Botanical Preparation Methods

1. Oil Infusion

Oil infusion is a slow extraction method that draws lipid‑soluble botanical compounds into a carrier oil. This includes your signature 180‑day botanical infusions, steeped with patience and seasonal rhythm.

• Solvent: Carrier oil
• Duration: Weeks to months
• Uses: Balms, creams, oils, salves

2. Alcohol Maceration

Alcohol maceration extracts aromatic, resinous, and complex botanical notes. This method is used for tincture‑style preparations, atmospheric extracts, and certain specialty ingredients.

• Solvent: Ethanol or high‑proof alcohol
• Duration: Days to months
• Uses: Extracts, aromatics, ritual preparations

3. Vinegar Extraction

Vinegar extraction is a traditional method used for mineral‑rich botanicals, roots, and certain aromatic plants. It produces bright, acidic botanical profiles.

• Solvent: Apple cider vinegar or botanical vinegar
• Duration: Weeks
• Uses: Tonics, rinses, ritual preparations

4. Distillation

Distillation separates aromatic compounds through steam or water distillation. This method produces hydrosols, distillates, and essential oils.

• Output: Hydrosol + essential oil
• Uses: Toners, mists, aromatics

5. Decoction

Decoction is a heat‑based extraction used for dense botanicals such as roots, barks, and seeds. It produces strong, earthy preparations.

• Solvent: Water
• Duration: Simmered 20–60 minutes
• Uses: Teas, rinses, herbal bases

6. Cold‑Pressing

Cold‑pressing extracts oils from seeds, nuts, and fruits without heat. This preserves the full nutrient profile and natural aroma.

• Output: Pure oil
• Uses: Carrier oils, cosmetic bases

7. Rendering

Rendering transforms solid materials (such as waxes or fats) into usable bases for balms, salves, and atmospheric works.

• Method: Gentle heat
• Uses: Balms, candles, structural bases

8. Sun‑Steeped Preparations

Sun‑steeping uses natural warmth and light to encourage botanical extraction. This method is used for gentle, aromatic, and atmospheric preparations.

• Duration: Days to weeks
• Uses: Aromatic oils, ritual extracts

9. Smoke‑Based Botanical Work

Smoke‑based preparation incorporates botanicals into atmospheric or chromatic works such as candles, resins, and ritual blends.

• Medium: Resin, wax, or aromatic base
• Uses: Candles, incense, atmospheric blends

10. Capsaicin Extraction

Capsaicin extraction requires specialized handling due to potency. This method isolates heat compounds for culinary, ritual, or specialty use.

• Solvent: Oil or alcohol
• Notes: High‑SHU safety guidelines apply

11. Multi‑Stage Preparations

Some ingredients undergo multiple steps — such as infusion followed by distillation, or maceration followed by rendering — to achieve layered botanical profiles.

12. Archive Integration

Each preparation method is linked to ingredient entries throughout the archive. Ingredient pages include:

• Preparation type
• Duration
• Solvent or carrier
• Safety notes
• Traditional context