When making tinctures from fresh herbs instead of dried, I use a 50/50 mixture of the chopped-up plants with 190 proof alcohol. This high concentration of alcohol causes the plant's cell to rupture due to osmatic pressure. Science! During the bursting, the medicinal compounds begin flowing into the alcohol along with any water in the cells. The plant's water dilutes to 190 proof down to around 80 proof which is still enough to make the tincture shelf stable. #herbal #medicine | Medicine Man Plan