The Complete Guide to Making Alcohol Extracts and Oil Infusions with Adaptogens

The Complete Guide to Making Alcohol Extracts and Oil Infusions with Adaptogens

Alright, let’s be honest — making your own herbal extracts and oil infusions is probably the closest thing we have to witchcraft. You get to tap into the natural power of adaptogens like Lion’s Mane, Rhodiola, Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, and Cordyceps, and harness their magical properties. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy laboratory, just a few jars and a bit of patience.

So, let’s cut the fluff and get to the good stuff — how do you actually make alcohol extracts and oil infusions that are potent, effective, and actually work?

Alcohol Extracts (Tinctures): The Liquid Gold

Alcohol extracts, or tinctures, are the most efficient way to extract those precious active compounds from your adaptogens. Why alcohol? Because it's one of the best solvents to pull out both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds. Whether you want to boost your energy with Rhodiola, or get more brainpower from Lion's Mane, alcohol tinctures work wonders.

How to Make an Alcohol Extract (Tincture):

1. Choose Your Adaptogen: Dried herbs work best. Fresh herbs have moisture, which dilutes the alcohol and makes it less effective. So, stick with dried plant material (or mushroom).

2. Fill a Jar: Fill it about halfway with the dried herb or mushroom. You want the alcohol to be able to fully cover the material, so don’t pack it too tightly.

3. Pour in the Alcohol: Use high-proof alcohol (think vodka or Everclear) to cover the plant material. Go for at least 40-50% alcohol, and the stronger, the better. This is your solvent.

4. Seal and Shake: Close the jar tight, and shake it like you’re making a cocktail. Give it a good shake every day — you’ll want to make sure all the good stuff is dissolving into that alcohol.

5. Wait: Set the jar in a cool, dark place and let it sit for 2-4 weeks. Yes, I know it’s a waiting game, but trust me, it’ll be worth it. Just shake it every day to help the magic happen.

6. Strain: After the waiting period, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the plant material.

7. Store: Keep your tincture in dark glass dropper bottles. They’ll stay potent for up to 2 years if stored properly.

Best Adaptogens for Alcohol Extraction:

• Lion’s Mane: Full of brain-boosting hericenones and erinacines that extract beautifully in alcohol.
• Rhodiola: Perfect for rosavins and salidrosides extraction.
• Ashwagandha: Excellent for pulling out withanolides — these are your stress-reducing compounds.
• Holy Basil and Cordyceps can also be extracted but may need longer extraction times for full potency.

Oil Infusions: A Slow, Steady Soak

Now, if you want something that’s a little more gentle and a bit more versatile, oil infusions are your jam. These are perfect for topical remedies or edible oils. Not only can they soothe sore muscles, but they also work wonders in smoothies, teas, or on your skin. But here's the thing — oil infusions take time and a little TLC.

How to Make an Oil Infusion:

1. Pick Your Carrier Oil: Use something neutral like olive oil, coconut oil, or MCT oil. These are ideal for extracting the goodness without overpowering the herb’s natural flavors.

2. Prepare the Adaptogen: Again, you’ll want to use dried herbs or powders for this one. Fresh herbs contain moisture that can cause mold or spoilage in your oil.

3. Fill Your Jar: Fill the jar halfway with your dried adaptogen.

4. Add the Oil: Pour in enough oil to completely cover the plant material. Make sure it’s fully submerged. No plant material above the oil — we don’t want it getting soggy.

5. Heat Gently: Place the jar in a double boiler or a warm water bath (don’t boil!). Let it simmer for 3-5 hours over low heat to ensure the herbs' compounds are being released into the oil.

6. Strain and Store: Once you've done the slow soak, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Store the infused oil in a glass jar and keep it in a cool, dark place. The oil should last 6-12 months.

Best Adaptogens for Oil Infusion:

• Holy Basil: Use it for calming and topical stress relief.
• Lion's Mane: Excellent for neurogenesis when infused into oil, perfect for skincare.
• Cordyceps: Great in oil, especially when you add a bit of lavender or eucalyptus for an energizing rub-down.

Rhodiola and Ashwagandha can be infused in oil as well, though they’re more effective when made into tinctures for internal use. But hey, oil infusions are great if you’re looking to create a nice topical balm for muscle recovery or stress relief.

Tips and Hacks for Both Methods:

• Label Everything: Always note the plant, the date, and the alcohol/oil used. You’ll thank yourself later when you try to figure out if that tincture is still good or not.

• Adjust Potency: Want a stronger tincture or oil? Increase the herb-to-liquid ratio. More herbs = more powerful product.

• Storage is Key: Both tinctures and oils need to be kept cool and dark. A dark glass bottle is ideal to preserve the compounds. Tinctures last longer (up to 2 years), while oils usually last 6-12 months.

• Multi-Adaptogen Power: Why stop at one herb? Combine adaptogens for a more tailored blend. Ashwagandha and Rhodiola for stress relief, or Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps for energy and brainpower. Just adjust the ratios to keep it balanced.

How to Use Your Extracts and Infusions:

• Tinctures: Typically, you’ll take 10-20 drops of tincture under your tongue, or you can add it to water or tea.

• Oil Infusions: Use these topically for muscle pain relief, skin care, or as a natural hair conditioner. Or, add a spoonful to your smoothies or food to soak up those benefits from the inside out.

Final Thought: It’s Time to Become Your Own Herbal Alchemist

Making your own alcohol extracts and oil infusions is not only a satisfying and effective way to bring adaptogens into your routine, but it’s also a way to customize your wellness. You’re not just popping a pill; you’re connecting to the ancient wisdom of plants while also getting complete control over what goes into your body.

So grab a few jars, your favorite adaptogens, and get extracting and infusing. Your body, mind, and well-being will thank you.