Solvents

Solvents in Herbal Medicine

• Definition of Solvents

  • Used in liquid herbal medicine making.

  • Categories: Commercial, home use, traditional herbal medicine.

• Traditional Herbal Medicine

  • Herbs are dried to be used out of season.

  • Various methods of preservation include water extractions, teas, dried herb usage.

• Types of Solvents

  • Water: Commonly used for dried herbs.

  • Alcohol: Widely used (ethanol is most common).

  • Other Options: Glycerine, vinegars, brandy, honey, oils.

    • Herbs could be preserved in wine, brandy, or honeys as historical practices.

• Ethanol as a Solvent

  • Important to ensure it is safe for human consumption.

  • Denatured Ethanol: Treated to make it unsuitable for drinking and often cheaper.

    • Kombines ethanol and methanol, which is highly toxic.

• Safety Considerations

  • Methanol can lead to serious health issues (blindness, death).

  • Need for proper distillation to avoid methanol contamination.

• Purchasing Ethanol

  • Commercial ethanol might be difficult to obtain without a license; students should consider alternatives.

  • Vodka: Adequate for home manufacturing (37-40% alcohol).

  • Look for High Alcohol Spirits like Polish Spirit (90% alcohol).

  • Verify that any ethanol purchased is for consumption, not for other uses (e.g., oil diffusers).

• Practical Tips

  • Use vodka for classroom purposes as it is safer and more accessible.

  • Pure ethanol is usually around 98.5% (not 100% due to moisture absorption).

• Ethanol Properties

  • Excellent solvent for extracting components from herbs.

  • Adjust strength based on needs, with calculations available for reference.

• Conclusion

  • For students in herbal medicine making, prioritize safety and proper solvent selection to ensure effective and safe herbal formulations.