3 Reasons Alcohol Is A Great Solvent For Herbs
Alcohol Extracts More Compounds From Herbs
Herbs and foods contain both fat soluble and water soluble compounds, and alcohol is unique in that it can extract both of these compounds from the herb, therefore, giving you a very well-rounded end product.
Alcohol Is Fast-Acting
Alcohol is also one of the fastest ways to deliver herbal nutrition into the body. Tinctures made from alcohol are absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and stomach lining. Even placing it under the tongue will get it quickly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion altogether.
Alcohol Extends The Shelf life
Alcohol also gives tinctures a longer shelflife than other preservation methods, and it helps to preserve the potency of the active constituents for a longer period of time. I love making herbal tea, and we drink it frequently even though it only lasts a few days. Compare that to an alcohol-based tincture that will last two years or more!