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By Root 837 0

their softer internal tissues to the action of the solvent. This is also required when extracting many seeds and leaves. Designed to shed water in nature, the walls of the outer (ectodermal) layers of these particular plant parts are impervious to water, but the walls of their inner (mesodermal and endodermal) cells are permeable and readily permit a solvent to diffuse through them and to dissolve the soluble portion of their contents. Therefore, the outer layer of cells of most leaves and seeds must be broken down like the hard tissues of plants mentioned above.

Regardless of the materials of which the cell walls of any plant part are constructed, the passing of the soluble constituents through the walls can be a slow process, but it can be quickened by increasing the surface area of the plant before extraction is begun. Again, this is accomplished (sometimes easily, sometimes not) by powdering the dried plant. This not only greatly increases the area that can be exposed to the solvent, but also causes many of the ectodermal surface cells to be broken, so that the menstruum can come in direct contact with the cells’ contents. The application of heat will also hasten the process of passing a plant’s soluble constituents through the cell walls, and this is what the specialized maceration processes of hot infusion, decoction, and digestion are all about (we’ll discuss those soon). It may be necessary in some circumstances, however, to avoid high temperatures during an extraction process. Heat will destroy enzymes which are sometimes desired; it will drive off volatile components, such as essential oils; it will coagulate plant proteins which can impede the extraction process; and it can dissolve out too much of the gums and proteins.

In extraction of dehydrated plant material by maceration, the dried plant material is normally powdered before applying a menstruum. The powdered plant is then allowed to remain in contact with a relatively large volume of menstruum until the extractive matter is distributed uniformly throughout the liquid. The saturated liquid is then poured off (decanted) and the marc (insoluble pulp) pressed or squeezed to procure any remaining liquid.

When percolation is used as the extraction process, a column of menstruum is allowed to flow down through a body of uniformly packed powdered herb carrying the extractant along with it as it exits the percolator cone, leaving behind the fully exhausted marc.

If instead, fresh undried plant material is being extracted by maceration, the menstruum is poured onto the plant and the entire mixture is pulverized in a blending machine (like an herbal smoothie) for an adequate time to break down the cell walls and expose them to the solvent action of the menstruum, or the fresh plant material can be simply chopped and macerated in pure ethyl alcohol, which acts to dehydrate the plant, drawing the plant juices and their chemical constituents into solution (more about these techniques later).

Before we get into a discussion of plant constituents and their main solvents, I would like to circumvent those details and give you an overview of what I consider the most efficient extraction technique for making superlative herbal medicine.

Again I stress, make detailed notes for yourself. Refer to the sample Extract Information Form for medicine-making notes found in Appendix D. Modify this sample form to suit your own unique style and method of experimentation. Making herbal medicine is a very personal and sensual art and craft; don’t hesitate to be adventurous and possibly blow it on occasion, just be sure you make notes. Ultimately, your experience, which is a creative integration of your successes and your mistakes, is your best teacher and finest trainer. Enjoy the plants, savor your extracts, and prize your notes.

THE SENSUAL APPROACH TO SUCCESSFUL TINCTURING AND

OTHER METHODS OF HERBAL EXTRACTION

1. The most important step. Acquire organically cultivated or ethically wildcrafted, meticulously garbled, high-quality herb that flaunts rich color, a deep aroma,