Herbal DIY Liquid (and no, not that "herb")

[buffaloguy]

You can extract just about any herb into pg, vg, or even pga. However in my time doing extractions I have found the best results extracting into pg. I use heat extraction. I do not let anything sit on a shelf for days on end. I Steep my extractions at the same temp I steep my finished juices, at 125° for about 45mins to an hour.

I also have had the best results flavor wise sticking to dried herbs. With the exception of what I refer to as woody (or needle like) herbs, like rosemary. All benefit greatly from a good beating in a mortar and pestle before adding them to pg, vg, etc for extraction. It helps to release (and in the case of dried herbs reawaken) the flavors much more.

Some say heat extraction will cause a bitter taste. Ive never once experienced that with herbs however. Tea and coffe yes, but only if Ive let it sit heating for over and hour and/or used too much coffee or tea in the extraction.

My standard is using about 30ml of pg and two to three tbsp of dried herbs, teas, coffee, etc. I yield about 11-15ml of extraction from it after triple filtering thru coffee filters... and they are strong extractions in all cases. I tend to only use 5-10% tops in a final mix. Usually closer to 5% for most.

 

[Aheadatime]

You can extract just about any herb into pg, vg, or even pga. However in my time doing extractions I have found the best results extracting into pg. I use heat extraction. I do not let anything sit on a shelf for days on end. I Steep my extractions at the same temp I steep my finished juices, at 125° for about 45mins to an hour.

I also have had the best results flavor wise sticking to dried herbs. With the exception of what I refer to as woody (or needle like) herbs, like rosemary. All benefit greatly from a good beating in a mortar and pestle before adding them to pg, vg, etc for extraction. It helps to release (and in the case of dried herbs reawaken) the flavors much more.

Some say heat extraction will cause a bitter taste. Ive never once experienced that with herbs however. Tea and coffe yes, but only if Ive let it sit heating for over and hour and/or used too much coffee or tea in the extraction.

My standard is using about 30ml of pg and two to three tbsp of dried herbs, teas, coffee, etc. I yield about 11-15ml of extraction from it after triple filtering thru coffee filters... and they are strong extractions in all cases. I tend to only use 5-10% tops in a final mix. Usually closer to 5% for most.

I'm fascinated by coffee extracts. Do you use whole bean or ground? And have you noticed difference in taste/potency with varying coffee qualities ie crappy instant 'coffee' vs higher quality fresh local cafe coffee?

 

[utenzil]

I haven't but it sounds very interesting. I would love to try something that has a calming effect.

This reply in conjunction with your avi pic made me chuckle

I have finished creating my first diy herbal extract diy e-liquid. The liquid extract is from parts of a tree called "Pukatea" (Laurelia novae-zelandiae) used medicinally by the Maori.

The dried pukatea was imported from New Zealand and extracted using just VG and water over a long period of time. The extract was then filtered and mixed with additional VG to create the e-liquid. I've been researching to find things that in the right strength will be enjoyable and mild.

It is a subtle flavor, like a floral tea, and it also has a calming, centering effect-- it is . I've been vaping it over the past week, and it is very pleasant.

 

[utenzil]

You can extract just about any herb into pg, vg, or even pga. However in my time doing extractions I have found the best results extracting into pg. I use heat extraction. I do not let anything sit on a shelf for days on end. I Steep my extractions at the same temp I steep my finished juices, at 125° for about 45mins to an hour.

I also have had the best results flavor wise sticking to dried herbs. With the exception of what I refer to as woody (or needle like) herbs, like rosemary. All benefit greatly from a good beating in a mortar and pestle before adding them to pg, vg, etc for extraction. It helps to release (and in the case of dried herbs reawaken) the flavors much more.

Some say heat extraction will cause a bitter taste. Ive never once experienced that with herbs however. Tea and coffe yes, but only if Ive let it sit heating for over and hour and/or used too much coffee or tea in the extraction.

My standard is using about 30ml of pg and two to three tbsp of dried herbs, teas, coffee, etc. I yield about 11-15ml of extraction from it after triple filtering thru coffee filters... and they are strong extractions in all cases. I tend to only use 5-10% tops in a final mix. Usually closer to 5% for most.

I saw this post after I had started my experiment, but it is very good info. I did let the herbs sit in a VG/water (about 70%/30%) mixture without applying heat for a long time (multiple weeks).

I then poured out the juice, strained it, pressed the moistened crushed plant through a strainger with a pestle. I still got a lot of rich scent from the plant matter that made me think there was more essence to be had, so I put this into a pot and simmered it for about 20 minutes. There was more to be had, it did not end up coming out bitter or burnt smelling or tasting.

When I try this with my next herbal ingredient, which I believe will be Osha and something else that I haven't decided (because Osha is kind of a bitter licorice odor/taste) I will start with steeping/heating it. I will use VG, though.

The best extraction method may also differ based on the herb. It may be that more delicate or fresh herbs would be best to leave sitting in a jar for a long time.