How are basic herbal extracts prepared?
An herbal extract is prepared from any combination of herbal leaves, bark, roots, seeds, plant flowers, etc. The plant or tree parts are mixed together in containers in which the extracting liquids, such as alcohol, vinegar, or glycerin are used as a solvent for extracting the vital nutrients from the plant and tree parts. Usually extraction will take place over a period of at least two weeks along with daily shaking of the steeping preparation. The finished herbal extract will be prepared by squeezing the extracted solution in a press under great pressure, thus separating the liquid extract from the herbal mash. For a potent finished liquid extract, it is typically prepared anywhere from 28 to 42 ounces of dried herb along with the proper amount of aqueous solvent for preparation of a gallon of liquid. The aqueous solution is commonly grain alcohol and water.
