Replied by Mama to Many (TN) on 04/15/2022

Yes, tinctures can be made with fresh herbs, but you need to use a different menstruum. When I am making a tincture with dry herbs, I generally use 80 proof vodka (40% alcohol) as my menstruum. But because fresh herbs have a higher water content, you need the menstruum to have a higher alcohol content, or your tincture may mold or go bad more quickly since the alcohol preserves it.

That said, when making a tincture with fresh herbs, I tincture them in grain alcohol (190 proof, so 95% alcohol.)

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Art (California) on 04/15/2022

In studies, depending on the plant species being tested, water extraction, ethanol extraction or different chemical extraction methods can produce a more potent or effective result depending on the individual plant. In the case of the herb marijuana, you also have to use a decarboxylation process via dry heat in order to activate a very useful portion of the plant (THC) as part of the tincture making process.

Art