Old tinctures? Macerating for 1 year!!

[KarmaG]

Around this time last year right before a big move, I started some tinctures macerating in alcohol. Things got a bit hectic and they were packed in boxes for the move. I had full intentions of finishing them (straining, rebottling, etc) as soon as we got settled in the new place. Fast forward to now - it's been a shit show of a year; we've moved twice since then and only now am I finally getting to unpack my stuff for real.

My question to you all is, what should I do with my tinctures? Is there any danger in leaving them macerating for so long or will they just be super turbo-tinctures? FYI, I have about 12 of them, ranging from kanna to pedicularis to lotus (nothing super strong on its own). This is my first time making tinctures so I don't know if I should start from scratch or just keep on going with them. Advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[gaiaphile]

No danger, most tinctures will attain maximum potency (it varies a bit from herb to herb) in under two months, providing they are shaken/stirred daily. With more time, the need for shaking is lessened. After the initial maceration period, the menstruum will take no more of the herbs active constituents, an equilibrium is reached, and the strength does not continue to increase with time.

Most tinctures retain decent potency for about 18 months/2 years. After that, the potency begins to diminish at a higher rate. Same story for most dried herbs.

I think your medicines are still very good, providing they were kept in the dark and not exposed to excessive heat.

Continue your medicine making, proceed with confidence, I'd bet you have a good year or more of potency left.

 

[KarmaG]

Thank you for the great info. I feel much more confident in proceeding with them now. Cheers!