Herbal Vocabulary: A Guide to Herbal Preparations

Herbal preparations have their own vocabulary. A tincture is not the same as a glycerite, and an apple cider vinegar extract is technically an acetum rather than a tincture. This guide explains ten traditional preparations in plain language.

Herbal vocabulary at a glance

1. Tincture

Herbs extracted in alcohol, or alcohol and water. Alcohol extracts a broad range of plant constituents and helps create a concentrated preparation with a long shelf life.

2. Elixir

An alcohol-based herbal extract with a sweetener such as honey or syrup. The sweetener improves flavour and makes strong or bitter herbs easier to take.

3. Electuary

Powdered herbs mixed into a thick paste with honey, nut butter or a similar base. It is a simple way to take powdered herbs, while honey helps preserve the mixture.

4. Glycerite

Herbs extracted in vegetable glycerine and water. It offers a sweet, alcohol-free preparation.

5. Acetum

Herbs extracted in vinegar, usually apple cider vinegar. Vinegar is often used to extract minerals and certain water-soluble plant constituents.

Important distinction: An apple cider vinegar extract is an acetum or herbal vinegar. It is not technically a tincture because a tincture uses alcohol.

6. Oxymel

A preparation made with vinegar and honey, often infused with herbs. The vinegar acts as the extracting liquid while honey improves flavour and balance.

7. Decoction

Harder plant parts such as roots, bark and seeds gently simmered in water. These tougher materials need more heat and time to release extractable plant constituents.

8. Water infusion

Herbs steeped in hot or cold water. This method is commonly used for softer plant parts such as leaves and flowers.

9. Oil infusion

Herbs infused into oil over time or with gentle heat. Oil extracts oil-soluble plant constituents and is commonly used in balms, salves and skincare.

10. Tea or tisane

A herbal drink made by steeping leaves, flowers or soft stems in water. It is one of the simplest traditional ways to prepare herbs.

---

The Herbal Reference Collection

This guide is the first piece in the Alpine Apothecary Herbal Reference Collection, created for curious makers, gardeners and home herbalists. It is being prepared as both a wall poster and a practical printed tea towel.

Explore the Herbal Reference Collection

General educational information only. This page does not provide medical advice.