you prefer..? Do you add water to the alcohol?
What is the history of percolation tinctures? How can I learn more about the tradition of percolation tinctures? Or is this a newer mode of herbal medicine making?
@@EclecticHerbalist Link not working.
@@EclecticHerbalist Thank you, this link doesn't work though! :)
Can I also do it with fruits, ground coffee and ground cocoa?
What happens to the ethanol?
Forget the tincture how long an what do you use for your beard
He won't tell you the secret 😶
Great video. Isn't the alcohol going to evaporate? do you let it sit 12 hr uncovered?
It shouldn't evaporate if you're working at room temperature.
Why can we not use fresh herbs for percolating??
Thank you for teaching. Would you do this with wormwood powder?
You can use this method for wormwood! Best of luck!
Is there a set up pre made like this that we can purchase somewhere?
Hi there! There are a few kits out there for purchase, but they often come with a hefty price tag, and the quality and/or effectiveness wavers. We'd recommend making your own as Thomas explains in the video. Best of luck to you!
Hello I like your video. I would like to rebuild it, unfortunately I can't find such a silicone valve. In the hardware store in Germany I only find stainless steel valves for water taps. Could you send a link where to buy it online?
Go on his website: www.eclecticabotanica.com/books-equipment/p/percolation-cone he tells you where to get the silicone valve.
@@Bv3276 Thank you! I searched forever and ended up purchasing a 100ml and 1000ml burette. I like his setup and appreciate you sharing this resource.
So why the heck would I continue with maceration if this is quicker and stronger??
We always encourage our customers to use whichever methods of herbal preparation work best for them! The maceration method requires less equipment and precision which will be easier and more accessible for some folks. I hope that helps to explain things!
@@mountainroseherbs that makes sense! But if I can yield the same, or better, end product then I’d prefer this method! I’m willing to put in the extra work!
Can you use fresh plants?
Hi there! Since this method utilizes herbal powders, fresh plants would not be recommended.
Can you use this method with dried roots too or does it need to be powered?
Roots are often more dense so I would suggest grinding or powdering before extracting to get the best results!
That is quite the beard!
Great video. Would you have a link to get a "number 60 screen"? They have sieves on Amazon, but I don't know which one to get.
That's a 60 mesh screen, easy to find. Just type in 60 mesh sieve.
@@goatsjustwannahavefun4644 Thanks!
what is the name of the little tap? an enlarged image of the room? the bottle is a cut bottle?
Sorry, we don't have a larger photo of the space, but the other two questions are covered by the herbalist in the video. Enjoy!
May be an obvious question but is there any use for waste herb matter after the extraction is complete?
Hi there! I've never found a great use for the spent herbs. By the time you are done extracting all the beneficial components of the herb in the tincturing process, there isn't much left. I'd suggest composting! I've heard from other commenters that they have used spent berries and herbs to feed chickens but that is usually after making syrups and not tinctures. Let us know if you find a creative use for your used herbs! - Gracie
@jorgepeterbarton look into spagyrics, requires further processing of the plant material into ash and then salts, and recombines the salts, to the tincture.
Can anyone post links to the individual components needed to set up this system? Thanks in advance!✌🏼
I make a slurry with 4oz of the powder to 16oz of the vodka, let it sit 1-3 days shaking it every day then, as a percolator I use the same 1.75L plastic bottle the 100 Proof Vodka came in! Since it's plastic it is easy to cut out the bottom end, I use the aerator that comes with the vodka bottle, put the cotton and the video shows, no need for any valve! the aerator does the job! and I sit the upside down vodka bottle in a mason jar's funnel, inside a mason jar. easy and free!
Just go buy a soxhlet extractor
@@chriszanders23 Can you explain how to use the soxhlet extractor?