Ultrasound waves are a powerful method to intensify herbal extraction. Ultrasonic extraction results in a full-spectrum extract which contains the whole range of bioactive compounds. Applying ultrasound waves during spagyric tincture preparation makes the process significantly more efficient since sonication releases more bioactive compounds within minutes. The ultrasound treatment is a method in harmony with the holistic approach of spagyric tinctures.

What are Spagyric Tinctures?

Spagyric tinctures are a type of herbal tincture that is made using an alchemical process. The word “spagyric” comes from the Greek words “spao” and “ageiro,” which mean to separate and recombine.
In the spagyric process, the plant material is first extracted using alcohol to create a basic tincture. Then, the plant matter is burned to create a white ash, which is then dissolved in water to create a mineral salt. Finally, the tincture and mineral salt are combined and put through a process of distillation and fermentation to create a spagyric tincture.
The spagyric process is said to create a more potent and bioavailable form of the plant’s active compounds. This is because the alchemical process separates the plant’s constituents, purifies them, and then recombines them in a more balanced and synergistic way.
Spagyric tinctures are commonly used in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in the Western tradition of mystic herbalism. They are believed to have a more profound effect on the body, mind, and spirit than regular herbal tinctures. However, it’s important to note that scientific research on the efficacy of spagyric tinctures is limited, and their use should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

How Does Ultrasound Helps to Prepare Spagyric Tinctures?

Whilst ultrasound is not part of the traditional preparation of spagyric tinctures, ultrasonication is a complementary technique, which allows to produce spagyric tinctures with high potency. Additionally, sonication speeds the extraction step of herbal extraction significantly up.
The traditional spagyric process involves a series of alchemical techniques, including distillation, fermentation, and the separation and recombination of plant constituents. The application of ultrasound waves is can be synergistically complement the preparation steps of spagyric tinctures.
Ultrasound is mainly used during the herbal extraction step. Additionally, sonication is a highly efficient method for mixing. Therefore, sonication is also used to mix the burnt ash into water as well as to combine the mineral salt solution with the tincture.

Ultrasonic Extraction of Herbs for Spagyrig Tintures

Ultrasonication is a highly potent extraction technique, widely used in the preparation of botanical extracts and herbal tinctures. Ultrasonic extraction is a method that uses high-frequency sound waves (e.g. 20-30kHz) to break down the cell walls of plant material, facilitating the release of bioactive compounds into the solvent (such as alcohol, ethanol). This results in a more efficient extraction process and higher yields of active compounds producing an extract with highly concentrated phytochemicals.
Ultrasonic extraction is therefore a useful technique for preparing herbal extracts and tinctures, including spyagyric tinctures, with high concentrations of active compounds.

Hielscher ultrasonicators are successfully applied for the production of spagyric tinctures from herbs, mushrooms and botanicals.
Read more about ultrasonic extraction of:

• Rosemary
• Hemp / Cannabis
• Mushrooms (Chaga, Lion’s mane)
• Kratom
• Astragalus
• Hops
• Baggibuti
• Milk Thistle

Olive leaf

Ultrasound Waves as Natural Extraction Technique

Ultrasonication is a chemical-free, non-thermal treatment. Ultrasound waves are sound waves with frequencies greater than 20kHz, which is above the audible range of humans.
When intense ultrasound waves are applied to liquids, acoustic cavitation occurs. Acoustic cavitation creates high shear forces and pressure differentials, which are purely mechanical forces. These shear and pressure forces are highly effective to break cell walls open and to release intracellular molecules, i.e. bioactive ingredients. Since ultrasound treatment does not add any unwanted chemicals or additives to the extract, sonication is considered a holistic extraction method.

Step-by-Step Protocol for the Ultrasonic Preparation of a Spagyric Tincture

1. Choose your plant material: Select the plant material you wish to use for your spagyric tincture. It’s important to choose high-quality and organic plant material for the best results. You can use fresh or dried plant material.
2. Maceration: Grind or chop the plant material and place it in a glass jar. Cover the plant material with a high-proof alcohol, such as vodka or grain alcohol.
3. Ultrasonication: Use your probe-type ultrasonicator such as the UP100H or UP200Ht to treat the mixture of plant material and alcohol. A short ultrasonic treatment of a few second to a few minutes – depending on your plant material and the volume – shortens the extraction duration of traditional soaking, which takes several weeks, to a few minutes. The ultrasonic extraction procedure releases the full spectrum of the plant’s active compounds and produces thereby a potent herbal tincture. Ask us for recommendations and ultrasonic extraction protocols of your specific herbs!
4. Separation: After the ultrasonic extraction is completed, strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to separate the liquid from the plant material.
5. Calcination: Take the leftover plant material, dry it and burn it to ash. This can be done in a ceramic dish or crucible using a high-heat source such as a propane torch or a kiln.
6. Dissolution: Take the plant ash and dissolve it in distilled water to create a mineral salt. This step is called dissolution. You can use your ultrasonic probe to promote a quick and thorough dissolving.
7. Fermentation: Add the mineral salt to the tincture and let it ferment for several days to a week. During this time, the alcohol will extract the minerals and other nutrients from the mineral salt.
8. Distillation: After fermentation is complete, distill the mixture using a still to concentrate and purify the tincture.
9. Final product: The resulting spagyric tincture is a highly concentrated, bioavailable form of the plant’s active compounds, with the addition of minerals and other nutrients from the mineral salt.

It’s important to note that the spagyric process can be complex and time-consuming, and may require specialized equipment and knowledge.

Find the Ideal Ultrasonic Extractor for Your Spagyric Tincture Preparation!

Hielscher Ultrasonics offers a broad selection of compact, powerful ultrasonicators for the small- to medium-size production of high-quality spagyric tinctures.

Contact us now and ask our well-trained and experiences technical team for further information about ultrasonic extractors, application recommendations and a non-binding quote!

The table below gives you an indication of the approximate processing capacity of our ultrasonicators: