The Menstruum Matrix: Understanding Ethanol, Proof, and the Math of Potency

by Jason J. Duke - Owner/Artisan

Fresh Content: December 2, 2025 19:30

What is a Menstruum?

In herbalism, a Menstruum is the liquid solvent used to extract constituents from plant matter. It is a precise blend of Neutral Ethanol (alcohol) and Water. The ratio of these two fluids determines the ABV (Alcohol By Volume), which dictates exactly which medicinal compounds are pulled from the plant and which are left behind.

The Solvent Audit: Neutral Spirits vs. Aged Liquor

Metric Whiskey / Brandy / Rum Vodka / 190 Proof Neutral Spirits
Solubility Potential Compromised. "Hands Full" with wood tannins and sugars. Maximum. "Open Hands" to grab plant medicine.
Flavor Profile Strong interference. Masks the herb's true taste. Neutral. Allows the herb's profile to shine.
Chemical Purity High Congeners (Fusel oils from aging). High Purity. Distilled to remove all non-ethanol compounds.
Verdict DO NOT USE. THE STANDARD.
Diagram showing the precise recipe to make 16oz of 40% ABV Menstruum using 190 Proof Neutral Spirit and Distilled Water
Figure 8: The Kitchen Batch Recipe. (Click to Enlarge) How to make 1 pint (16oz) of standard 40% Menstruum using 190 Proof Neutral Spirits.

 

1. The Purity Protocol (Why Brandy/Whiskey Fail)

In folk traditions, herbs were often soaked in brandy or whiskey. While romantic, this is chemically inefficient. Aged spirits are "Brown Liquors" because they have absorbed tannins, vanillins, and sugars from charred oak barrels.

In extraction physics, a solvent with impurities has Low Solubility Potential. It cannot hold as much plant medicine because it is already holding wood extract. Furthermore, the impurities (Congeners) can react unpredictably with delicate herb compounds.

The Rule: Use only Clear, Neutral Spirits. High-quality Vodka (for low proof) or 190 Proof Neutral Spirits (for high proof) are the only acceptable solvents for serious tincture making. The source (corn, cane, wheat) does not matter; only the clarity and proof matter.

2. The Vodka Ceiling: The Limits of 40% ABV

Store-bought Vodka (typically 80 Proof / 40% ABV) is a fantastic, accessible solvent for beginners. It works perfectly for simple extractions like Dandelion or Burdock root. However, it has a "Hard Ceiling."

Because Vodka is fixed at 60% Water, it lacks the solvent power to pull heavy medicinal compounds like complex alkaloids, oleoresins, and gums. If you use vodka for these specific potent herbs, you are leaving the strongest medicine in the marc (the waste material). To extract these five, you must use 190 Proof Neutral Spirits diluted to a specific "Golden Ratio."

The "High-Proof" Watchlist (Requires 60-90% ABV)

  • 1. Goldenseal Root: (Alkaloids)
    The prize of Goldenseal is Berberine and Hydrastine. These heavy alkaloids are only semi-soluble in water. A standard 40% vodka extract will be weak and prone to precipitation (the medicine falling out of solution). A 60% ABV menstruum ensures full alkaloid suspension.
  • 2. Skullcap Aerials: (Nervine Flavonoids)
    To capture the true "nervine" power of Scutellaria (specifically the compound Scutellarin), you need a solvent that is lighter and more penetrating than water. Low-proof extracts often miss the volatile compounds that calm the nervous system. 60% ABV is the professional standard for potency.
  • 3. Echinacea Root: (Alkylamides)
    The "tingle" of Echinacea comes from Alkylamides, which stimulate the immune system. These are alcohol-loving compounds. A low-proof extract yields mostly polysaccharides (sugars), which are good, but misses the immune-stimulating fire. 60% ABV captures the full spectrum.
  • 4. Pine or Spruce Pitch: (Hard Resin)
    This is pure tree sap. It is completely hydrophobic (water-fearing). In Vodka, it remains a solid rock. It requires 95% ABV (190 Proof) to dissolve into liquid medicine.
  • 5. Myrrh: (Gum-Resin)
    An ancient antimicrobial gum-resin that requires a minimum of 90% ABV. Anything less results in a milky, weak suspension where the most potent resinous compounds settle at the bottom as sludge.

3. The Easy Math: Making a 16oz Batch

To extract properly, you want to match the Golden Ratio of 40-50% ABV for most standard herbs. If you buy 190 Proof alcohol, you must dilute it with Distilled Water.

Don't be intimidated by the math. Here is the simple "Kitchen Alchemist" recipe to make 1 Pint (16oz) of standard extraction menstruum (approx. 40% ABV).

The 16oz Standard Batch Recipe

Goal: 16 ounces of Liquid @ 40% Alcohol.

Ingredients:

  • 190 Proof Neutral Spirit: 6.75 ounces (approx. 7 oz)
  • Distilled Water: 9.25 ounces (approx. 9 oz)

Instructions: Pour ~7 ounces of high-proof alcohol into a pint jar. Top it off with ~9 ounces of Distilled Water. You now have a perfect, clean menstruum ready for your dried herbs.

Phase 2: The Solvent Spectrum (Applied Chemistry)

You have calculated the Ethanol Menstruum. Now, proceed to Alternative Solvent Dynamics: